Travel Guide to Colorado’s Western Ski Town: Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs has been one of my top 3 favorite ski destinations in Colorado because of the old wild west feel, lack of overpopulation (for now), and natural beauty. We’ve been fortunate to visit many times throughout the seasons to experience what it’s all about. It’s a beautiful place to visit year-round with so much to do.
Steamboat Springs has a core downtown that serves as the major hub for most of the shopping and dining. The bottom of the ski resort also has some dining and shopping but isn’t as large as some other ski towns. Whether you decide to stay in town, at the ski resort, or in a more rural setting, everything is close by and easily accessible by car.
Fun fact: Steamboat has produced more Olympians than any other town in the U.S.
Where to Eat in Steamboat Springs
Primrose Steamboat
This is one of my top favorites to eat in Steamboat. They also have Social Hour daily from 4-6pm with a lot of great specials including an amazing $15 burger. I included photos below so you can see it for yourself!
Table 79
Table 79 is another great spot serving elevated comfort food that focuses on seasonality and local ingredients. They offer happy hour daily from 4:30-6pm.
Laundry
Laundry is located next to our favorite breakfast spot, Creekside Cafe & Grill where they use that space to serve dinner as well. The food is tasty and hearty with a southern flare. They offer daily happy hour from 4:30 - 5:30pm.
Salt & Lime
This is a casual mexican restaurant and one of the more popular spots. We’ve also gotten a group to-go order which made for an easy dinner at home. They have happy hour daily from 3:30 - 5:30pm.
Creekside Cafe & Grill
This is our go-to breakfast spot. They have a variety of breakfast offerings and everyone is always happy with their meal.
Truffle Pig
Truffle Pig is located at the base of the resort. It can get crowded but offers really good food. A lot of the plates are large so Andrew and I typically can split something. Don’t forget to order truffle fries!
Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs
We’ve stayed in a few different short-term rentals from Airbnb and Vrbo that I review below. We’ve also stayed in our camper van during the fall season, which was super comfortable and easy. Downtown Steamboat isn’t flooded with hotels and big name accommodations everywhere. It’s mainly homes, condos, and townhomes that make it up, which also add to the special feel. Surrounding Steamboat Springs Resort are a lot of different rentals as well as several hotels.
Buff Pass Penthouse in Steamboat Springs, Co
We stayed here for Christmas, and it was so dreamy to look outside and see the glistening lights that line downtown Steamboat. It’s a fabulous location for walking around town, restaurants, and shops.
Ironwood by the Creek in Steamboat Springs, CO
This is my favorite place we’ve stayed in Steamboat. It’s located within a quick walk to the base of the mountain, where you can easily jump on the main gondola. The finishes were nice, and it was spacious for many to stay! The master bathroom was so fabulous with a built-in steam shower, sauna, and heated floors.
Aspenglow Townhome in Steamboat Springs, CO
This property offered a great value. It served our needs for a 2 bedroom unit in a great location. The living space, dining area, and kitchen are on the smaller side so it could easily get crowded with a group larger than 4. The views were beautiful and you cannot beat the location. It was dog friendly so we utilized the walking paths along the river each day.
What to do in Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs, Colorado offers activities all year round. My absolute favorite place to enjoy while we visit is Strawberry Hot Springs!
Strawberry Hot Springs
This is my favorite hot spring in Colorado! You can also rent lodging to stay or camp on the property so be sure to check out their website if you’re interested. They are open year-round weather permitting so you can have a completely different experience each time. We’ve visited many times in the winter, a few times in the fall, and still have yet to visit in the summer. In the photos below, you can see how much it changes in each season.
Things to note before visiting:
You need to make a reservation online. Reservations are available 25-30 days in advance. They book in 2-hour increments. If you don’t see the time slot available, keep checking back. Times open up throughout the day, so if you haven’t planned ahead don’t get discouraged.
Cash only! Be sure you have cash to pay for entry.
4 Wheel Drive only through specific dates—check their website. It’s legally required and for good reason. There are shuttle services offered. The road was closed down due to a snowstorm one time when we went to visit but I don’t think this happens too often.
Bring water. They do not have a restaurant or station to get food or beverages. Be sure to bring your water or hydration in a non-glass container.
No pets allowed.
Horseback Riding In Steamboat Springs, CO
We had a great experience horse back riding at Del’s Triangle 3 Ranch. It runs $125/person for the ride which lasts 1.5 to 2 hours. I think it was absolutely worth it. We took a beautiful ride through the snowy Colorado wilderness.
Skiing Steamboat Resort
You’ve probably heard about the ‘Champagne Powder’ only found in Steamboat. It’s one of the best ski destinations in Colorado and offers some of the best skiing. The mountain has 21 lifts and 171 trails over 2,965 acres. The mountain range includes Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge, and Christie Peak. It tends to get more snow than other ski mountains in Colorado so it’s a safe bet if you’re looking to ski powder on your next visit. They recently added a new 6-person chair on the left side of the mountain as well as moved the gondola closer to the mountain. They have some big plans for renovating the outdoor space and are slowly making changes.
Buddy’s Run
Buddy’s Run is a popular blue run named after Buddy Werner, a born and raised Steamboat Springs skier. He was selected for the U.S. Olympic Team three times. At the top of the run is a statue of Buddy, known to be good luck by tapping it before hitting the slopes. The top and lower portions of the run offer more steepness and the middle section opens up with flowing terrain with scenic valley views. This is a beautiful run that you must ski and experience to feel the history of Steamboat.
Old Town Hot Springs
Strawberry Hot Springs is definitely my favorite but if you have kids or are looking for a quick mineral hot spring fix, Old Town Hot Springs is located in a centralized location and easy to access. They have a large water slide for the kiddos and soaking pools for the adults.
Hiking
We hiked one weekend in October and it was a mix of fall and winter. We parked at the beginning of the Spring Creek Trail Head. It’s in and out so you can make the hike as long or short as you’d like. The trail runs along the creek and is great to do with dogs.
Shopping
There are little shops lining the streets of downtown Steamboat. Over the past several years, the shops have gotten better but you cannot miss the established western outfitter
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