
Things to do in Steamboat Springs Besides Skiing
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Steamboat Springs ski resort is a fabulous place to take a winter vacation, but what if you don’t ski? Don’t fret, there are so many things to do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing. Take it from me. I recently went on a family vacation there and didn’t ski (due to a previous surgery), and had the absolute best time! So much so that I couldn’t squeeze all the activities I wanted to do in.
One of the great things about visiting Steamboat Springs is all that it has to offer, both on and off the mountain. There is so much going on in this Rocky Mountain ski town in winter (and summer – see my list of summer activities in Steamboat Springs), from outdoor activity to excellent dining to downtown shopping, and to, of course, hot springs!
There is no shortage of things to do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing. People love ski towns for both their slopes and the goings-on of mountain life off-slope. Below is my complete list of things to do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing.
Things to do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing
Resort Activities that don’t require skis
I thought it would be helpful to first list activities on the mountain, in case you’re staying at the resort and are right there. There’s actually a lot to do without skis.
Take the Gondola Ride to Thunderhead Lodge

Photo credit: grassdoor.com
There’s no reason just because you’re not skiing that you can’t get the gorgoeous views from atop the mountain like everyone else. Steamboat’s gondola allows both skiers and non-skiers to ride. It doesn’t go to the top of the mountain, but it goes fairly high up, where you get glorious views of Steamboat and the Yampa Valley. The ride is about $30 and in my opinion worth the money, because not only do you get the views once up there, but you can hang out up there too, at Thunderhead Lodge. There are restaurants and a couple shops, and it’s a great place to have a cocktail with a view. I had lunch and a beer by myself at Hazie’s next to a window overlooking the mountain, and I couldn’t have been happier.
Wine and Dine at Good Restaurants
Steamboat Springs ski resort has some good to excellent dining options. In addition to Hazie’s at Thunderhead, there’s Ragnar’s restaurant at Rendevous Saddle Lodge, famous for their sleigh ride dinners. Yes, you can take a snowcat-driven sleigh ride (from the top of the gondola) to a night on the town, or rather, mountain!
At the base of the mountain there are some very good dining options, including Café Diva, which many people believe to be the best restaurant in the area. Having eaten there myself, I would have to guess they are right. The food is amazing. Rye is popular as well, and has a nice, sophisticated bar. Nearby is Paramount as well as the fun-loving Slopeside, where people gather for Apres drinks. The Truffle Pig and Bear River Bar and Grill are happening spots as well. So if you’re wanting some wining and dining in leiu of skiing, well then you’ve come to the right mountain.
Ride the Mountain Coaster
For some fun for the kids, there is the ever-popular Mountain Coaster, said to be the longest coaster in North America. People love this coaster. See here for more details, such as age and driving requirements.
Enjoy the Hot Springs

photo credit: Oldtownhotsprings.org
Steamboat Springs got its name, after all, from the natural hot springs in the area. It is said when French settlers first discovered the land, the sound of the hot springs sounded like a “chug-chug”, and has been called Steamboat Springs ever since. There are two fantastic spots to go for a dip and chillax the afternoon away – the Old Town Hot Springs and the Strawberry Park Hot Springs.
Old Town Hot Springs
I cannot say enough about the super popular Old Town Hot Springs located right in town. It’s a great spot for both adults and kids, any season. There are adult-only pools, as well as kids’ pools, with slides, a climbing wall, pool toys and more. It’s such a blast to take the family to, and a win-win for everyone. My girls go wild for this place, and me, I get to relax. It’s one of our favorite spots in all of Steamboat.
Strawberry Park Hot Springs
For a more rustic experience, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs are located about 15 minutes outside of town. Beautifully set on Hot Spring Creek, you can drive or take a shuttle (note, the driving requires 4-wheel drive during the winter and spring months). Kids will probably prefer Old Town, but they are welcome at Strawberry Park.
Hangout in downtown Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs has always been, and remains until this day, a ranching town. It’s a real western town with a real western feel. Take one drive through the main strip and you will feel like you’ve just stepped into a Western. Though not a ritzy town, there’s several fine shops and restaurants to dip into and while the day away. You can read all about them in my post R + R in Steamboat Springs: Shopping + Hot Springs.
Go Snow Tubing

