Looking for the best family friendly ski resort? Look no further than Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado! Steamboat has something for everyone, from advanced skiers to those who don’t even want to hit the slopes. We visited for the second time, and it was just as amazing as the first.
In this blog post, we’ll take a look at everything Steamboat has to offer, our trip highlights, and so much more. Since we’ve visited Steamboat two years ago, there have been some major improvements and changes, and even more things to do for the whole family. If you’re looking for the best ski resorts in North America, I hope this helps you plan your next family ski trip!
To make this lengthy post easy to navigate, I’ve made a Table of Contents. Jump around if you want, or read all the way through!
- Best Family Ski Resort? Steamboat Colorado Video Review
- How to Get to Steamboat Springs, CO
- Steamboat Ski Resort Lodging Options
- Transportation Around Steamboat
- Steamboat Mountain & Base Info
- Ski Rentals
- Ski Lessons
- Other Childcare Options
- Skiing the Trails
- Downtown Steamboat Springs
- Steamboat Restaurants and Dining Options
- Fun Things to do in Steamboat off the Slopes
- Bottom Line…
Best Family Ski Resort? Steamboat Colorado Video Review
I put together a YouTube video detailing our vacation and it’s a great overview of the ski resort! Make sure to check it out to see a more in-depth look at the resort, ski lessons, dining, and activities.
How to Get to Steamboat Springs, CO
There are many different ways to get to Steamboat, and it’s very convenient for Texans! We live in the Houston area and we can fly direct on United Airlines from IAH to HDN. We did that our last trip, and it was so easy. This trip we took Southwest Airlines from Houston Hobby Airport (HOU), connected in Denver International Airport (DEN), and then to Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN). Depending on your departure city, you can find seasonal direct flights straight to Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN). Another option is to fly in to Denver and make the almost 4-hour drive to Steamboat Springs.
Yampa Valley Regional Airport is a super tiny airport in the middle of nowhere. There are no actual gates, so you disembark outside and take a short walk to their baggage claim. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately! A heavy coat isn’t necessary, but long pants and sleeves are a good idea. Grabbing your bags and getting into a rental car is super easy and a simple process.
Getting to Steamboat Ski Resort from Yampa Valley Regional Airport
There are multiple options to get to the ski resort from the airport. There are rental car companies, shared shuttles, private shuttles, and car services. We rented a car our past two trips, and we really like having a car.
The ski resort is a quick, 30-minute drive from the airport on a flat road. I know it can be a little intimidating to get to some Colorado ski resorts because of the mountainous driving terrain, but this is a super easy drive.
Steamboat Ski Resort Lodging Options
There are a variety of options for lodging at Steamboat Ski Resort. From hotels to condominiums, there are a variety of lodging configurations to fit your entire family and kids of all ages. Many options have ski-in ski-out access. For our last two trips, we stayed at the Steamboat Grand Hotel, which is less than a 5-minute walk to the ski base. Your best bet is to check out this page with all of the lodging options and book something that fits within your budget and needs. Also make sure to always check the Packages & Specials page on the Steamboat website to get the best possible deal.
Steamboat Grand Hotel
We absolutely love the convenience of the Steamboat Grand Hotel, and that there are so many different types of rooms to choose from that can fit your party size. We were very lucky to be able to stay in one of the Penthouses this trip, and it was an absolute dream. It comfortably fit our party of 7, and had extra room.
Last time, we stayed in a 2 Bedroom / 2 Queen / 1 King / 2 Bathroom room configuration, and that was perfect for our family of five. We love that the Steamboat Grand has kitchens in a lot of their units, which makes it so nice to be able to make a grocery trip and eat a few meals in the hotel. It saved us a lot of time in the mornings to eat our breakfasts in our unit before hitting the slopes or doing whatever activities we had planned for the day. Best of all, the easy access to the ski base can’t be beat! Make sure to check out my video above for more views of our hotel!
The Steamboat Grand has lots of amenities like a pool and hot tubs, health club, ski rental shop, ski valet and storage, and restaurants. We especially like hitting the hot tubs at the end of the day on the slopes!
