Believe it or not, there is more to do than just skiing and snowboarding in the winter (gasp!). On your day off from the slopes, try another unforgettable mountain adventure with the many other offerings in Steamboat's Yampa Valley. From hot springs to skating and snow tubing, we have plenty of options to keep you entertained off the slopes.
Here are our top picks for off-the-slopes winter adventures in Steamboat Springs:
Snow Tubing
A favorite for kids and thrill-seeking parents, tubing is a must. Try out the new "Tube Howelsen" at our very own Howelsen Hill downtown, where tubers take a magic carpet ride up and zoom down the hill on a snow tube. Make your reservation today. Another fun option is Saddleback Ranch's Yee-Haw Hill, featuring a tow rope to bring you up the hill and some gravity to bring you down- laughing and smiling the whole way.
Ice Skating
Check out the new Skeeter's Ice Rink, a centerpiece of the improvements at Steamboat Square in the base area. Twirl around on skates while onlookers enjoy fire pits, live entertainment, and views up the ski mountain. Skate rentals are available.
Another option is heading downtown to Howelsen Ice Arena for indoor ice skating. A family favorite, Steamboat’s indoor ice arena is an Olympic size covered rink that is open every day and offers public skate, family skate, as well as Stick and Puck for hockey players. Gear rentals, learning trainers, and baby sleds are available.
Bumper Cars on Ice
Try something new with the unique bumper cars on ice at Howelsen Ice Arena! Climb into one of the colorful rubber bumper cars and zoom around, bouncing into your friends. Kids of all ages will enjoy this hilarious fun.
Snowmobiling
There’s more than one way to dash through the snow in Steamboat and snowmobiling is always a favorite off-mountain activity. Thousands of acres, groomed trails, tree-lined meadows, and open space offer plenty of room for high-powered playtime. Numerous options for all ages and abilities.
Dog Sledding
Curious about what doing the Iditarod would be like? Then try the thrill of dog sledding in Steamboat (no Arctic location required). You can learn to drive your own dog team for the full experience or choose a guided sled ride to hear stories from an Iditarod veteran. This is a once in a life-time experience.
Snow Biking
Winter snow doesn't stop biking enthusiasts in Steamboat. Fat biking has grown in popularity - named after the 'fat', wide tires on the bikes that allow you to float on the snow and enjoy a good workout. Bring plenty of water and dress in layers- even when it's cold, biking can make you hot. Wearing a backpack is ideal to store extra layers, snacks, and supplies.
Horseback Riding
Get your cowboy on, Steamboat style! Take a break from the sks and enjoy a horseback ride over the hills and through the trees. It’s the way Steamboat was meant to be explored. Channel your inner cowboy and ride through snow-covered aspens on horseback.
Sleigh Rides
Enjoy an afternoon hot cocoa or evening ride wrapped in a blanket, listening to the jingle of a horse-drawn sleigh, the crisp mountain air, and the beautiful mountain views. It doesn't get more storybook than this!
Winter Fishing
Combine your passions for snow and fishing with some fly fishing or ice fishing. A certified guide can take you fly fishing where the Yampa River flows ice-free all winter long. Or enjoy the warmth of an ice hut on Stagecoach Reservoir and dunk a line into the icy waters where some big fish are still awake.
Hot Springs Soaking and Water Slides
For a beautiful and rustic experience, take a shuttle to the famous Strawberry Park Hot Springs, an open-air natural hot pool experience you won't forget. Reservation required.
Who doesn’t love a water slide? At Old Town Hot Springs in Steamboat, kids and parents can enjoy two twisting 230-foot slides, each one landing in a 100-degree natural mineral spring pool. Afterward, soak and relax in one of the many natural hot spring pools. An iconic piece of Steamboat history, the pools have been here for over 100 years, enjoyed by the Native American Ute Indians who first settled in the area.