Photo credit: Pixabay
I remember going snow tubing as a kid and thinking it was the best thing I had ever done. While we did not go snow tubing in Steamboat Springs this trip, it is most certainly available, at nearby Saddleback Ranch on the Yee Haw Tubing Hill. Shuttle service is provided, along with designated time slots. That’s part of why we never made it tubing – the times didn’t happen to work out with our schedule. There is the Longhorn Warming lodge to warm up and get a snack or drink. To see all the necessary info. about planning your snow tubing trip, see here.
Get a work-out Cross Country Skiing
Colorado offers some of the most sublime scenery for cross country skiing around. Think open space, rolling hills, forest trees looming in the distance. It’s beautiful. There are several spots to go cross country skiing, including Steamboat Springs Ski Resort, Fish Creek Falls, Howelsen Ski area, Lake Catamount and several spots in Rabbit Ears Pass. There’s probably more, but these are the ones I know about. See the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce website to view all these trails. There is also the Haymaker Nordic Center and the Steamboat Ski Touring Center, offering rentals and trails. You can view all you need to know here.
Or Get a work-out Snowshoeing
Ok, this is my new favorite exercise! And talk about exercise. I’ve never tried my feet at snowshoeing before because I always thought it wouldn’t get the juices flowing enough, and I’d get bored. Oh was I wrong. Snowshoeing is a serious work-out. I loved it! Like cross country skiing, it’s a great way to get exercise while enjoying the beautiful great outdoors, in this case in the gorgeous Rockies. For all the need-to-know-info., see the websites above in Cross Country Skiing, as the rentals and trails can be found at the same places.
Go for a Snowmobile Ride
We went snowmobiling for the first time in years (actually, the first time for my girls), and, of course, it was a blast. Riding at top speed through Steamboat’s champagne powder was exhilarating. There are a few tour operators, and two popular ones include: Steamboat Snowmobile Tours and Saddleback Ranch Snowmobile Tours. Check out the various packages – some are basic snowmobiling, while others include snow tubing, and others include lunch or dinner. Snowmobiling was a highlight of our trip, and I can now say I for the first time drove one myself!
Dog Sledding!

Photo credit: Pixabay
Before our trip to Steamboat Springs, someone had mentioned dog sledding, but it never materialized. Nonetheless, there are a bunch of outfitters in the area should you want to try your hand at this unique experience. Some of them include Snow Buddy Dog Sled Tours, Mountain Paws Dog Sled Tours, and Steamboat Dog Sledding.
And that’s a wrap! As you can see, there’s plenty of things to do in Steamboat Springs besides skiing. I for one can vouch that I had just as much fun as the rest of our skiing crew.
Want to read more about Colorado? Check out this guide!
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This post is part of #FarawayFiles
Loved all your photos, and descriptions of Steamboat.
Author
Thanks Mom
I hate the cold and snow, but this actually looks really fun! And hot springs…
Author
I seriously love hot springs!!
This all sounds and looks amazing! I have this vision of going on a long snowshoe, then finishing the day with a relaxing hot-tub soak. Who needs to ski?!
Author
I don’t! Ha!!
I’m not a huge skier so these kinds of activities really appeal to me. I agree, snowshoeing was a pleasantly fun (and tiring) exercise! I also like tubing and any gondola ride. And hot springs and beer? YES!! #FarawayFiles
Author
Hot springs and beer all the way! Snowshoeing is the BEST excercise – can’t believe I didn’t know..
Awesome post! I’ve never skied but my bf is a whizz, so it’s great that you’ve got non-skiing activities at Steamboat Springs. That way I don’t have to spend all of my time feeling totally useless. Of course, after I give skiing a shot. I’d love to try the rollercoaster and the hot springs! #FarawayFiles
Author
There’s a lot to be said for apres skiing!!
You totally sold Steamboat to me on your last post, Corey. Now I’m desperate to go! Snow shoeing, husky sledding and hot springs? I’m in – and so are my kids! #FarawayFiles
Author
I was never really a winter sports person until I took up skiing again…and now that I haven’t been skiing (again) I’m doing so many more activities. Oh the irony!
While I wish I was the kind of person who would be brave enough to try skiing, I would definitely be the one that elects for the safer activities. In particular those hot springs! wow! #Farawayfiles
Author
There is definitely a danger level to skiing that I’m not always comfortable with – I hear you!
For someone who has only skied once (with much of it spent on my behind 🙂 it’s great to know there are places that offer so many alternative options. The hot spring looks lovely, but I love the sound of the adrenaline rush from snowshoeing, tubing and snowmobile ride.
Author
Snowmobiling was a definite adrenaline rush! I was a little nervous to drive at first and then I never wanted to stop. It is so exhilirating to be cruising out in the middle of nowhere at top speed in snow!
This looks and sounds wonderful! Snowshoeing sounds intriguing, I’ve only ever skied, but it’s gotten so expensive these days… my boys and I would just love a vacation here!
Author
Skiing is so expensive. Everywhere. You have to really love it to justify the cost, I believe.
I’m not a great skier, however, the snowmobiling looks great fun. I love the look of Downtown Steamboat Springs, it looks like it could be from a movie set. #farawayfiles
Author
It is right out of a movie set, that’s what I love about it.
My daughter was an international athlete and we spent part of a season in Steamboat Springs. I am not a fan of snow, or winter, but what a great town. Those pools were great, and so bizarre to surrounded by snow. We also went ice skating a few times. For a winter destination, I loved Steambaot Springs.
Author
How cool your daughter was an international athlete! I’m sure you’ve been to some interesting destinations just because of that alone!
Such a great post and so many activities. I am not a skier and have always wanted to go to a ski resort, but was not sure of it. I would definitely try this .
Author
Well, now you know you can definitely enjoy this resort without being a skier!
Great article!
Author
Thank you!
Check out http://www.steamboatwhiskeyco.com and visit the local distillery. Great experience while off the slopes.
Author
Good to know – thanks!