Transportation Around Steamboat
Steamboat has a free bus system called the Steamboat Springs Transit. It runs throughout the various spots of the ski area (we saw a stop at the Steamboat Grand and were told it comes about every 20 minutes or so), and there are various routes around the city. This option makes it so easy if you want to run into downtown for dinner, do a quick grocery or pharmacy run, or visit an activity outside of the ski resort.
We have rented a car for our two visits to Steamboat, and we really like having the flexibility of having a vehicle whenever we want to get around. Like I mentioned before, we rented our car at the airport. I definitely recommend this if you can swing it!
Steamboat Mountain & Base Info
There have been so many new and exciting changes to the Steamboat Ski Resort, I have to share all of the details! It is quite an impressive mountain with so many offerings.
Base Area
The Steamboat base area has certainly gotten a glow up since we last visited two years ago! There’s an ice skating rink, new food hall called The Range, restaurants, a stage for live music, shops, and more. (We really wish we had the opportunity to visit the ice rink, but it snowed nearly every day we were there, which made the rink close down.) There’s always something going on, and I can see what an improvement the entire base area has since the last time we visited. We were also there during the start of MusicFest, which is a whole other event that can be explained in a different post, but there was always something going on!
Mountain Info
Steamboat is actually its own mountain range, consisting of six different peaks: Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Mahogany Ridge, and Christie Peak. Steamboat is equipped with 23 lifts (including 2 gondolas), 182 trails, and 3741 skiable acres. The base elevation is at 6,990 feet and the highest peaks elevation is at the top of Mount Werner, which is 10,568 feet.
There is a variety of terrain for all skill levels. I am a beginner skier and there is plenty for me to do without me getting too spooked. My husband is an intermediate skier and there is also a lot for him! According to this source, the terrain is 12% beginner runs, 38% intermediate runs, 40% advanced runs, and 7% expert runs. If you’re a total beginner, don’t let those numbers scare you – the longest runs on the mountain are green runs, and there is so much to explore and do!
Wild Blue Gondola
The Wild Blue Gondola just opened at Steamboat, and it is a very exciting new addition to the resort! The Wild Blue Gondola is the longest fastest gondola in North America! It can get passengers from the base, to the Greenhorn Ranch Mid-Station, to the summit of Sunshine Peak in 13 minutes! The gondola seats ten passengers comfortably! We were super impressed with this new addition and how much more you can ski.
Greenhorn Ranch Learning Area
Another super exciting addition to the Steamboat Ski Resort is the Greenhorn Ranch learning area. It is an entire area reserved just for learners in an environment they call “terrain based learning.” This is honestly the perfect place to learn how to ski or snowboard (even for complete beginners!) because the terrain gets more advanced the more you learn. There are lots of magic carpets, and the hills get steeper the more you progress with your learning. They also have a chair lift to practice as many times as you need to. No matter your skill level with skiing or snowboarding, the Greenhorn Ranch has something for you to practice on their terrain!
Ski Rentals
There are a lot of options for ski rentals at Steamboat. The most convenient location will depend on where you’re staying. For example, if you’re staying at the Steamboat Grand, I recommend using the Steamboat Sports rental right inside the hotel. Or try Ski Butlers like we did!
Ski Butlers
If you want the absolute most convenient option for ski rentals, Ski Butlers is where it’s at! It does not matter where you are staying, Ski Butlers will come to your accommodations and fit you for your ski boots and gear. The folks were so friendly and helpful getting everyone in our party situated. This is such a game changer when traveling with kids because there is no need to lug gear all over the place!
The Ski Butlers left our rentals at the Grand Storage right at the base. All we had to do was show up, put our gear on, and hit the slopes! 10/10 amazing experience.
Ski Lessons
No family ski vacation is complete without a lesson, am I right? There are a variety of ski lesson options for all ages and skill levels, beginning at age 3. There are group lessons, private lessons, and even seasonal programs for locals. For group lessons, they currently group them:
- Ages 3-6 Years Old: Mountain Camp (more on this in a minute)
- Ages 7-12
- Ages 13-17
- Ages 18+
Once you’re in the age group, you’ll also be divided into skill level, so you’re skiing with a small group with an instructor. Class sizes were pretty small. My girls were put into the 7-12 age group and started at the level 2 skill level. They progressed to level 4 after two days of lessons! Logan was in Mountain Camp. I saw plenty of older kids there taking lessons, as well! Make sure to check out the Steamboat website for the most current offerings to choose ski/snowboard lessons that best fit your family members.
