Pre-Arrival Guide
Get ready to explore Ski Town, U.S.A.® As you prepare for your Steamboat trip, we have what you need to make your experience as smooth and memorable as possible.
View important lift ticket, lesson, or rental information, and steps to simplify your journey. Be sure to complete any required documentation before your visit. Contact us if you have more questions. We're here to help you explore all Steamboat has to offer.
THE Steamboat MOBILE APP: LEARN THE MOUNTAIN LIKE A LOCAL
Access real-time information and navigate like a local. A digital trail map displaying your location, live webcams, event calendars, and more will keep you prepared no matter what the mountain throws your way.
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Prepare for Your Ski/Snowboard trip
rich-text, responsive-tableLift Tickets and Passes rich-text, responsive-tableDay Lift Tickets
Your trip to Steamboat is right around the corner. Come dive into 650 acres of new advanced/expert terrain on Mahogany Ridge and ride the new top-to-bottom Wild Blue gondola.
- One- or two-day lift tickets give you unlimited lift access only for the date(s) you select.
- Multi-day lift tickets of three or more days include “grace days” and do not need to be used consecutively.
a) Three- and four-day lift tickets include one grace day
b) Five or more multi-day lift tickets include two grace days.
For the most up-to-date information on lifts, trails, and more, refer to our Hours of Operation page or Mountain Report.
Steamboat season pass and Ikon Pass information
After you purchase an Ikon Pass or Steamboat season pass, you will receive a confirmation email detailing your purchase. If you do not receive this email or don’t see the purchase go through on your credit card, please check your junk/spam folder. If you still cannot locate the confirmation email, contact us at info@ikonpass.com.
If you are a new pass holder for the 24/25 season, you will need to set up an account. If you elected not to upload a photo at time of purchase, you will receive instructions on how to update your customer profile and upload your photo. If you did not sign a release of liability when you purchased your pass, you will receive an email requesting your signature. Every skier or snowboarder in your Ikon Pass family must have a photo, release of liability, and valid mailing address to receive a pass. All passes will start being mailed in the fall before the start of the 24/25 season.Night Skiing Lift Ticket Validity
When you purchase a Night Skiing ticket, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to print your voucher. Scan the bar code in your Print Voucher link confirmation at one of our pick up kiosks in Steamboat Square. Your ticket will print out and you can proceed directly to the lift.
If you already have a lift ticket card for a different product or day, your new ticket will load onto the same card and will scan directly at the lift on your activity start date.
2023/24 NIGHT SKIING OPERATIONS*
*There will be no night skiing on Sunday, December 24, 2023 (Christmas Eve) or Sunday, February 11, 2024 (Super Bowl Sunday). Prices and schedule are subject to change without notice.DATES DAY OF THE WEEK TIME December 14 - 17, 2023 Thursday - Sunday 5:30 - 8:30 PM December 21 - 23, 2023 Thursday - Saturday 5:30 - 8:30 PM December 24, 2023 Closed Closed December 25, 2023 - January 1, 2024 Daily 5:30 -8:30 PM January 4 - March 24, 2024 Thursday - Sunday 5:30 - 8:30 PM
Afternoon Lift Ticket Information
Early Afternoon Lift Tickets: 12:15 PM
Afternoon Lift tickets let participants ski from after 12:15 PM until lifts close. Afternoon lift tickets can only be purchased on the day of use after 12:15 PM and they include night skiing when available, which starts at 5:30 PM. Steamboat does not offer a morning-only lift ticket.
Late Afternoon Lift Tickets: After 3:00PM
Guests can only purchase Late Afternoon Lift Tickets onsite. These tickets give guests access to lifts starting at 3:00 PM until close and night skiing (when available), which starts at 5:30pm.
First Tracks Lift Tickets
Before You Arrive
Single-day First Tracks lift tickets must be purchased in advance, and will be loaded directly onto to your day lift ticket card. First Tracks tickets can be purchased online or through Steamboat Central Reservations®. Use dates will be determined based on terrain availability.
First Tracks Process
Starting in the 23/24 season, First Tracks ticket holders will be able to load from the Wild Blue Gondola from 8:00 AM - 8:15 AM. First Tracks tickets will no longer be serviced by the Steamboat Gondola.
When will First Tracks be available for purchase?
- Single-day First Tracks tickets are available for the Winter 23/24 season.
- A limited amount of First Tracks Season Pass Add-On passes are available until December. Act now to guarantee your spot. *No longer on sale.*
- Once purchased, First Tracks access will be added to your existing season pass or lift ticket and scan direct to lift.Friends and Family Tickets
Share Steamboat and stoke out your crew with discounts this winter. Season pass holders can share 25% off regular-priced lift tickets with their friends and family and your crew can redeem discounts online before their trip.
