Steamboat Ski Resort

Posted

Pros: Real ski town, trees, snow

Cons: No real steeps

 

Steamboat is a large area with 3668’ of vertical from the base at 6900’ to the summit of Mt. Werner at 10568’. There are 25 lifts, 4 of which are detachables and 1 Gondola. The terrain is all below treeline with no cornices or chutes. This is a big round mountain with no open bowls or chutes. There are lots of tree runs, moguls, and long groomers, but not enough variety in terrain to keep the expert skier entertained for more than a few days, unless there was lots of fresh powder. This is a destination area, that attracts vacationers from all over the U.S., but is not really for the diehard ski bum.
The Storm Peak Express and Sundown Express both are equipped with storm bubbles which make these lifts a comfortable ride in severe weather conditions. From the top of Storm Peak, I make my first run down on the groomed run under the lift. The snow is good and the run is long with 2160’ vertical. When I reach the top the second time, I head over the backside down one of the short runs to the bottom of the Morning side lift. From the top of the Morningside lift you can herringbone up the ridge to the Christmas Tree Bowl area or East Face runs at the northern perimeter.

Posted

Pros: Best tree skiing, period. Snow is more plentiful than statistics indicate and wow is it light.

Cons: Not much very steep open or chute-like runs (the usual rap)

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."

Posted

Pros: Treeskiing, powder, varried terain

Cons: not cheap

One of my favorite ski areas. Great powder and tree skiing.

Out of my 4 or 5 weeks @ Steamboat in the last 25 years

have had fresh snow about twice a week, only skunked one week.

 

Plenty of ski in ski out options, good restaurants, nice town, very friendly.

 

As a ski clubber, I get to try lots of different areas.

Always very happy to return to Steamboat.

Posted

Pros: many powder days, large and uncrowded

Cons: no challenging terrain for experts, no bowls above treeline

Steamboat is known for its powder and we certainly got our dose during the week that we were there.  They dont groom the mountain on powder days, except for the green runs, so there is plenty for everyone.  The mountain is well managed and uncrowded.  Do not recall any lift lines.  It is off the beaten path of the I-70 corridor, so it does not get any day trippers from Denver or weekend skiers.

The only shortcoming is the lack of expert terrain and steeps.  They are some real short steep runs near the top but not enough to keep a terrain hog interested.  Although on fresh snow days almost any terrain is fun to ski; there is plenty of single black off-piste, trees, etc.

 

Posted

Pros: good powder, good trees, great variety for family

Cons: $93 ticekts (c'mon!!!???)

I just read My Steamboat; A Ski Town Childhood. 

(Note: I'm not associated with the author or publishing co. in any way)

 

but the book got me thinking of my childhood trips to ski at steamboat and made me think I should get back there.

 

The mountain is a lot of fun.  Not the steepest terrain but the snow was light and fluffy and plentiful.

 

The town was a ski town.  Not a fake town but a real town struggling to keeps it's local feel.  Nightlife was a lot of fun and the hot springs were a bonus.

 

Posted

Pros: great town environ, more runs than you can cover, easy transport

Cons: what's not to like?

Steamboat is a great all around resort - beautiful runs, beautiful town, good eats and tubbing. Plus, early season nice deals - wonderful family trip as well!

Posted

Pros: a top 5 tree skiing mountain

Cons: (con - for me) 60 - 70 % of mountain more "family style"

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.

Posted

Pros: snow, trees, town,

Cons: steeps in bounds

lived there.  a gret spot if you know whats up.  follow the map and youll  be with all the gapers from alabama....

have some fun, find the huts and make proper use of them.

hit east face rock.  good 20 footer.  maybe more if snow sucks that day.

have fun at the boat.....not steep but LOTS of fun.
Steamboat Ski Resort
Description:

