Unique Winter Activities in Steamboat Besides Skiing (A Local’s Guide!)

I’m a little ashamed to say that as a Colorado native, the first time I visited Steamboat Springs – in my 2+ decades of living here – was LAST YEAR. 

Did I miss out on an EPIC Colorado getaway just four (or less) hours from Denver? YES. 

Is this a mistake I’ll make again? ABSOLUTELY NOT. 

In fact, since my first winter getaway to Steamboat Springs, I’ve already returned several times in the following winter seasons. When the “champagne powder”, the most prestigious snow in Colorado, falls delicately from the gloomy sky, Steamboat becomes a snowglobe destination that rivals winter destinations like Switzerland, Austria and France.

While Steamboat Springs has some of the best skiing in the state, it’s also an incredible Colorado getaway for non-skiers: there are endless winter activities in Steamboat besides skiing, from horseback riding, to snow tubing, to relaxing hot springs. 

This detailed travel guide outlines the BEST winter activities in Steamboat besides skiing, so you don’t have to worry about coordinating lessons for the family, renting skis, or pizza descents (a beginner move for slowing on skis).

Best Time to Visit Steamboat in Winter

February and March are two of the snowiest months in Colorado, so if you want to enjoy Steamboat’s best winter activities, these are the best months to visit.

During the snowy winter months, champagne powder decorates the mountain town, glowing bright on the slopes and painting the rooftops a shimmering white color. 

In early February, Steamboat celebrates the Winter Carnival, a week-long event of winter festivities in Main Street and throughout the town. This family-friendly winter festival welcomes travelers from all over the world to witness skijoring, carve the powdered slopes, or try other snowy adventure activities.

The Winter Carnival is a busy time for Steamboat when hotel prices increase, so plan your Colorado winter getaway after this week-long event if a tight budget is governing your trip.

I’ve visited Steamboat every year over President’s Day Weekend, which typically falls the week after the Winter Carnival. Oftentimes Valentine’s Day also falls over this long weekend, an unforgettable Colorado winter vacation for couples who want a perfect balance between snowy adventures and romantic moments of relaxation.

This is also a great time for families when the kids usually have a day off and parents only need to take one or two days of PTO to make a vacation.

Steamboat Springs in the wintertime is an unreal snowy destination! Make sure to book your accommodations in-advance, this is one of the busiest seasons for Steamboat.

How to Get to Steamboat in Winter

There are two ways to get to Steamboat Springs in the Winter.

You can drive from Denver, taking I70 and CO-9 through Kremmling, to Steamboat, which takes 3.5-4 hours depending on traffic and road conditions. Or you can fly directly into Yampa Valley Regional Airport from Denver or connecting destinations. 

I’ve made the drive from Denver to Steamboat several times in winter and each time I hold my breath while driving through Rabbit Ears Pass, one of the snowiest mountain passes in Colorado. You’ll want to rent a car from Denver capable of 4WD or AWD, and snow tires are always recommended. 

If blizzard conditions occur, check the weather BEFORE driving to/from Steamboat.

I’ve found myself in many precarious situations where Rabbit Ears Pass CLOSED due to heavy snow and suddenly my four-hour return trip becomes SEVEN. In that case, I usually end up driving through Berthoud Pass and Winter Park (US-40)…which isn’t much easier in a blizzard. It’s always worth spending an extra night in the snow globe for your safety and sanity. 

Flying to Yampa Valley Regional Airport is a breeze with many US airports (Atlanta, Dallas, Chicago, Las Vegas, and MORE!) offering direct flights to Steamboat in the winter. 

What to Pack for a Winter Trip

No Ski Gear Necessary

Warm Base Layers

No matter the winter destination, you’ll want to pack a set of warm base layers (or as we Coloradans like to call them, “long underwear”). Wool is the best option for base layers because of its moisture-wicking, breathable properties. 

Polarized Sunglasses

Snow is BLINDING during a sunny Colorado day. And considering the fact that we can get over 250 days of sunshine per year, even in the wintertime, you’ll want a good pair of polarized sunglasses if you don’t bring ski goggles.