Share Steamboat with Friends and Family Today
Lessons rich-text, responsive-tableKnow Before You Go: Group Lessons
Adult Group Lesson & Learn 2 Ski or Ride Times
Ages 18+: 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM.
Teen Group Lesson Times
Ages 13 - 17: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Kids Group Lesson Times
Ages 7 - 12: Lesson time is 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM.
Young Kids Group Lesson Time
Ages 6 and Under: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. (Drop-off is between 8:15 - 9:00 AM).
Group Lesson & Learn 2 Ski or RideMeeting Location
- The meeting location for all group lessons except Young Kids is at Greenhorn Ranch.
- Access Greenhorn Ranch from the Wild Blue Gondola at the base area.
- Please plan an extra 10-15 minutes before the lesson start time for transit.
Young Kids Age 6 and Under Meeting Location
Mountain Camp - adjacent to Gondola Transit Center. Pass the S-N-O-W sign and the entrance is on your left.
Base Area MapKnow Before You Go: Private Lessons
Private Lesson Times
All-Day Lessons: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Morning Half-Day Lessons: 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Afternoon Half-Day Lessons: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Private Lesson Meeting Location
Meet at the yellow SnowSports flag by the stage at the base of the mountain.
Young Kids Group Lesson Meeting Location
Young Kids Group Lessons meet at Mountain Camp - adjacent to the Gondola Transit Center. Pass the S-N-O-W sign and the entrance is on your left.
Base Area MapTrailBusters and MiniBusters
Minibusters and Trailbusters Lesson TImes
*Price does not include cost of lift ticket or lunchSESSION I DATES 23/24 SEASON LESSON TIME Saturday: December 2, December 9, December 16, January 6, January 13 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sunday: December 3, December 10, December 17, January 7, January 14 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
*Price does not include cost of lift ticket or lunch.SESSION II DATES 23/24 SEASON LESSON TIME Saturday: January 27, February 3, February 10, February 24, March 2 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Sunday: January 28, February 4, February 11, February 25, March 3 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Young Kids Ski Week Times
Young Kids Ski Week Time
Lesson Time: 9:00 AM - 2:30 PM
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to lesson start time for group organization.
Young Kids Ski Week Meeting Location
Participants enrolled in the Young Kids Ski Week should meet inside the courtyard of the Mountain Camp, adjacent to the Gondola Transit Center.
Base Area MapSteamboat Lessons FAQ
Is Lift Access Included with My Lesson?
- Lift access is required and not included with the purchase of an adult group lesson.
- If you are a pass holder, you do not need additional lift access or tickets.
- Some lessons offer the option to add a discounted lift ticket to your order.
- Don’t forget: Parents, grandparents, and legal guardians who purchase a multi-day lift ticket for five-or-more days can add a freechild lift ticket (ages 12 and under) valid for the same number of days.
What Should I Bring to My Lesson?
- Helmet (required for those 17 and under)
- Eye protection (goggles or sunglasses)
- Sunscreen (apply before the lesson)
- Mittens or gloves
- Snacks
- One pair of socks (do not layer socks)
- Drink plenty of water. If you can, bring a water bottle to use at one of our many refill stations
- Ski or snowboard gear, fitted before the lesson start time
Is Lunch Included with My Lesson?
- Lunch is not included with adult group or private lessons.
- Lunch is included for group lessons (ages 3-17).
How Will Group Lessons Be Organized?
- We tailor our lessons to the educational needs of age and skill levels to maximize time on the snow.
- Group sizes vary depending on ability.
- Private lessons (Age 7+) are groups of up to five of your choosing, and private lessons for children seven and under will be sorted into groups of up to two.
- All group members must be the similar skill level and type (ski or snowboard).
Are Rentals Included with Lessons?
- Some lessons offer discounted rental add-ons during booking.
- Please plan adequate time to pick up and fit your rental equipment in advance.
- We recommend scheduling a rental fit time appointment for the night before your lesson date.
- Guests without an advance rental fit appointment are not guaranteed immediate rental service and should expect longer wait times.
- Remember: One child (12 or under) rents free with one paid adult rental of 5-or-more days.
Liability Form
All lesson participants must sign the liability form before the lesson start time. Guests who have not completed a liability form are not allowed to access lifts on the mountain.
Rentals rich-text, responsive-tableRentals General Information
Once you reserve or prepurchase your rental equipment, we recommend scheduling a rental fitting appointment at our Steamboat Sports locations. Doing so gives you more time on the mountain and less time getting fitted. Once you make a rental equipment reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to book your fitting appointment and a reminder email from rentals@steamboat.com.*
Schedule a Rental Fitting Appointment
Fitting appointments accommodate up to four people. If you have more than four people in your group, book multiple appointments and make sure to use a different cell phone number per reservation.
If I Purchase a Multi-Day Rental Package, Do I Have To Use My Rentals Consecutive Days?
