5 reasons to ski at Steamboat Springs this year
You definitely don't need to stay stuck inside this winter.
In Steamboat Springs, Colorado you'll breathe crisp mountain air on one of the mountain's many powder days and smile at the sound of your skis or board carving into a turn. Those timeless moments, as well as the laid-back vibe of this welcoming and authentic ski town, are the same today as they were decades ago.
Thanks to Steamboat's wide-open spaces and fresh air, plus the outdoor nature of the sport, skiing is well suited to distancing -- and the modern challenges of travel. Steamboat's season opens next month, on Nov. 21. But, while the best parts of skiing here are staying the same, there are changes to know about if you are dreaming of skiing or riding at Steamboat this season.
You can head to the resort's new site, Steamboat.com/Trail Forward, for up-to-date information on the upcoming season, but read on for five reasons why you may want to add Steamboat to your must-ski list for the 2020 to 2021 season.
It's an authentic ski town
Steamboat is in Northwest Colorado, about a three-hour drive from Denver (or you can fly right into town -- more on that shortly). It's about 90 miles from the Wyoming border, so this is true America West territory.
The area isn't a soulless new development. It has ranching roots dating back to the 1800s and a ski resort pedigree that's existed since the 1960s. This matters because the town's architecture, history and welcoming residents are a big part of what gives the area depth and genuineness you can't fake or quickly create.
There's no doubt Steamboat is one of the best true ski towns in all of Colorado.
You can experience Champagne powder -- really
No, Champagne Powder isn't the latest après-ski craze (though, it does sound like an incredibly tasty drink).
Champagne Powder® refers to Steamboat's exceptionally dry snow. If you've skied or boarded in heavy, wet powder, you know it comes with a set of challenges. There's a lot of science and geography that explains why the snow in Steamboat has a lower water content than on some other mountains, but the result is light, fluffy powder you don't have to fight with.
Instead, you just glide down the six peaks and almost 3,000 acres of skiable terrain spread across 169 named trails that receive an average of 314 inches of snow per year.
Steamboat is where skiing first clicked for my eldest daughter several years ago, so the wide-open beginner runs with the easy-to-ski snow hold a special place in my heart.
Despite the exceptional snow, Steamboat sits at a lower elevation than several other Colorado mountains, so there's a chance you'll have fewer altitude issues to deal with than you might have in other ski destinations.
There are new, nonstop flights
While you certainly can drive the 157 miles from Denver to Steamboat if that suits your travel plans best, there are additional, convenient flights from 14 U.S. cities that operate into the airport nearest Steamboat Springs, Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), about 20 miles away. This season, Southwest Airlines will fly new seasonal routes from Dallas Love Field (DAL) and Denver (DEN), from Dec. 19 through April 5.
Southwest isn't the only way to fly directly into the Steamboat area. During ski season, United has flights from Denver (DEN), San Francisco (SFO), New York-Newark (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Washington Dulles (IAD) and Houston (IAH); American Airlines operates flights from Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) and Chicago (ORD); Alaska Airlines operates flights from Seattle (SEA) and San Diego (SAN); and JetBlue has nonstop flights from New York-JFK, Boston (BOS) and Ft. Lauderdale (FLL).
You can view all of this season's flights at Steamboat.com/flights.
Related: Best ways to redeem points and miles for a ski trip
Reservations are not necessarily required
While other major ski mountains are requiring reservations to ski this year, that's not the case -- at least for now -- at Steamboat.
If you know you want to head to Steamboat this season but can't pinpoint exactly when, Steamboat may be a great match thanks to its Worry-Free policy.
While you should keep an eye on the mountain's Trail Forward page for any updates, Steamboat is currently not requiring reservations for Ikon, Ikon Base, Ikon Session 4-Day, Steamboat season and Snowy Range passholders. Additionally, travelers who prebook packages before Nov. 2 through Steamboat Central Reservations, or other approved travel partners, will have guaranteed access.
On the flip side, you should know that — to limit on-mountain capacity (especially during peak periods) — Steamboat is not currently offering, and will be tightly regulating, stand-alone lift tickets. In other words, advanced purchase packages and seasonal passes are the only guaranteed ways to access the mountain at this time.
There's more than just skiing
While I hope you ski if you make the trip to Steamboat, there's plenty to do on your "off days," too. A must-do activity, especially if you're feeling sore from your time on the mountain, is a soak in the town's natural hot springs.
You'll find the Old Town Hot Springs right in downtown Steamboat, while Strawberry Park Hot Springs is tucked away in the mountains. Both are naturally open-air activities. It looks likely that reservations will be required to help with distancing at the hot springs, so look into that before your trip.
Steamboat also has an on-mountain Outlaw Mountain Coaster, snow tubing at Saddleback Ranch's Yee-Haw Tubing Hill and a well-regarded dining scene. If you want to dine indoors, you can make reservations for dinner in buildings dating back more than 100 years. Of course, many of the top local restaurants are whipping up family meals to go if you'd rather bring dinner back to eat at your accommodations.
Related: Top things to do on a ski trip for non-skiers
Bottom line
Steamboat isn't the mountain you go to if you want to flaunt your newest designer snowsuit. Steamboat is where you go to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country, set in a very accessible and welcoming ski town that still has resort-style amenities and on-mountain lodging to accompany the great powder.
If you want to get the most out of every snowflake in Steamboat, start your day early on the mountain at 7:45 a.m. with the "first tracks" program to get a jump on almost everyone else. If early isn't your game, you can also stretch your skiing into the night on a mix of beginner through advanced trails that are lit up many evenings throughout the season.
There's no shortage of good ski days and skiable hours at Steamboat. If you want to add a trip to this iconic ski town to your winter travel plans, research the ways to secure a ski pass for the season and keep an eye on the Steamboat.com/Trail Forward website.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.