Our first weekend together, my host family took me to Steamboat Springs, a charming town nestled deep in the Rocky Mountains – about a three-hour drive from Denver. It was the perfect way to kick off my time in Colorado. Before diving into the slopes, let me take you on a little journey to the land where this all began.
Steamboat Springs is named after the unique sound of its hot springs. Early fur trappers, who arrived in the 19th century, compared the bubbling of the hot springs to the sound of a steamboat navigating down a river. The name stuck, and here we are today with a ski destination famous for much more than just the hot springs. Originally the land was inhabited by the Ute People, who at the time inhabited large areas of Colorado and Utah. When James Harwey Crawford moved to the area in 1874 the Ute People were forcibly removed to reservations in Utah.
You can learn more about them and their fate from visiting Museums, reading books, just please be sure to always try to put into consideration who wrote the book you’re looking at. The best way to learn about Native American People is to go and ask them, listen to their stories and support their content creators and influencers.
When I first arrived in Steamboat, it felt like stepping into a winter fairy tale. Growing up in northern Germany, I was used to gray, slushy winters – no mountains in sight. But here in Colorado, the snow was fresh, the mountains massive, and I was in awe of the beauty surrounding me. No wonder I fell in love with this place that day! The main reason most people come to Steamboat Springs is, of course, skiing. Steamboat is home to Howelsen Hill, Colorado’s oldest operating ski area, which has been running since 1915. It’s an iconic place where Olympic-level ski jumping was introduced back in 1913. The jumping complex here is one of only three in the entire U.S., so it’s a pretty big deal.
If you’re looking for a mix of history and thrill, Howelsen Hill is the place to be. But don’t worry if you’re not aiming for Olympic gold. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, Steamboat’s variety of slopes and powdery snow is something you won’t soon forget.
Howelsen Hill has slopes for all levels. The season typically starts in late November and runs, if conditions allow, through to the end of March. On average, Steamboat gets around 470 cm (185”) of snow a year, so you’re in for a winter wonderland! There are several hotels and condos right at the slopes, or you can easily hop on a bus shuttle. My host family had their own condo a bit outside of town, so we would either walk a few minutes or take the bus, which was never much of a hassle.
The buses even have a space outside to store skis and boards. When you reach the bottom of the hill, there’s a little plaza called Gondola Square – you can plug that into your maps to find your way.
Don’t have your own gear? No problem! There’s a Christy Sports where you can rent your equipment. Do expect rental prices to be a bit higher, since you’re in prime location for the slopes!
Okay, you’ve got your board, boots, and helmet – are you ready to hit the slopes? You either bought your lift ticket online or you’re heading to the ticket office, right now! For the 2024/2025 season, lift tickets are $49 per person aged 19-64, with discounts for seniors and kids. Kids under 4 ski for free!
You can also take advantage of the “Ski Free Sunday” ticket, where you get free access to the lifts and the Nordic trails for cross-country skiing
If you plan to stay longer or return during the season, you can also get a season pass. They come in three options: the Alpine Pass (access to lifts and regular slopes, but not Nordic areas), the Nordic Pass (without lift access), and the Combined Pass (which includes everything). Prices vary: $290 for the Alpine, $250 for the Nordic, and $485 for the combined pass. If you’re a full-time college student, you can snag a discount – just $230/$195 for the Alpine/Nordic or $385 for the combined pass!
Also, don’t forget to check out pass perks – they might get you a discount at other ski areas during your next trip. For more details on recreation centers in and around Steamboat and Howelsen Hill, check out their official website! Skiing wasn’t something I’d ever done before, and to be honest, I didn’t think it was for me. But my host family had other plans.
For Valentine’s Day, they surprised me with an unexpected gift – ski goggles, a rental package, a lift ticket and a lesson! I was beyond excited but also terrified, as this meant I’d be hitting the slopes for the first time that weekend. No turning back now!
The instructor was very kind and really tried to explain things, but it became clear after a short while that the five others were all there together and had skied before (even if it had been a few years). After an hour or so, the instructor asked if we felt comfortable going from the bunny hill to the first green slope. Five of us were more than happy to do so, but I was too afraid to tell them that I hadn’t even figured out how to go from pizza to fries, let alone turn or stop!
We went up the smaller of the two lifts, got off okay, and that’s when the drama began. While the group did smooth turns and stopped every so often, I would just get up, align my skis, and hopefully pizza my way down to them – letting myself drop down each time to stop. As the group grew a little annoyed, my instructor realized what was happening and helped me (sobbing dramatically at this point) to get down as comfortably as possible.