No. Rental packages for three or more days include "grace days" so you can take a day off skiing or riding. Three- and four-day rental packages include one grace day and packages for five or more days include two grace days. One- and two-day rentals are date-specific and do not include grace days.
Can I Store My Rental Skis Or Snowboard Where I Rented Them?
Yes. Steamboat Sports offers limited complimentary storage for skis and snowboards. Learn more about storage options here.
Are Helmets included with my rental?
Helmets are included with all rental packages and required for SnowSports lesson participants aged 17 and under.
Is Lift Access Included with My Rental?
Lift access is required and not included with rentals. Lift access is only included with night skiing rentals.
What Socks Should I Wear?
We recommend one pair of wool blend, or ski-specific socks up to your knees. Avoid ankle socks and cotton socks, and do not wear multiple pairs. More layers will decrease blood circulation and lead to colder feet. Do not tuck your base layer into your boots; this can create friction between your skin and boots and lead to discomfort.
*If you have yet to receive an email from rentals@steamboat.com, please check your junk email inbox or use the link above to book your rental fitting appointment.Rental Pickup
Rental Locations
Rentals can be picked up at one of the four Steamboat Sports rental shops located in the base area; Steamboat Square, Sheraton Hotel, or Torian Plum Plaza. Hotel guests can also pick up their rentals at The Steamboat Grand. A rental shop is also available in the Mountain Camp facility for private lessons for ages 3 to 6.
Rental Hours
Steamboat Sports rental shops open at 7:30 AM, but allow fittings starting after 1:00 PM the day before the scheduled rental start date.
Please plan adequate time to pick up and fit your rental equipment in advance. We recommend scheduling a rental fit time appointment for the night before your lesson date. Guests without an advanced rental fit appointment are not guaranteed immediate rental service and should expect longer wait times.
Winter Activities rich-text, responsive-tableKnow Before You Go: Scenic Gondola Rides
DATES STEAMBOAT GONDOLA WILD BLUE GONDOLA HOW MANY TIMES CAN I RIDE THE LIFT WITH MY DAILY SCENIC GONDOLA RIDE TICKET? Dec 4, 2023 - April 21, 2024 Daily starting at 8:30am
4:00pm: Last upload
4:30pm: Last downloadDaily
9:00am: Open to public.
10:30am: Open to public from mid-station to top terminal.
3:15pm: Last upload
3:45pm: Last downloadGuests with a Scenic Gondola Ride ticket can ride unlimited times for the date on their ticket.
- There are no restrooms, water, or dining services at the top of Wild Blue Gondola.
- Scenic Gondola Rides are for foot passengers only.
- No skis, snowboards, or snowshoes are permitted on Wild Blue Gondola.
- No skis or snowboards are permitted on Steamboat Gondola.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and rides are weather-dependent.
- Young kids (4 and under) ride for free, but still require a lift ticket to board. You can add this ticket during the purchase process.
- Dogs are not permitted on gondolas.
HOW DO I GET MY TICKET(S)?
- When you purchase a ticket online, you will receive an email confirmation with a "Print Voucher" link. At the resort, scan the voucher's bar code at one of our ticket pickup kiosks in Steamboat Square (base area map). We will will print your ticket and you can proceed directly to the Gondola.
WHERE ARE DINING VOUCHERS VALID?
- Vouchers are valid at Gondola Joes Express located in Thunderhead, Thunderhead Food Court, Red's Bar, Stoker, Hazie's, Ragnars, Rendezvous, and Routtie's Barbecue.
- Voucher is not valid for night dining or Sunset Happy Hour.
- The voucher is only valid on the day the Scenic Gondola Ride ticket is used. -
Prepare for Your bike trip
rich-text, responsive-tableBike Lift Tickets and Passes rich-text, responsive-tableDay Lift Tickets
- Day lift tickets are only valid for the day specified on the ticket and they include access to Steamboat Bike Park via the Gondola or Christie Peak Express.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and nontransferable.
- Lift access depends on weather.
- Steamboat Bike Park is open daily from June 14 - September 2. It opens only on weekends from September 6 - 29. Check the Hours of Operation page for more information,
- 24/25 Ikon Pass Holders receive one complimentary bike park lift ticket for one Ikon destination only. Use your complimentary ticket at Steamboat and redeem it in-person at one of our ticket offices. Blackout dates apply (July 4 – 7, 2024 and August 30 – September 2, 2024).Bike Park Season Pass
Steamboat Bike Park season passes give you unlimited access to the Gondola and Christie Peak lifts during operating hours. They also include free access to Sunset Happy Hours most Thursdays and Sundays this summer.Pedal Pass
This season, get your uphill work in. Opt for Steamboat's Pedal Pass and enjoy unlimited access to Steamboat's Bike Park trails without lift access. You can purchase the Pedal Pass in-person at the ticket office.Approved On-Mountain Bikes and Devices
The Steamboat Bike Park is intended for downhill mountain biking. It consists of trails that contain naturally rugged terrain and manmade features. We recommend a downhill-specific mountain bike when riding the Steamboat Bike Park. Equipment that cannot be safely loaded onto the lift will not be allowed. The following list is subject to change at any time.
