Steamboat Ski Resort

On a powder day, locals know to head straight for the trees—Steamboat's famous glades offer some of the best powder skiing in the country. The trees around the Closets, Shadows, and Morningside Park are especially popular for deep powder turns. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, head over to the Pioneer Ridge area, where the less-traveled terrain offers untouched powder long after the lifts open.

After a day on the slopes, Steamboat's après-ski scene is full of local flavor. Head to T Bar, a cozy slope-side spot known for its great drinks and relaxed vibe, or the base area for a lively atmosphere and live music. Don't forget to experience the Steamboat Hot Springs, a perfect way to unwind and soak after a day in the snow.

For a true insider tip, plan your trip around one of Steamboat’s famous night skiing sessions—it’s one of the few resorts in Colorado offering night skiing, giving you the chance to extend your ski day under the stars.

Best Restaurants & Bars in Steamboat

► For Breakfast

Situated at the edge of town, Creekside Café serves up sizable breakfast and lunch dishes, including unique and specialty creations like the Wafflelaughagus. The Bloody Mary at this quaint café is equally sizable and a standout.

Located between downtown and the resort, Freshies crams rainbow-hued veggies and top-quality cheeses (like aged white cheddar) into Steamboat’s best omelets. The sweets are fantastic, too. Try the famous cinnamon rolls or a plate of dried cherry granola pancakes. Colorful pendant lamps and exotic fresh flowers (never carnations!) complement the colorful food.

Right there on the main strip, smack in the middle of town, Winona's Restaurant & Bakery serves up world-famous homemade cinnamon rolls that will spoil your appetite. Share it with at least one or two others, and then settle in for a huge selection of breakfast and lunch options.

► For Lunch

Glide into Hazie’s for top-of-the-gondola panoramas over the Yampa Valley. Reserve a table next to the floor-to-ceiling windows to admire the distant Flat Tops while you enjoy a delicious meal. Hazie’s bar, a brass-and-mahogany affair, also turns out a respectable Bloody Mary.

► For Dinner

Café Diva is the base area’s most romantic restaurant, with tables tucked into tiny alcoves and expert wait staff that make diners feel special. The restaurant specializes in locally sourced meats and produce.

For a low-key spot that’s still high bar about its food, try Mazzola’s Italian Diner. This downtown pizza-and-pasta joint feels like a spiffy basement speakeasy, and its chummy servers welcome you as a member of the club.

► Apres & Nightlife

Bar service is notoriously slow at Slopeside Grill, a ski-in, stagger-out bar located adjacent to the Christie III lift - but nobody cares. On sunny afternoons, this slope side joint resembles Daytona Beach as hordes of revelers strip down and belly up to the open-air ice bar.

The upscale Truffle Pig Restaurant offers a great happy hour with seriously cheap beer and well drinks along with some munchies to tide you over for dinner.

Reaching Steamboat is easy, with several transportation options available. The nearest airport is Yampa Valley Regional Airport, located just 25 miles from the resort. This airport offers nonstop flights from multiple major cities during the winter season, making it a convenient gateway for skiers. For those flying into Denver International Airport, the resort is about a three-hour drive, and several shuttle services are available to transport visitors directly to Steamboat.

For those driving, Steamboat is accessible via U.S. Highway 40, offering a scenic route through the Rocky Mountains. Whether flying or driving, visitors can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of northwestern Colorado en route to this stunning resort.