Ski Steamboat this Spring for Powder, First Tracks and Tree Runs

Guide Chris Noone skis the trees at Steamboat Resort. Pam LeBlanc photo

This isn’t what I expected. 

After weeks of dismal snow reports, I didn’t think I’d get to ski powder anytime soon. But here I am, diving into a wide-open field of whipped cream at Steamboat Ski Resort in Colorado. The mountain got 9 inches of snow overnight, and according to the forecast, more is on its way. Even better, my lift ticket includes First Tracks, which means I can access all that new snow an hour before most other visitors. 

I first visited Steamboat more than 20 years ago. To this day I love it for its tree runs. Even if you’re not an expert skier, you can get off the groomers and dip in and out of swathes of terrain bristling with trees. In some areas, it seems like those trees are packed as tightly as bristles on a toothbrush. But in plenty of places, they’re widely spaced and not so steep – and super fun to navigate. 

Read more: Step out of your comfort zone and into backcountry skiing 

Changes at Steamboat 

This season’s trip marked my first visit to Steamboat since the resort revamped its base area. That $200-million project, dubbed Full Steam Ahead, wrapped up in 2023. Crews put in an ice rink, installed a new 10-person gondola, moved another gondola farther up the mountain to reduce congestion, built a new food hall, and added 650 acres of skiable terrain in Mahogany Ridge. That makes Steamboat, which now spans 3,741 acres, the second largest ski area in Colorado, behind Vail. 

More changes are coming. Plans are in the works to extend the Winter Park Express, the train that runs between Union Station in Denver to Winter Park Ski Resort, all the way to Steamboat in coming years. That’ll make it even easier for Texans to ski Steamboat without renting a vehicle. 

Another reason I’m so stoked here at Steamboat? It’s an Olympic year, and I always get fired up when I can cap off a day on the slopes with an evening spent watching Mikaela Shiffrin bomb down a mountain on her way to winning a gold medal. Even if you’re not here during the Olympic games, you can sign up to eat dinner with a Steamboat athlete through the resort’s Dine with a Legend program. The roster of athletes includes three-time silver medalist in Nordic combined, Johnny Spillane, and bronze medalist in moguls, Nelson Carmichael. 

Read more: In the French Alps, luxurious Eleven Chateau Hibou caters to adventure seekers 

Tips for a trip to Steamboat 

I stayed at the Steamboat Grand, located right across the road from the base area. That made it easy to get to and from the base. 

I brought my own ski boots, but instead of hauling my skis, I tested demo skis from Steamboat Sports, located in the base area. Stumbling across the road in ski boots isn’t exactly fun, but stashing my skis at the rental shop at the end of the day takes a load off. 

Other tips? 

If it’s blowing snow or the light gets flat, duck into those trees. On blustery days, the trees shield you from the wind. They also add definition to a blank slate of white, making it easier to see where you’re going. 

Avoid peak times at the on-mountain restaurant. I like to start my day early, break mid-morning for hot chocolate, ski some more and grab a late snack around 1:30 p.m., when crowds have waned. In Steamboat, you’ll also face lighter crowds at the base area, where you can grab a seat at The Range, scan a QR code, and get pizza, tacos or a burger delivered to your table. If you want to go upscale, reserve a table at Ragnar’s, located inside Rendezvous Lodge at mid-mountain. 

If you want to get in more runs, try night skiing. It’s included with a day lift ticket, or you can buy a separate night ticket for $49. You’ll be restricted to a handful of runs, and it’ll be cold. Hours are 5:30-8:30 p.m. Pack your woolies. 

Save money on lift tickets 

Don’t buy your lift ticket at the window, where you’ll pay peak price. 

Plan ahead. Buy your lift tickets online here at least four weeks before you travel to save about 25 percent over the walk-up rate. If you plan to ski more than a few days, consider purchasing an Ikon Pass at the beginning of the season. This year’s pass gave holders unlimited skiing at 18 destinations including Steamboat for about $1,300. An Ikon Base Pass included five days at Steamboat (and other resorts) for about $900. Passes for the 2026-27 season will go on sale in Spring 2026.  

If you wait until April to visit, you can save even more. (And note that Colorado resorts often get more snow in April than any other month.) You can buy a Steamboat April Unlimited pass for about $500. And some lodging partners offer discounts when you book a room. 

If snow is in the forecast, consider investing in the First Tracks option, which gives you access to the gondola about an hour before it opens to everyone else. The First Tracks access costs about $70 during most of the season, but adds just $20 to a regular lift ticket starting April 5. 

Enjoy a post-ski soak  

A soak in Strawberry Park Hot Springs eases sore muscles. Pam LeBlanc photo

And one final tip. Finish off a good day on the mountain with a dip in Strawberry Park Hot Springs, located about 20 minutes from the mountain. 

A four-wheel drive vehicle with snow tires is required to drive to the parking lot between Nov. 1 and May 1, and rental cars are not allowed. The easiest way to get there is to book a shuttle (The Hot Springs Shuttle and Sweet Pea Tours  both offer service for about $50 per person, which includes the $20 admission to the springs).  Food, glass and alcohol are not permitted, and it’s clothing optional after sundown. (No minors allowed after dark.) 

It’s not fancy. No towels are provided, so bring one. Also, wear your swimsuit under a cozy coat or robe, so you can minimize cold exposure while getting in. You’ll have to waddle like a penguin down stone steps to reach the pools. Masonry walls separate the springs into pools of different temperatures. Some are hot enough to cook dumplings; others are tepid. During our latest visit, we watched a few hardy souls jump into the adjacent cold-water creek, which hovers at about 40 degrees.  

Be brave and try it. Your muscles will thank you.