Steamboat

Resort description:So what has Steamboat got to offer, you may ask.

Plenty, but more so when there is lots of powder, which fortunately happens very often. Not as chic as Aspen or as extensive as Vail, but Steamboat has a character and a heart of its own. It feels like a real ski town..wild west style. Known as Ski Town USA and deservedly so.Genuine American Old West Heritage, which most other resorts dont allude to.Offering over 200km of skiing,165 pistes (or trails) and 25 lifts, its the third largest mountain in Colorado and is consistently ranked in the top 10 of all North American ski resorts and voted the top family resort for many years.Fly into Denver,Eagle or closer still into Hayden and sample one of the best in the US.

Then you have the really fabulous hot springs to soothe those aches and pains away. Wow. Awesome. A big bonus too ,for those who suffer any altitude problems, is that Steamboat is significantly lower than its compatriots, yet still very snow sure, with huge snowfalls every year,averaging around 30ft annually.Learning to ski in such powder is a pure dream, but its easy to turn that into reality by booking soon! Winter 2010/11 season saw well over 10 metres of snow.

The terrain suits all levels, with some steep stuff in the back shutes to keep the adrenalin going. The long intermediate blue cruisers from the top are a mixture of excitement and enjoyment, as you speed down to the base, whizzing onto some groomed black runs and into some fabulous tree skiing, with few people to hassle you on the slopes. The views over the Yampa valley are wide and absolutely stunning. But take care ogling the views, as you are speeding on some of the superbly prepared slopes!!

Steamboat offers a good choice of over 100 bars and restaurants,which though a little spread out, actually adds to the atmosphere. Many are located in the excellent town, though it’s three miles from the slopes. You also have the resort village area right by the slopes offering more catering and drinking establishments.

Great choice of very good quality yet inexpensive accommodations, to suit ANY budget, from the excellent 5 star Steamboat Grand, through to the Steamboat Inn, condos, private homes and stunning catered chalets. Very family friendly both on and off piste, with many family offers including free skiing for the under 12s all season.(One child free per adult pass and free ski hire per adult hirer). One of the best family resorts in the world, but when we have sent groups of adults they all want to rebook. Have a nice ski day!

Resort Information

Season 	            Nov - Mid April
Nearest Airport     Hayden, Eagle and Denver
Ski Area 	    280km
Ski Lifts 	    25
Ski Runs 	    165
Longest Run 	    5km
Resort Height 	    2070

Snowball Ratings

Beginners           4 / 5
Intermediates 	    4 / 5
Experts 	    4 / 5
Families 	    5 / 5
Nightlife 	    4 / 5
Affordability 	    4.5 / 5
Non Ski Activities  4 / 5