When my host dad picked me up at the bottom and asked how it went, the Instructor suggested either trying another beginners’ class or maybe switching to snowboarding. Since we had the rental for the weekend and there wasn’t another lesson included, I spent the next day on the bunny slope, trying to figure out what I had learned the day before. But let me tell you: skis are not my friends!
Since my host family was very kind and really into winter sports they offered me to take another lesson on snowboarding the next time we drove out. So I tried to face my demons and gave snowboarding a chance – and holy moly, was that fun! The instructor warned us that we might fall more than we would actually be on the board, but I only fell half as much as I did on skis!
The same afternoon, I even tried a green slope. I had my breakdown last time and it worked without a problem. I met a guy in line for the lift, and we decided to go up to the blue slopes together. Let me tell you: as soon as you get the hang of it, snowboarding is one of the best feelings ever! The snow is refreshing, the boots are comfy, and just cruising down the slope is pure bliss.
I wish I had the chance to go more often, but after switching host families, I just never had the opportunity again.
I went to Snöbahn a few times to ride their rolling carpet thingies and stay in shape, but it’s been a long while since I was on the board.
So, what I’m trying to say is: “Skiing is easier to learn but harder to maintain; snowboarding is the opposite” might not be true for everyone. If you know how to skate or use a longboard but have issues with skates or ice skates, maybe you should try snowboarding like I did!
Mini-Mountain Tips
A few mini tips if your next trip to the mountains is your first (like mine was):
- Apply sunscreen! The sun is much stronger out there, and the snow reflects the rays. Take a mask of some sort; you don’t want to end up looking like a reversed raccoon! (you know? ‘Cause your mouth and nose get tan while your eyes don’t..?)
- Make sure your socks are not sitting right where your ski boots close – that hurts!! I made the mistake of wearing leggings under my ski pants with a bunch of seams in that area, and my legs looked like a Christmas ham by the end of the day!
- Wear proper gear! A helmet is cool and keeps you safe, and snowpants keep your butt dry when you fall for the 700th time!
- Get a proper lesson and speak up if you’re unsure, scared, or not ready for something.
- Don’t skip breaks, especially to drink. While it might be cold, don’t forget to hydrate! Have a snack handy, some extra sunscreen, and maybe a hand warmer in your pocket. You should also stretch when you’ve sat for a bit to avoid injury.
- Don’t put your phone in your pants pockets. I almost lost mine twice before moving it to the zip-up pocket inside my jacket. It’ll fall out when you fall or, worse, break it – and hurt yourself in the process!
- Layer up! Wear layers of natural fibers to avoid freezing or being drenched in sweat.
Please remember, this is just what I learned during my two times on the mountain. I’m by no means a professional, so make sure to ask your instructor or more experienced friends and family members – or do your own research! If you’re experienced and want to explore the backcountry or cross-country, check out this site. Be careful out there and don’t take unnecessary risks. The coolest thing you can do is stay healthy and alive!
In the end, Steamboat Springs holds a special place in my heart. It wasn’t just the snow or the slopes – it was the moment I realized how much I love Colorado. The beauty of the landscape, the thrill of the mountain air, and the joy of learning something new made this experience unforgettable. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate, or expert, Steamboat offers something for everyone. From the historic Howelsen Hill to the cute downtown area, it’s a place where you can make memories that will last a lifetime. Just remember: if you fall, get up, try again, and enjoy every second of it!
At a Glance: Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is home to Colorado’s oldest operating ski area, Howelsen Hill Ski Area, which has been in operation since 1915. It offers a variety of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The season typically runs from late November to March, depending on conditions, and on average, Steamboat receives about 470 cm (185 inches) of snow each year.
Lift tickets for the 2024/25 season are priced at $49 for adults (ages 19-64), with discounted rates for seniors and children. Kids under 4 ski for free. Sundays offer a “Ski Free Sunday” promotion, where you can access the lifts and cross-country trails for no cost. Season passes are also available, with options for Alpine, Nordic, or combined access, starting at $250. College students can get discounts with proof of enrollment.
Howelsen Hill is conveniently located with lodging options available nearby. Hotels, condos, and shuttle services are available for those staying in the area. My host family stayed in a condo, which was either a short walk or a bus ride from the slopes. The bus system includes designated spaces for ski and board storage.
If you don’t have your own gear, Christy Sports offers ski and snowboard rentals on-site. While rentals can be pricey, they provide high-quality equipment right at the base of the slopes. You can also check for discounts or deals before your trip.
To ensure you have a smooth trip, make sure to check lift ticket availability and consider booking in advance. You can also reserve ski lessons for beginners to make the most of your time on the slopes.