My girls learned so much from their lessons, and the ski school instructors at Steamboat Snow Sports did an amazing job helping them learn and become confident skiers! It was truly such a memorable experience being able to ski with the both of them on green trails after two days of lessons. (Even after the first day, we all skied together!)
Their instructors were so kind and the girls said they wanted to go back for a third day, they loved it so much! Seriously, Steamboat is such a great place to learn between the new Greenhorn Ranch and the quality of instruction! One of the best ski schools ever!
Private lessons are also an option for parties up to five people. I had two days of private lessons with Laura Fisher, my favorite ski instructor ever! (She’s the only ski instructor I’ve had, lol, but she seriously is the best.) Laura has been a ski instructor for decades, is so patient, friendly to everyone, and extremely helpful. I had the joy of learning with her two years ago, and I’m so happy I got to spend two days with her again.
We worked a lot on turns, keeping my skis parallel, and getting more confident. She took me on some really fun and challenging green runs (yes, some of those green runs were challenging for me, haha), and I also got to have my own powder day! There was a lot of heavy snowfall and I was able to experience that “Champagne Powder” for myself. Laura told me to ski into the powder and I fell into it. It was the most fun I’ve ever had falling! It was like a pillow.
Mountain Camp
The childcare/ski lessons for the really little ones are a bit different than the last time we visited. Last time, Logan went to “Happy Camp” when he was two years old, which was a day camp.
Now, Steamboat offers Mountain Camp, which is a ski lesson and day camp hybrid for kiddos ages 3-6. They have a whole learning area at the base just for the little ones.
Logan got to master his “pizza” and said he loved learning how to ski! His instructors said he was doing an amazing job and didn’t have any fear about it. Go Logan!
Other Childcare Options
I know many families need help with childcare, especially if their kiddo is too young for a lesson. We were in this boat two years ago! In the event that you need childcare, check out Kids Garden in Steamboat Springs. It came highly recommended to me as an option for drop-in childcare. I’ve heard nothing but positive things and there are a lot of great reviews!
Skiing the Trails
My husband and father-in-law did not take a lesson, as they have lots of ski experience. They both thoroughly enjoyed the mountain and trails. One of our ski days there was very busy because it was an exceptional powder day, but there never was a super long wait for any of the lifts.
After our two days of lessons, the girls, my husband, and I skied together in the morning. The Why Not trail was perfect for all of us to do together. It’s also the longest trail at Steamboat, over 3 miles long!
It was so awesome to be able to ski as a family. Thankful to this super nice lady on the trail who took our picture for us to document the moment!
Downtown Steamboat Springs
Downtown Steamboat Springs is a short, five minute drive away from the mountain, and there is so much to do! It’s full of shops, restaurants, activities, and so much more. If you have a non-skier in your family or planning a day off the slopes, spend some time downtown!
Steamboat Restaurants and Dining Options
There is not a shortage of yummy food options in Steamboat! So many dining options at the resort and downtown. Here are some of the restaurants we’ve been to:
Yampa Valley Kitchen – In downtown. Super cute restaurant in an old antique house with lots of fun menu options – shrimp and grits, hot chicken, burgers, gnocchi. There’s something for everyone! Has a bit of an upscale feel without being too stuffy. Super warm and welcoming staff, tasty food, great atmosphere.
Ore House at the Pine Grove – In downtown. This has all the old timey steakhouse vibes, and there is a reason this is such a highly rated restaurant in Steamboat. The steaks are amazing, salad bar is so fresh, they serve you hot cinnamon rolls with your bread service, and the sides and desserts are crazy good (get the mud pie). We ate here our last night in Steamboat and it was truly the best way to celebrate the end to a fabulous trip.
The Range – At the base. This is Steamboat Resort’s newest restaurant! The Range is an awesome dining concept where the first floor is more of a food hall and upstairs is a table service. The Range has four different types of cuisines – pizza, tacos, ramen, and sandwich/salads. We tried the pot stickers, tuna poke tostadas, and ramen – all were delicious! This is a great lunch spot.