Steamboat is an excellent all-around mountain with a huge variety of terrain and plenty of off-the-slope activities. The mountain offers some of the best tree skiing. If trees are your specialty or something you really enjoy Steamboat will be the best place to visit. If not there are also wide open meadows, long bump runs and groomed cruisers so skiers and riders of all ability levels have plenty of options. The resort is spread out over six peaks in the Park Range. The names of the peaks are; Mt. Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Christie Peak and Pioneer Ridge. in the Park Range. With an average of 349" of "Champagne" powder you will learn that powder can be found at all times. Steamboat is one of the best places to learn how to ski powder. There are endless opportunities with all of the open runs, tight glades, cliffs, terrain park, and NASTAR racing. With hardly ever a lift line that takes more than a minute you will be sure to get many great runs in your great day of skiing at Steamboat. More than 40 skiers from Steamboat have joined US Olympic teams, including Olympic medalist and world champion Billy Kidd, who runs the Center for Performance Skiing at the resort. Everyday you can check the board at the top of the gondola and see if Billy is skiing. If he is, there will be a free lesson on an intermediate run. Steamboat plays heavily on its "genuine western town" and non-ski activities in the area include a winter driving school, several ranches offering the cowboy experience, ballooning, dog sledding and hot springs. The old cowboy town maintains a genuine feel including a couple of saloons and traditional wholesalers while being full to the brim with modern shops (and a few old ones). Apres-ski prices are very good in town, thanks to the competition between businesses. Steamboat Epicski Ambassador : Foreverski24 (Matt Gress)

Details:
DetailValue
Snow making percent
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Magic carpet
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Rope tow2
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Poma
Lifts-Surface Lifts-T bar
Lifts-Surface Lifts-J bar
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Single
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Double2
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Triple6
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Quad1
Lifts-Chair Lifts-High speed quad5
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Five person
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Six person1 high speed
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Eight person
Lifts-Gondola1
Lifts-Tram
Lifts-Coggle train
Lifts-Funicular
Lifts-Other
Lifts-Total number of lifts18
Lifts-Total lift capacity
Trails-1-Beginner14%
Trails-2-Intermediate42%
Trails-3-Advanced44%
Trails-4-Expert only
Trails-5-Terrain park1
Trails-6-Half pipe1
Trails-Total165
Runs-Steepest run
Runs-Longest run3 miles
General-Base elevation6900'
General-Vertical drop3668'
General-Owner
General-Mountain range
General-Annual skier visits
General-Back country access
General-Total area in bounds2965 acres
General-Snow making coverage375 acres
Models:
Model Name/TypeMPNEAN/UPC

 

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Trail Map
Trail Map
trailMapLg.jpg
 
 

Transportation
Transportation
AIR TRANSPORTATION
 
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION
 
 
 
Steamboat, located in northwest Colorado, 160 miles/267kms northwest of Denver, is an easy three-hour drive from Denver. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to the Silverthorne exit (#205), then go north on Colorado Highway 9 to the town of Kremmling, then west on US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat is accessible by nonstop air service from nine major U.S. airports on American, Continental, Delta, Frontier, Northwest and United Airlines in addition to connecting service from more than 200 other domestic and international cities.
 

Lodging
Lodging
 
Name Description Maximum Occupancy Price Range

Alpiner Lodge

 

Each room has a mini-refrigerator, coffeemaker and microwave. Complimentary continental breakfast served each morning.

Extra person charges may apply 

$89 and up 

Celebrity Resorts Steamboat Suites 

1 and 2 bedroom Villas fully equipped with complete kitchen, living room and dining area. Hot tubs and sauna on site. 

Extra person charges may apply  

$159 and up 

The Steamboat Grand

 

 

Full-service hotel and conference center features a restaurant, lounge, spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tubs, bell/room service and complimentary shuttle service around town. 

Extra person charges may apply 

 

$209 and up 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Dining

 

Hazie's

 

Ragnar's

 

Western BBQ

 

Thunderhead Food Court

 

Mazzola's - Italian


La Montana - Mexican


Saketumi - Sushi


Tugboat Grill and Pub


Steamboat Smokehouse


Mahogany Ridge Brewery

REAL ESTATE
 

Steamboat Ski & Resort Realty

 
DEALS
 
 
 
WHAT'S NEW
 
  • Steamboat Ski Resort Featured As Top Ski Resort In Conde Nast Traveler’s Top 20 Ski Resorts In North America
     

ACTIVITIES
 
 
 
 
SERVICES

 

 Rental Equipment Rates

 

 Lesson Rates
 

 

GOOD, BETTER, BEST