Snow Boots

For snowmobiling or horseback riding, you’ll want a comfortable semi-waterproof pair of snow boots. A winter vacation can quickly go from snowy wonderland adventure to I-want-to-go-home-because-I’m-cold-and-wet nightmare. Lots of thrift stores have great options for gently used snow boots. As for me, I always wear my Neoprene Mud boots that double as my ranch wear for my weekly volunteer shift at Colorado Horse Rescue.

Water Shoes (for Hot Springs)

The natural hot springs in Steamboat are all fun and games until you step out of the hot pools onto the FREEZING rocks surrounding them. Then it’s pins and needles all the way to the other pools or back to your towel. I would highly recommend an affordable pair of water shoes to keep by the side of the pools for when you want to walk around the hot springs!

Where to Stay in Steamboat Springs

Here are my top recommendations for where to stay in Steamboat Springs:

For Families

Legacy Vacation Rentals (Hilltop)

OR

The Fold

The Legacy Hilltop and The Fold are sister properties offering affordable vacation rentals with full service kitchens. These vacation rentals operate similar to a hotel, making them a great place to stay in Steamboat for families or groups. 

For Couples

Nordic Lodge

In the heart of Steamboat’s Main Street is a family-owned, motel-style lodge. This hotel’s prime location is perfect for couples wanting to be near the action but away from the hustle and bustle of the ski slopes (Steamboat Ski Resort is just a short drive away!).

For Lavish Travelers

Sheraton Resort Villas

OR

Steamboat Grand

Both the Sheraton and the Steamboat Grand offer similar luxury experiences. At the base of Steamboat Ski Resort, these two luxury hotels are usually very pricey during the winter season, making them the perfect accommodation for lavish travelers. 

Best Winter Activities in Steamboat Besides Skiing

No lift ticket? No problem! 

There are TONS of incredible things to do in Steamboat besides skiing. Here are some of my FAVORITE activities (recommendations from a true Colorado local!):

Soak in Colorado’s BEST Natural Hot Springs

Picture this: Snow falls heavy while hot steam rises from the natural springs of Strawberry Park Hot Springs. Hot mineral water wraps your body in a warm embrace and time slows.

A relaxing visit to Strawberry Park Hot Springs, one of Colorado’s best hot springs, is the perfect Colorado activity for non-skiers. You’ll have the opportunity to soak in natural hot springs at different temperatures or take a daring cold plunge in one of the cold pools. 

In the wintertime, the road to Strawberry Park Hot Springs is only accessible by 4WD vehicles or vehicles with chains. Even though I consider myself a professional when it comes to driving on snow-covered roads, I recommend booking the hot springs shuttle, to make your experience as stress-free as possible. Visiting Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the best activities in Steamboat if you don’t ski!

Enjoy a Horse-Drawn Sleigh Ride (with Multi-Course Dinner)

When snow covers the plains of the Yampa Valley, Haymaker golf course is transformed from vibrant greens to glowing whites. A peaceful ride on a horse-drawn sleigh ride to a multi-course luxury dinner is one of the hidden gems in Steamboat Springs. This activity is perfect for couples or groups wanting to romanticize the winter wonderland experience in Steamboat. 

Winter Horseback Riding at Saddleback Ranch

Life gets exponentially better when you find a way to make your summer hobbies possible in the winter time. So when I found out that Saddleback Ranch offers winter trail rides, I didn’t hesitate to book this EPIC outdoor experience. 

The day of my winter trail ride in Steamboat was a snowy one: blizzard conditions painted the horizon white and I had to wear my entire ski suit to keep warm. But it was SO incredible. With nothing but the sound of hooves trekking through the snow, this is one of my favorite activities in Steamboat! Add horseback riding to your Steamboat winter bucket list! This beginner-friendly activity is perfect for all types of travelers.

