How to Find Steamboat Springs Ski Rentals

Known as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Ski Resort has plenty of winter fun to keep you busy. A winter ski vacation to Steamboat fits the bill for adrenaline hounds, avid skiers and snowboarders, families and groups, and beginners new to the sport. Before you hit the slopes, you will need Steamboat Springs ski rentals from a trusted outfitter. We know all the best Steamboat Springs ski rental shops that can outfit you for your adventure on the slopes. We even have some sweet deals to save you money on individual ski and snowboard rentals or group rental packages.

Before you head out to explore Steamboat Ski Resort, you’ll need to snag some gear from a trusted outfitter. Take a closer look at our Steamboat Springs ski rental recommendations once you’ve made your travel and lodging plans. There’s no need to fret or struggle with cumbersome luggage at the airport or taking up space in your car. Book in advance with a trusted, local ski retailer and travel hands-free.

Any of our recommended shops can get you fully equipped for a day, week, month, or season on the mountain. Once you arrive at the resort, meet up with your equipment representative at a time and location of your choosing, and receive a custom fitting. It’s a great way to ensure you get what you want and have your questions answered before you hit the slopes.

Why Ski Steamboat Springs?

Steamboat Ski Resort has several unique amenities that have helped it earn its reputation as Ski Town USA. Covering close to 3,000 acres on Mount Werner in the Park Range of the Routt National Forest, the resort has been in operation season after season. It offers a diverse palate of skiing and snowboarding for skiers of all abilities. The mountain receives about 400 inches of snow annually, so there’s plenty of snowpack and champagne powder during the season.

The ski area has close to 170 named trails; 44 percent are classified as advanced, while another 42 percent are rated intermediate. Fourteen percent of the terrain is designated for beginners. The longest run is called Why Not and checks in at about three miles. Other notable attractions at the resort include the Maverick Superpipe and five other terrain parks, the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, and night skiing, which has been in operation since 2012.

Night Skiing at Steamboat

Night skiing at Steamboat starts with a ride on the Christie Peak Express, a high-speed chairlift that will take you to the top of Christie Peak. Once at the top, choose from five night-skiing runs: Lil’ Rodeo, See Me, Sitz, Stampede, and Vogue. There are two runs for beginners, two for intermediates, and one for experts. No matter your skill level, you’ll love the evening cruise down 1,100 vertical feet to the base under the state-of-the-art Ultra-Tech lighting system.

Skiers and snowboarders love Steamboat for its challenging steeps, entertaining cruisers, and incredible tree skiing. Backcountry skiing, cross-country, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are popular family/group outings. Or take in a relaxing hot springs tour to get you rejuvenated for another day on the slopes.

What to Ski at Steamboat

If you’re a beginner, once you have picked up your Steamboat Springs ski rentals, stick to the gondola, Christie Peak Express, and Thunderhead Express to take you to the green runs. Thunderhead Express will get you to the Why Not trail. It is three miles long. Newbies should plan on spending the first day or two (at least) in Ski School. Intermediate skiers should ride one of the two high-speed quads on Sunshine Peak or hit the Sunshine Express lift to locate a bevy of blue trails. There are more intermediate trails at BAR-UE, Four Points, Morningside Park, and the Storm Peak Express lifts.

Experts should head to Pony Express for excellent blue-black trails or hop on one of the five high-speed quads to get to Morningside Park, Pioneer Ridge, Sunshine Peak, and most of Storm Peak.

Intermediate skiers should ride one of the two high-speed quads on Sunshine Peak or hit the Sunshine Express lift to locate a bevy of blues. There are more intermediate trails at BAR-UE, Four Points, Morningside Park, and the Storm Peak Express lifts.

Ski Howelsen Hill

Howelsen Hill Ski Area is a smaller ski area in Steamboat Springs. It’s been a famous training ground for Olympic athletes and is the oldest active ski resort in Colorado, opening in 1915. It also has the largest natural ski jumping complex in North America. The resort offers 13 miles of terrain, including 17 alpine trails and nine Nordic trails. If you’re looking to mix in nostalgia on your ski getaway, you can’t go wrong with classic Howelsen Hill.

Steamboat Tips and Tricks

Here are a few tips and tricks to enhance your Steamboat ski experience:

Use our website. Find as many specials and deals online as you can. We have discounts for lodging, ski rentals, dining, and transportation on our website. Our site can help you save money on every aspect of your winter getaway.

Rent a condo or hotel suite with a fireplace. There’s nothing like warming up by the fire after a long day on the slopes. Some condos and hotels have traditional wood fireplaces and more modern gas fireplaces. Most resorts with natural fireplaces even provide wood and matches. A fireplace in your vacation residence is a great way to pump up the ambiance and create a natural mountain lodge feel. To save money, look for Steamboat lodging deals.

Plan Your Apres-Ski. There are plenty of après-ski opportunities around town. There are more than 70 pubs, bars, and restaurants in Steamboat. Explore the town and take in the classic Old West charm after the sun goes down.

Stash Some Snacks. Pack snacks in your jacket for a quick pick-me-up while you’re on the gondola, lift, or resting at the base. Granola bars, protein bars, and other healthy snacks are best. Remember, you’ll probably be wearing gloves, so keep it simple to avoid fidgeting and clumsiness.

Getting to Steamboat Springs

Steamboat Springs is about a three-hour drive from downtown Denver, depending on the weather and traffic. You will pass through the Eisenhower Tunnel and cross the Continental Divide. Travel Interstate 70 West to Highway 9 North at Silverthorne. Head north along Highway 9 until it merges with Highway 40 at Kremmling. Continue north along Highway 40 until you reach Steamboat Springs.

The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is 22 miles from Steamboat Springs and has nonstop flights during the winter season from several providers connecting from most major airports nearby.