Steamboat Springs trademarked "Champagne Powder" for good reason. The light, dry snow here is legendary—and so is the town's authentic Western character. Unlike purpose-built resorts, Steamboat is a real ranching community that happens to have world-class skiing.
The town has produced more Winter Olympians than any other place in North America. The Howelsen Hill ski area downtown is where many learned to fly. Natural hot springs bubble up right in town, offering après-ski relaxation.
Located 160 miles northwest of Denver, Steamboat requires a scenic drive over Rabbit Ears Pass. The journey takes about 3 hours in good conditions—longer after a storm, but that's when the skiing is best.