Many locals have a saying that they came for the skiing and stayed for the summer. While winter might be the first season you think of when planning a vacation to Steamboat, there’s something unique to be found in winter, spring, summer and fall. Here’s our guide to what weather to expect and what to do - one season at a time.
Click to jump to a season:
Winter
Ski season! When our mountain towns turn into winter wonderlands, the champagne powder is deep and the fireplaces are burning brightly in our luxury vacation rental homes.
What better place to spend a snowglobe-worthy holiday season than Steamboat, where Santa rides in on horseback and the historic downtown streets are lit up with holiday lights.
The snow piles up and everyone settles into exhilarating days on the slopes and long winter nights cozied up by the fire.
The days are getting longer so getting up for First Tracks or morning snowmobiling is a bit easier. Take advantage of the long President’s Day weekend to enjoy time on the slopes.
Avg. High: 30°F
Avg. Low: 6°F
Avg. Snowfall: 36”
Avg. High: 29°F
Avg. Low: 5°F
Avg. Snowfall: 47”
Avg. High: 34°F
Avg. Low: 8°F
Avg. Snowfall: 36”
Skiing of course! December has early-season snow conditions but with the resort’s extensive snowmaking, there are always plenty of trails open. The season is just getting started for other activities such as snowmobiling, dogsledding and snow tubing, and most will be open by the holidays.
January is the snowiest month of the year, and the ski conditions are getting epic. All the winter outdoor activities are in full swing, including ice fishing now that the lakes are frozen over. And after a full day of adventure, head to Strawberry Park Hot Springs for a soak in the outdoor pools.
In addition to skiing and all the other winter activities, February in Steamboat is all about Winter Carnival, an annual celebration of the town’s Western traditions and ski heritage. This unique event includes everything from kids pulled on skis behind horses down a snow-covered main street to ski jumping and fireworks.
spring
Spring starts with some of the best skiing and ends with some of the best white-water rafting!
A transition month when the ski areas start closing and the snowmelt begins.
Be prepared for everything from snow to rain to shorts and T-shirt conditions.
Avg. High: 45°F
Avg. Low: 18°F
Avg. Snowfall: 20”
Avg. High: 54°F
Avg. Low: 27°F
Avg. Snowfall: 13”
Avg. High: 65°F
Avg. Low: 34°F
Avg. Snowfall: 3”
Many would say that March is the best month to ski – great snow conditions and long, warm, sunny days. Toward the end of March, the winter activities start closing down. While there’s plenty of snow on the ski slopes, it’s started melting at lower elevations.
In April, it’s one big party at the resort with end of ski season festivities – from pond skims to outdoor concerts at the base. Note, once the ski area closes so do some of the restaurants and other businesses.
In May, the road cyclists venture out, but it can be a bit too muddy still for all the mountain bike and hiking trails. But the action is on the rivers with some of the best white-water rafting if you’re looking for big rapids.
summer
Warm sunny days and cool evenings. You’ll want to live outside as much as you can. And that doesn’t necessarily mean camping. Moving Mountains homes have decks and hot tubs that make for luxurious mountain vacations.
While Memorial Day is the “unofficial” start to summer, in the higher elevations in the mountains, June is a slow transition into summer.
Prime time! Summer is in full splendor. Long days enjoying adventures on the trails, rivers and lakes; followed by leisurely evenings watching the sunsets from the deck or hot tub.
The summer crowds start to wane but the weather is glorious and all the summer activities are still open for business!
Avg. High: 76°F
Avg. Low: 40°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.58”
Avg. High: 83°F
Avg. Low: 46°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.72”
Avg. High: 82°F
Avg. Low: 44°F
Avg. Precipitation: 1.80”
In June, it's time to hit the trails! Some of the higher elevation trails may still be closed but there will be plenty of options lower down for hiking and biking. The rivers are prime for fly fishing and tubing opens up. The gondola starts running again for scenic rides and sunset happy hours at the top of the mountain.
The 4th of July holiday kicks off summer in Steamboat. It's a hiking and mountain biking playground. The temperatures are perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking. The ProRodeo comes to town, music is in the air with outdoor concerts, and the Farmer's Market is overflowing with local produce.
In August...Anything outside! From biking and hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing, paddleboarding and rafting, dining al fresco, listening to open-air concerts, even yoga in the park. Just be prepared for the occasional afternoon thunderstorm.
fall
When the mountains explode with color from the aspens turning all shades of yellow and orange. Then there starts to be a chill in the air in early mornings and evenings, and a dusting of snow on highest peaks, signaling the approach of ski season.
Talk to a local and they’ll tell you this is the best month of the “summer.” The fall colors are at their peak and summer vacations are over, so the town is less crowded. But all the shops and restaurants are all still open.
The leaf-peeping is usually still good early in the month then the bikes get switched out for skis and snowboards as the transition to winter begins.
The anticipation of ski season starts to build and many of the Resorts open, albeit with limited terrain and lifts. It starts to look like winter on the ski slopes but still autumn in town and at lower elevations.
Avg. High: 74°F
Avg. Low: 36°F
Avg. Precipitation: 2.32”
Avg. High: 59°F
Avg. Low: 26°F
Avg. Snowfall: 6”
Avg. High: 43°F
Avg. Low: 16°F
Avg. Snowfall: 20”
September brings excellent biking, hiking and horseback riding weather. You’ll still be able to catch days warm enough to paddleboard. The rafting and tubing are over for the summer but the flyfishing is fantastic. Catch the aspens that cover the ski mountain with a scenic gondola ride or hot air balloon. And the Farmers Market is reaping the last of the summer harvest.
In October...The Strawberry Park Hot Springs are open 365 days a year so you’ll always be able to soak after a bike ride or hike. And if you happen to be in town over Halloween, you’ll find one big block party downtown when kids in costumes, with parents in tow (most also in costume) trick or treat at all the businesses. Or grab your seat the table for the annual Steamboat Food & Wine Festival.
In November, it's time to...Eat! Thanksgiving dinner, of course, and our homes have large gourmet kitchens perfect for gathering friends and family together. If you can’t wait to get on your skis or board, there’s early-season skiing with some of the Resorts opening mid-month, all snow dependent. You can also bundle up and go for a hike.
The Moving Mountains Reservations and Guest Services Teams can not only find the perfect house for your group but can also steer you to the right season for the type of vacation you’re looking for.
*Data from the National Weather Service
