what to do before you get here
Preparing and Packing
Central Reservations is your personal Steamboat assistant, and can help you save money and time. Advanced booking discounts are a real thing and we know where to find all of them. Steamboat Central Reservations is also here to help with the items below.
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What’s going in your suitcase
Lean into layering, both on and off the mountain, for flexibility as the weather and temperature changes.
FOR YOUR LEGS.
When it comes to snowpants, look for wind and water resistant. One of the biggest factors in playing in the snow is your comfort, and these will go a long way toward keeping you warm and dry. For colder days, you’ll want a solid base layer underneath your pants. And we strongly recommend against jeans and sweatpants. Mostly because they get wet quickly, but also because it’s not 1984.
FOR YOUR BODY.
Your jacket should fit in a way that leaves room for layers. Again, you need to be comfortable and able to adjust for different weather conditions.
FOR YOUR NECK.
A small area, but not one to overlook. When you’re racing down the slopes, neck protection can make all the difference. Neck gaiters can be found at any of the stores on the mountain. Just like everything else, look for water resistant.
FOR YOUR FEET.
High socks are the way to go. Wearing one pair is best, and avoid socks with big, thick seams if at all possible. We prefer Smartwool. They are light and comfortable but keep your toes warm—and foot comfort is critical. If you can’t find Smartwool locally, we have plenty here.
FOR YOUR EYES.
Look for goggles with UV protection, and keep your sunglasses for aprés and cruising around town. Sunglasses simply don’t offer the same protection and you want to keep your peepers in top condition. rich-text, responsive-table
When it comes to snowpants, look for wind and water resistant. One of the biggest factors in playing in the snow is your comfort, and these will go a long way toward keeping you warm and dry. For colder days, you’ll want a solid base layer underneath your pants. And we strongly recommend against jeans and sweatpants. Mostly because they get wet quickly, but also because it’s not 1984.
FOR YOUR BODY.
Your jacket should fit in a way that leaves room for layers. Again, you need to be comfortable and able to adjust for different weather conditions.
FOR YOUR NECK.
A small area, but not one to overlook. When you’re racing down the slopes, neck protection can make all the difference. Neck gaiters can be found at any of the stores on the mountain. Just like everything else, look for water resistant.
FOR YOUR FEET.
High socks are the way to go. Wearing one pair is best, and avoid socks with big, thick seams if at all possible. We prefer Smartwool. They are light and comfortable but keep your toes warm—and foot comfort is critical. If you can’t find Smartwool locally, we have plenty here.
FOR YOUR EYES.
Look for goggles with UV protection, and keep your sunglasses for aprés and cruising around town. Sunglasses simply don’t offer the same protection and you want to keep your peepers in top condition. rich-text, responsive-table
FOR YOUR HANDS.
Gloves or mittens? Mittens or gloves? This is a matter of personal taste. Gloves allow more freedom of movement, but mittens are warmer. Whichever way you go, make sure they’re waterproof.
FOR YOUR HEAD.
Helmet. Helmet. Helmet. Of course, we can’t make you wear one, but you’ve only got the one noggin, don’t you want to protect it? For colder days, we recommend a thin but warm helmet liner.
FOR YOUR FACE.
Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 50 or greater. With the sun and UV rays bouncing off the snow, it’s easy to get too much sun even on the cloudy days, let alone the bluebirds.
FOR THE WATER.
Bring your swimsuit! Heck, bring two. Because whether it’s a hot tub, heated pool or one of our amazing Hot Springs, there’s nothing quite like soaking in the snowy mountains.
FOR DRESSING OFF THE MOUNTAIN.
Steamboat is very casual so jeans are fine. But that doesn’t mean layering isn’t still important. Flexibility is key. You want to be warm, but be able to take off a couple of layers if you get too warm. We recommend hiking or snow boots with good traction for walking around town just in case it’s snowy or icy on the sidewalks. rich-text, responsive-table
Gloves or mittens? Mittens or gloves? This is a matter of personal taste. Gloves allow more freedom of movement, but mittens are warmer. Whichever way you go, make sure they’re waterproof.
FOR YOUR HEAD.
Helmet. Helmet. Helmet. Of course, we can’t make you wear one, but you’ve only got the one noggin, don’t you want to protect it? For colder days, we recommend a thin but warm helmet liner.
FOR YOUR FACE.
Sunscreen and lip balm, SPF 50 or greater. With the sun and UV rays bouncing off the snow, it’s easy to get too much sun even on the cloudy days, let alone the bluebirds.
FOR THE WATER.
Bring your swimsuit! Heck, bring two. Because whether it’s a hot tub, heated pool or one of our amazing Hot Springs, there’s nothing quite like soaking in the snowy mountains.
FOR DRESSING OFF THE MOUNTAIN.
Steamboat is very casual so jeans are fine. But that doesn’t mean layering isn’t still important. Flexibility is key. You want to be warm, but be able to take off a couple of layers if you get too warm. We recommend hiking or snow boots with good traction for walking around town just in case it’s snowy or icy on the sidewalks. rich-text, responsive-table