Ikon Pass Adventure :: Steamboat Springs, CO

Hi friends!

Back to share another ski adventure I had on my Ikon Pass 19/20 season! After an amazing introduction to Colorado skiing at Winter Park, I packed up my car for the incredibly scenic drive to Steamboat Springs. Home to the iconic Champagne Powder and cowboys on skis, I knew I’d be in for a unique experience!

During my stay at Steamboat, I had the pleasure of staying right across the street from the gondola, at the Steamboat Grand. I was even able to get fitted for my rentals right in the hotel! A quick walk, and fueled up on caffeine, I was ready to explore the mountain.

During my stay at Steamboat, the WinterWonderGrass music festival was also taking place (sharing another post on this!), adding an extra level of excitement in the air. We even skied right up to a venue located on the mountain! I had so much fun in Morningside Park - the concept of skiing in a bowl and through the trees is still such a novelty to me! The groomer trails were just as fun, offering their own challenges. ROLEX in particular really surprised me, a black diamond trail with vertical to rival double diamonds back here in the northeast!

The town of Steamboat Springs provided ample activities for après. From perusing the cute shops (you can’t miss FM Light & Sons, a western apparel outfitter that’s been around since 1903! The wall of cowboy boots is such a spectacle for a NYer like me, ha!), to soaking my tired limbs in the hot springs (Old Town Hot Springs are located right on the main street), I was kept busy during all hours of the day. And the cherry on top : there’s night skiing on the mountain! I couldn’t help myself and went back up for a few more runs both evenings.

Of course, there’s no need to leave the mountain for après, with TONS of options (Timber & Torch is a great spot!),available right at the base. Long after the chairs shuttered for the day, the crowds mingled to enjoy the late afternoon sun. You can’t miss taking a turn on the Outlaw Mountain Coaster! This alpine rollercoaster is the longest of its kind in North America. I don’t think we stopped laughing/screaming the entire ride, ha!

Favorite Trail(s)

ROLEX - If my fellow Northeast snow bunnies are familiar with Gore Mountain’s ‘Rumor’, you’ll find this run to be right up your alley! Offering a steady pitch, this black diamond trail was a fun and challenging intro to Colorado’s steep terrain.

Morningside Park - Though technically a collection of trails, I loved this section of the mountain, and had to include it as a whole! A great bowl with very TONS of powder, and ample trails to weave in and out of the trees.

Favorite Memory

Again, it’s hard to choose just one! My days were jam packed, and there were ample activities both on AND off the mountain. A highlight reel : Snowcat Tacos, night skiing, après hot chocolate at the base, and dancing to tunes until the wee hours at the WinterWonderGrass festival!

Favorite Fact

Steamboat Springs is steeped in cowboy culture and tales of the ‘Wild West’. You’ll come across both on the mountain and in town! Also fun fact : In the early 1900s, Norwegian Carl Howelsen arrived to S.S. and brought ski jumping to the area, establishing skiing as a sport!

More mountain memories soon! Stay tuned.

xo
J.

*19/20 Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass holders save up to $100 USD when renewing for their 20/21 Pass!

Ikon Pass includes 43 Destinations, 637 Lifts, and 4,155 Trails !