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Steamboat Springs Guide • Winter 2026–27

Things to Do in Steamboat Springs

The best winter and summer activities in and around Steamboat, from powder days and hot springs to snowmobile tours and summer RZR rides.

Winter Activities → Summer Activities
  • Local for 10+ years
  • Winter & summer
  • Updated November 2026
A group of riders lined up on Polaris snowmobiles in a sunny meadow near Steamboat Springs

Quick Answer

In winter, the most popular things to do in Steamboat Springs, Colorado are skiing at Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill, soaking at Old Town or Strawberry Park Hot Springs, the Winter Carnival in early February, and snowmobiling on Rabbit Ears Pass and Buffalo Pass. In summer, visitors hike, paddle the Yampa River, fish, take scenic drives and gondola rides, and explore mountain trails by RZR.

Updated November 14, 2026 by Colorado Sled Rentals, a Steamboat outfitter for 10+ years.

Winter Things to Do in Steamboat

Snow season in Steamboat runs from late November into April. Check each venue for current hours and conditions.

Our Pick

Snowmobile Tours & Rentals

Ride a brand-new Polaris on your own, go deep into the backcountry with a private guide, or take a relaxed family tour on groomed trails near Rabbit Ears Pass. Our season runs December 15 – April 15, weather permitting.

Compare snowmobile options

Ski & Ride Steamboat Resort

Steamboat's big mountain is famous for its powder and tree skiing. Opening day for 2026–27 is scheduled for November 21, conditions permitting.

Steamboat Resort

Howelsen Hill

Colorado's oldest continuously operated ski area, skiing since 1915, right in downtown Steamboat. Alpine runs, Nordic trails and the town's famous ski jumps.

Howelsen Hill

Hot Springs

Old Town Hot Springs is in town. Strawberry Park Hot Springs sits in the hills north of town: from November to May the road requires 4WD or AWD with snow tires or chains, and after dark it's adults only (18+).

Old Town • Strawberry Park

Winter Carnival

Steamboat's century-old winter festival is scheduled for February 2–7, 2027, with events at Howelsen Hill and downtown.

Winter Carnival schedule

Check the Snow First

Snow totals, the forecast, webcams, grooming reports and avalanche links for Buffalo Pass, Rabbit Ears Pass and North Routt, all on one page.

Steamboat snow report

Ride With Us This Winter

Snowmobile RentalsRide on your own from Steamboat or Kremmling, 1 to 5 days, from $360.40 per day + tax.See rentals → Private Guided BackcountryYour group and your guide, no experience or trailer needed, from $439.90 per person + tax.See guided tours → Rabbit Ears AdventuresRelaxed 2 and 3-hour family tours with a free lodging shuttle, from $183.04 per passenger, tax included.See family tours →

Summer Things to Do in Steamboat

Once the snow melts, Steamboat turns into a hiking, river and trail town.

Our Pick

RZR Rentals

See more of the mountains in one day: easy rides near town, scenic Buffalo Pass, big terrain in Kremmling, or remote North Routt.

Compare RZR rentals

Hiking

Alpine views, wildflowers and quiet trails, from short walks near town to full days in the high country.

The Yampa River

Paddleboarding and river time on warm afternoons, right through the middle of town.

Gondola Rides

Easy mountain views with almost no effort, a good pick for mixed groups and slower days.

Fishing

Classic Colorado river and lake time for slow mornings around Steamboat.

Scenic Drives

Mountain passes and valley views without committing to a big activity. Pair one with a hot springs soak.

Steamboat Springs Things to Do FAQ

What is there to do in Steamboat Springs in winter?
The most popular winter activities in Steamboat Springs are skiing at Steamboat Resort and Howelsen Hill, soaking at Old Town or Strawberry Park Hot Springs, the Winter Carnival in early February, and snowmobile rentals and guided tours with Colorado Sled Rentals.
When does Steamboat Resort open for the 2026-27 season?
Steamboat Resort's opening day for the 2026–27 season is scheduled for November 21, 2026, conditions permitting. Check steamboat.com for the latest.
When is the Steamboat Winter Carnival in 2027?
The Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is scheduled for February 2–7, 2027, according to the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, with events at Howelsen Hill and downtown.
Can you go snowmobiling in Steamboat Springs without experience?
Yes. Colorado Sled Rentals offers private guided Beginner trips with no experience needed, and Rabbit Ears Adventures runs relaxed 2 and 3-hour tours for families and first-timers. Unguided rentals are for riders who already know how to operate a snowmobile and tow a trailer.
Do you need 4WD to get to Strawberry Park Hot Springs in winter?
Yes. From November to May, the road to Strawberry Park Hot Springs requires a 4WD or AWD vehicle with snow tires or chains. After dark, the hot springs are adults only (18+).
What is Steamboat Springs known for in summer?
In summer, Steamboat Springs is known for hiking, the Yampa River, hot springs, fishing, gondola rides and scenic drives. RZR rentals from Colorado Sled Rentals are a popular way to see more of the mountains in one day.

Plan Your Ride

Compare Winter OptionsGuided or on your own, Steamboat or Kremmling, side by side.Compare options → Snow Report & WebcamsSnow totals, forecast, grooming and avalanche links.See conditions → Summer RZR RentalsSteamboat, Buffalo Pass, Kremmling and North Routt.See RZR rentals →

Questions? Call (970) 439-1707