Steamboat Springs Activities
Beyond the wonderful skiing and snowboarding opportunities we have here in Steamboat Springs, there are many other activities and things to do that you may choose to spend your valuable time doing.
Now, we hope your spare time while in Steamboat Springs will be limited based on the day(s) you are coming snowcat skiing with us. Most of our guests come for one or two days whist on a week long visit. More and more we are finding many of our guests come for three to five and even the entire season (yes this happens) so there is not much time for alternative activities. But, we understand there are other things you may wish to do so here is a list of some of the other Steamboat activities.
Skiing and snowboarding are the top options during a winter visit to Steamboat Springs. Our cat trips are the most important activity to choose from, of course. Then there is the Steamboat Ski Area being the second best option to make some turns. Howelson Hill, the City’s own ski resort is another good option as it is a classic old school resort and offers a night skiing option if you didn’t make enough turns during the day.
Snow tubing is a great evening activity for the family. Howelson Hill has the most convenient sled hill for you and it is an absolute blast. Saddleback Ranch offers snow tubing and their tubing hill is amazing. They will come pick you up at your lodging and drive you to their ranch which is about 45-min west of Steamboat.
Winter fly fishing in Steamboat Sprigs can be outstanding. The Steamboat Fly Fisher and the Bucking Rainbow Outfitter offer guided trips on both public and private waters. Either company offers trips to the Stagecoach Tailwater where they shuttle you into the Yampa River below the dam at Stagecoach via snowmobile. This is a one of a kind experience that for any fly fisherman should be on your bucket list. They also have plenty of public and private waters to choose from.
Hot air ballon rides are perfect for those non-skier types who instead of chasing powder, wish to wake up early for a morning adventure. Wild West Balloon Adventures do a great job of floating you above Steamboat Springs for a birds eye perspective of the Yampa Valley.
Steamboat is known for horses and belive it or not, winter horseback rides happen even when the snow is deep. Saddleback Ranch, along with their sledding and sleigh ride options, offers a winter horse back tour. Also Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch is a truly unique experience. Ex-Olympian, Ray Heid has been offering these rides for many years at Del’s and he is a great guide and Steamboat Springs character.
The hot springs are a must for anyone visiting Steamboat. There are two options. The first is the Strawberry Park Hot Springs which is located north of Steamboat Springs in the hills beyond Strawberry Park. These hot springs are rated as one of the best in Colorado and are located in a very natural setting. If you don’t have a 4-wheel drive vehicle you’ll need to hire a shuttle service from either the folks at Sweet Pea Tours or Hot Springs Shuttle to take you in there. The other option for natural hot springs are located right in downtown Steamboat at the Old Town Hot Springs/Steamboat Springs Health & Recreation Center. It is a quick and easy option if you have kids we wish to swim at the pool along with soaking in the hot spring water.
Dog sledding has been an increasingly popular activity here in Steamboat. The Grizzle-T Dog & Sled Works company does it the best.
Those needing rental ski’s or snowboards can head to Powder Pursuits in the Steamboat Grand, Christy Sports or the Ski Haus along Highway 40. Ski Butlers will even come to your lodging to rent you your skis.
For those non-outdoor activity folks or those truly exhausted and in pain from doing everything you can, go get a massage at Rocky Mountain Day Spa or Life Essentials Day Spa.
Finally, snowmobiling is probably the most popular other winter outdoor activity here in Steamboat Springs beyond skiing and snowboarding. With Rabbit Ears Pass being the go to location for sledders. With all the great snow we get in Northwest Colorado, this area has become on of the top destinations in the lower 48 for snowmobiling. The crew at Steamboat Snowmobile Tours offers a fun, family friendly trip, and if you want to go all out, try Thunderstruck Adventures who will blow your snowmobiling minds.