Skiing Howelson Hill in Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is a town in the northwestern reaches of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains. It is one of Colorado's premiere skiing destinations known for ‘champagne’ powder snow. Taylor and I traveled to this ski town in February for the WinterWonderGrass music festival.

The bluegrass music festival offers 3 day lift tickets, but those tickets sold out quickly. Single day passes at Steamboat Resort range from $160 to $210. Instead, we found a more reasonably priced alternative and had a blast on its slopes.

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We couldn't have been happier with the inexpensive hills.

Howelson Hill has been operating as a ski area since 1915 and is not only the oldest operating ski area but has also been the training grounds of more international competitors than any other place in North America!

​Taylor and I were oblivious to all of this when we stumbled upon it.  We excitedly purchased single day lift tickets for $30 each. We had rented all of our gear earlier in the day at a local ski shop, and our total bill for the blissful day of gliding downhill was less than $100. ​

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The trail map of Howelson Hill.

Taylor and I tackled nearly every groomed, alpine trail over the course of the day. The ski area also boasts miles of Nordic trails for those who like to lift their heels.

Howelson Hill was hosting a high school jump competition over the course of the day, and there were plenty of skilled skiers to compete with and watch. ​

Howelson's longest, central black diamond run is steep with a T-bar lift to its top.

Howelson's ski jumps were busy with fliers and their fans all day long.

​We worked our way from the long and gradual green trails to the quick and bumpy blue trails before slicing down a few challenging black trails. We passed a few tree filled black runs but decided against exploring the steep, narrow runs. At the end of the day, we had hit almost every trail and our thighs were burning.

The view looking North over Steamboat from a chair lift.

We decided to stop with a some energy left and head to the WinterWondergrass Festial for the night. Even with the delicious food, hot drinks, and bright music of the festival, Taylor and I couldn’t help but talk about the day we’d just had exploring and learning on Howelson Hill. 

Similar Links:
​A Weekend in Steamboat for WinterWonderGrass
Spring Break Around Colorado and Rocky Mountain National Park
Spring a Weekend at Great Sand Dunes National Park