Timber & Torch – At the base. We had lunch here last visit and this visit! Timber and Torch has great vibes, an awesome menu, and there’s something for everyone. I had the short rib grilled cheese with tomato bisque and it hit the spot! Last time I had the chicken sandwich and it was excellent.
Last trip, we visited these restaurants and loved them:
Stoker – In the Thunderhead lodge. Great lunch spot when you’re on the slopes! Lots of different beers and specialty drinks and yummy lunch selections.
Mazzola’s – In downtown. Another one of Steamboat’s most highly rated restaurants, and for good reason! Mazzola’s serves up amazing Italian cuisine with a little flair. Great pizzas, too. Get the Bison Lasanga if you’re feeling adventurous – it’s so tasty! Make a reservation in advance because this is a popular spot with not a ton of seating.
Salt & Lime – In downtown. Classic Mexican with a twist. Great tacos and fun, fresh dishes. Their bowls and tacos are really good!
If your lodging has a kitchen, there is a grocery store five minutes away from the ski resort. We utilized our kitchen for breakfasts, a few lunches, and a few dinners. Sometimes just staying in and relaxing after a long day can’t be beat! It’s also a great way to save a few dollars.
Fun Things to do in Steamboat off the Slopes
There’s something for everyone in Steamboat, including the non-skiers!
My mother-in-law did not ski with us during this trip, and she kept herself busy while we were out all day. She did these two activities and loved them:
Snowmobiling at Saddleback Ranch
My mother-in-law really enjoyed snowmobiling at Saddleback Ranch. They picked her up from our hotel and took her out for her half day of snowmobiling! I think it’s awesome she went out and did this, and she had the best time.
Snowshoeing
There are lots of different options for snowshoeing in Steamboat. My mother-in-law chose to do it through the Steamboat Ski Touring Center. You can purchase daily trail tickets and snowshoe rentals. She had the best morning exploring, and she said she basically had the trail to herself!
Snow Tubing at Howelesen Hill
Our entire group enjoyed an hour of snow tubing at Howelesen Hill in downtown. It was so fun and loved by everyone in our group, from the 4-year-old to my in-laws! There are two lanes to tube down, one of which goes a little bit faster than the other. The folks there were super friendly and we had the entire place to ourselves!
Old Town Hot Springs
Old Town Hot Springs is another spot in downtown that’s worth a visit! We went our last trip and were glad we could visit again. It is a family-friendly recreation facility that you can buy a day pass to use the hot springs and the facility. The pools are fed by a natural hot spring, and it’s such a nice break from all the snow activities. If you have younger kids, this is a much more doable experience than the Strawberry hot springs because you literally walk out a door into the hot spring pool. It’s a lot easier to navigate in the cold with little ones. My kids absolutely loved it!
Next time I think we will check out Strawberry Hot Springs when our kids are a little older! It looks like another amazing option – people seem to really love it.
Rocky Mountain Day Spa
On our last visit, I enjoyed an amazing massage at the Rocky Mountain Day Spa in the Sheraton! They have since opened another location in the Steamboat Grand Hotel. Highly recommend on sore muscles after a few days of skiing. It is a lovely spa.
Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner
The Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner is another thing we did our last visit and I would still recommend it if you haven’t been on one! Sunset sleigh rides followed by an amazing dinner? Yes please. It really is a perfect addition to any family vacation to Steamboat.
Other Things to Do in Steamboat Springs
The activities are endless in Steamboat! Along with what I’ve mentioned above, here’s some other ideas of what you can do while visiting Steamboat:
- Night Skiing
- Cross-Country Skiing
- Tours
- Gondola Rides
- Biking
- Brew Trail
- Dog Sledding
- Horseback Riding
- Fishing
…and so much more! I promise you cannot get bored here, no matter if you’re a ski enthusiast or not. Here’s another page to check out with more off-the-slopes ideas!
Bottom Line…
Steamboat is at the top of the list of our favorite destinations we’ve ever been to. It is the most family-friendly resort that has something for everyone! It’s easy for us to get to from Houston, there’s plenty of family fun for everyone, everyone who wanted to ski was able to, and everyone who didn’t had the best time, too! We highly recommend it!
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