Snowshoe through the Snowy Trails

What’s better than walking through the snow? How about snowshoeing through it? No worries about sinking into the powder or stepping on hidden ice. With a pair of snowshoes, you can go anywhere!

Snowshoeing in Steamboat Springs is the perfect adventure activity for avid hikers itching to hit the trails. There are some incredible hiking trails in Steamboat that transform in beautiful snowy landscapes in the wintertime. Rent a pair of snowshoes at Ski Haus and hike to Fish Creek Falls. This picture-perfect frozen waterfall is a postcard view in Steamboat.

Snow Tubing at Howelsen Hill

One of the most kid-friendly winter activities in Steamboat is snow tubing at Howelsen Hill. America’s oldest continuously operating ski resort, Howelsen Hill, not only offers free skiing on Sundays, this local ski area also offers snow tubing for $35 per rider. Tubing is a fun and safe winter activity for all ages – the best alternative to skiing that still offers a similar down-the-mountain experience. 

Ride the Scenic Steamboat Gondola

Even if you don’t want to ski, you can still catch a scenic ride on the Steamboat Gondola! Those Pinterest-worthy ski trip photos? You don’t have to ACTUALLY ski to get them. Simply purchase a foot-passenger ticket and ride the gondola up the mountain for scenic views. At the top of the gondola is the Thunderhead Lodge, a great place to enjoy hot chocolate or relax with a good book. 

Enjoy a Relaxing Spa Day at the Rocky Mountain Day Spa

I’ve been to COUNTLESS spas around the world and the Rocky Mountain Day Spa is one of the best! Located in the Sheraton hotel at the base of the Steamboat Ski Resort, this luxury spa is a perfect addition to a romantic Colorado winter getaway. 

Massages at the Rocky Mountain Day Spa, especially for couples, book out months in advance, so make sure to book your reservation early! Before your relaxing therapy, you’ll spend 15 (or more) minutes in the relaxation room with hot tea or bubbly champagne, then enjoy a relaxing massage in one of the many peaceful private rooms. 

I loved my massage session at this luxury Colorado spa…my only wish was that I booked a longer massage!

Explore Steamboat’s Main Street

There are endless shops and restaurants to explore on Steamboat Main Street. I love wandering through the boutique shops looking for handmade, authentic Colorado souvenirs.

A handful of my favorite restaurants in Steamboat are located on Main Street including Bésame (Latin fusion), Back Door Burger (hole-in-the-wall burger joint), and Tahk Omakase (sushi!). 

In early February when Steamboat hosts its annual Winter Carnival, many events including skijoring and group long-ski racing take place along Main Street. Regardless of if your Steamboat bucket list includes skiing, you’ll want to save some time to explore Main Street! 

Try Nordic Skiing

Nordic skiing is not quite the ski experience you’re envisioning. Rather than rigidly buckling into a pair of thick, hard-shell ski boots, you’ll slip on a pair of soft Nordic boots that latch onto a lightweight “stick” while keeping your heel free. 

I tried Nordic skiing for the first time after witnessing Norway CRUSH the competitors in the 2026 Winter Olympics and really enjoyed the laid back vibes of this cardio-focused winter sport. 

As a beginner, you’ll typically stick to flatter terrain and “ski walk” with long poles for balance. It’s not as easy as it looks (especially trying to stop, in which case “pizza” doesn’t work!) but it is a great way to get active on Colorado’s snowy terrain. Visit the Steamboat Ski Touring Center for rentals, trail passes and an incredible day of Nordic skiing.

Steamboat Snowmobiling (Rabbit Ears Pass)

When the powder piles high, Rabbit Ears Pass becomes a snowy haven for snowmobiling tours. There’s no better way to traverse the desolate backcountry than through a high-powered snowmobile designed to handle the snow!

Final Thoughts:

Is Steamboat Worth Visiting in Winter if You Don’t Ski?

There are so many things to do in Steamboat if you don’t ski…the options are endless! Whether you’re seeking a relaxing, romantic vacation or a kid-friendly snowy getaway, Steamboat Springs is perfect for all types of travelers!