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The Odometer: Roughly 156 miles, one way from Denver (2 hours, 43 minutes)
When it comes to Colorado mountain towns, Steamboat Springs should be at the top of everyone’s list. With more than 13,000 year-round residents, a lively cultural and nightlife scene, and too many outdoor activities to count, Steamboat transcends its “ski town” designation. But fear not, plankers, it also boasts trademarked “Champagne Powder” snow, a slew of Olympic athletes, and nearly 3,000 acres of skiable terrain.
From hot springs to night skiing to Sunday-morning window-shopping, there’s plenty to do at any time of year. Here are some ideas to get your itinerary started.
Jump Ahead:
What To Do in Steamboat Springs
The Yampa River Core Trail, which parallels the Yampa River through the heart of town, is a great introduction to Steamboat—and a good way to break a sweat, if you wish, before a long day of shopping and dining. The view of the river, which freezes over in winter, isn’t bad either.
When winter arrives with its dumps upon dumps of Champagne Powder—a term coined by local rancher Joe McElroy to describe Steamboat’s distinctly dry, airy snowfall—it’s time to get outside and frolic in the fluff. From dogsledding to horse-drawn sleighs to tubing at Howelsen Hill, there’s no shortage of ways to play in the powder.
Steamboat Ski Resort is fresh off a nearly $200 million base area and on-mountain overhaul. Ride the smooth new escalators to the reimagined après plaza, anchored by Skeeter’s Ice Rink, and hop on the Wild Blue Gondola. The longest and fastest 10-person gondola in the U.S. offers swift delivery to Greenhorn Ranch’s mid-mountain beginner terrain and Sunshine Peak’s fan of blue and black diamond runs.
If you’re in town during one of Steamboat’s many festivals—the Cowboy Downhill (Jan. 19, 2026), Steamboat Winter Carnival (Feb. 3–8, 2026), and WinterWonderGrass (Feb. 27–March 1, 2026) are local faves—you’ll get a real taste of Steamboat’s rowdy hometown hospitality.
When you’re not imbibing at one of the town’s annual parties, there are a few outdoor scenes that can’t be missed. In the summer, hike the short but steep path to the gushing Fish Creek Falls. During the winter, snowshoe or cross-country ski on one of the many backcountry trails near Rabbit Ears Pass. There, enjoy Mother Nature’s undisturbed powder the right way: for free.
Where to Eat in Steamboat Springs
A lot has changed in Steamboat’s growing local culinary scene, and there’s plenty to taste at both the resort’s base area and beyond.
Start your day with a green chile–smothered breakfast burrito from Creekside Cafe & Grill. If you still have room, do your sweet tooth a favor and head to Winona’s for a cinnamon roll. The famous pastries are larger than the palm of your hand and topped with gooey cream cheese icing.
When your tummy starts to grumble in the evening, head to the easy-to-miss Sumatera for a low-lit Thai dinner. Steamboat also has more than its share of white-tablecloth restaurants for a small town, and our favorites—Harwigs, Laundry Kitchen & Cocktails, and Café Diva—all boast ever-changing seasonal menus that accommodate gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets, plus a well-researched selection of wine.
At the resort’s basecamp, the four-stall Range Food & Drink Hall houses Sunshine Bowl Ramen, Pioneer Pie, Twister Tacos, and the Why Not Sandwich Shop along with a full bar. The counter-service concepts are designed to nosh fireside on the food hall’s open-air deck, down in the plaza while the kids spin around the rink, or kicked back on ski beach Adirondacks.
Where to Drink in Steamboat Springs
For beers, head to Mountain Tap Brewery, Storm Peak, or the Barley Tap & Bar. For something a little stronger, swing by O’Neil’s Tavern & Grill for an Irish margarita and killer chicken wings. Mingle with the locals when you meander across the street to N’awlins-inspired Sunpie’s Bistro. They’ll tell you to order the Hurricane, which is a dangerous but locally famous concoction of three different types of rum, orange juice, pineapple, and grenadine. (Heed their advice at your own discretion.) Night owls can hop over to nearby Schimiggity’s for live music seven nights a week in its intimate venue.
Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
Trending lodging names, like Gravity Haus, are flocking to the resort, opening adventure lifestyle outposts at the base of the mountain. But the history-rich Bristol Hotel—located just off Lincoln Ave., Steamboat’s main drag—is ideal if you want to stay in town (much of Steamboat’s lodging is a short drive away). From here, you’re walking distance to all the town’s biggest attractions and dining. For a dose of nostalgia and a lighter lift on the wallet, look for the neon-pink sign beckoning guests to the iconic Rabbit Ears Motel.
If You Do One Thing in Steamboat Springs…
Steamboat was named by early 19th century French settlers, who likened the quiet gurgle of the natural springs that flow under and through the town to the low rumble of a steamboat. Experience this phenomenon at Strawberry Park Natural Hot Springs just seven miles north of town (reservations required November through May). Soak in the 104-degree pools but be aware that clothing is optional after sundown (so minors will need to leave before the moon comes out). Important: You need four-wheel drive to get there in the winter, so be sure to book one of Strawberry Park’s partner shuttles if your ride is a Honda Civic.
