Steamboat Ski Resort

 

This is less a review than a response to the "not gnarly enough" rap that usually gets thrown at the 'boat.

Any expert skier that can't find challenge here ain't looking.  In particular there is more tree skiing here than the total acreage of most other ski areas (and most of it is right at that perfect line between "tight" and "too tight" unlike the tree skiing at most other areas).  Sure the skiing isn't as steep as the open bowls/chutes at JH, LCC, etc., but the trees add their own unique challenge that not only makes up for the lesser grade but creates a singular ski experience. 

I challenge any expert skier to spend a day linking turns at speed through the unmarked Sideburn, Twister trees, 2:15 & 2:45 trees, etc. and tell me that they didn't find the experience "gnarly".  Further, these trees tend to hold and protect the snow for days much better than open runs, and there's something uniquely serene about feeling "lost" in these trees that an open run doesn't do.  And oh what snow...it really seems like the lightest and the 331" a year statistic is waaay less than the amount they get in the main tree skiing areas well-above mid-mountain (a Steamboat 6" new snow day is usually more like a foot plus).

I do miss having more steep open bowl/chute type skiing, but the funny thing is when I am skiing day-after-day of "pucker-factor" steeps at other ski areas I usually find myself thinking "I wish they had some tree skiing here like at the 'boat."

I've been here 5 trips and have yet to see the famous old barn, but it does have more of that old west, cowboy flavor than most Colorado resorts. As for the ski mountain, it's one of my favorites in Colorado. Probably the best snow in Colorado, great tree skiing, and small chunks of the mountain here and there tend to seperate skill levels nicely making it very skier friendly for every level. Everyone tends to find "their spot to play". All this plus good ski town, hot springs and very family friendly make this a classic destination resort in Colorado. I have skied 21 of 24 Colorado resorts and Steamboat would have to make it into my top Colarado 5. I probably will not plan a week there anytime soon but I still would recomend it to most vacation type skiers.

I lived in Steamboat for years and they have the best snow in the world hands down. they also have the best tree skiing ( if you know were to go ). there are also some steeps and groomers, this mountain has grate balance and is the perfect montain for all types of skiiers and boarders.