View Approved On-Mountain Device List
Bike Park Tips
Bike Lessons rich-text, responsive-tableKnow Before You Go: Group Lessons
- Upon arrival, you will be sorted into the group that best reflects your ability.
- Group lessons include helmet and protective gear.
- You must have a valid lift ticket and mountain bike to participate. Personal bikes must have at least a front suspension and 24 - 27.5” wheels with a functional brake on each wheel. We recommend a downhill-specific frame with disc brakes if possible.
- Lessons start at 10:00 AM and 1:00 PM and last for two hours.
- Lift access depends on weather.Know Before You Go: Private Lessons
- Private lessons include a helmet and protective gear. You must have a valid bike park lift ticket and functional mountain bike to participate.
- Personal bikes must have at least a front suspension and 24 - 27.5” wheels with a functional brake on each wheel. We recommend a downhill-specific frame with disc brakes if possible.
- Lift access depends on weather.
Bike Rentals rich-text, responsive-tableMountain Bike Rentals
- Mountain bike rentals include bike, helmet and protective gear.
- You can rent for either a full- or half-day (three hours).
- You must pick up half-day rentals by 1:00 PM to return them by 4:00 PM.
Cruiser Rentals
- You can rent cruiser bikes for either a full- or half-day (three hours).
- You must pick up half-day rentals by 1:00 PM to return them by 4:00 PM.
- If you have small children, you have the option to rent a tag-a-long attachment for the bike.E-Cruiser Rentals
- You can rent e-cruiser bikes for either a full- or half-day (three hours).
- You must pick up half-day rentals by 1:00 PM to return them by 4:00 PM.
- E-Cruiser bikes are not allowed on Steamboat Resort or Emerald Mountain trails.Where do I pick up my rentals?
Rentals can be picked up at the Steamboat Sports Bike Shop located in Steamboat Square, adjacent to Timber & Torch. View shop hours.
Summer Activities rich-text, responsive-tableKnow Before You Go: Guided Hike and Lunch
Meet your guide at the base of the Steamboat Gondola at 10:30 AM. Plan for a total of two hours for your hiking and lunch adventure. Wear sturdy shoes and bring water and a light jacket. The hike is not difficult but be advised, the elevation is slightly above 9K feet.
HOW DO I GET MY TICKET(S)?
When you purchase a ticket online, you will receive an email confirmation with a "Print Voucher" link. At the resort, scan the voucher's barcode at one of our ticket pickup kiosks in Steamboat Square (base area map) and proceed directly to the Steamboat Gondola.Know Before You Go: Mountain Camp
DAILY OVERVIEW- Meals and Snacks: Mountain Camp provides a morning and afternoon snack for each camper. The family must provide by the lunch and it will not be refrigerated since often children eat away from the facility. Please provide dietary restrictions and/or allergies at the time of registration. Mountain Camp is not a peanut-free facility.
- Packing List: All campers must bring a swimsuit, towel, water shoes, sun hat and sunglasses, water bottle, rain jacket, extra layer for warmth, appropriate footwear (no flip flops or crocs), and lunch each day. Please pack everything in a zippered backpack or bag and label all items with camper's name.
- Each camper must wear an official camp t-shirt each day while in the program. T-shirts are $15 and are available at check-in or when you register for camp.
- Activities are age-appropriate and vary from crafts, concerts, swimming, sports games, outdoor exploration, bike riding, team building, water sports, and more.
SCHEDULE:- 7:30 - 9:00 AM: Arrival and Check In
- 9:00 - 9:30 AM: Circle Time, Group Organization, Discussion of Day's Activities
- 9:30 - 11:45 AM: Morning Activities & Field Trips (Snack is provided)
- 11:45 AM - 12:45 PM: Lunch and 20 Minute Quiet Time (Lunch is not provided or refrigerated)
- 12:45 - 4:00 PM: Afternoon Activities & Field Trips (Snack is provided)
- 4:00 PM: Back at Mountain Camp (Wave Pool Days Excluded)
- 4:00 - 5:30 PM: Pick Up Time
Need Help?
Email mountaincamp@steamboat.com
Cancellation Policy
- 1 - 9 Day Campers: Days can be cancelled or rescheduled if space is available up until 48 hours before camp start date. The child whose name you use under the booking is the only guest allowed to participate. Within 48 hours of camp start date: No credit/refund will be given for cancelled days. Days cannot be rescheduled.
- 10+ Day Campers: Camp registration requires a $75 deposit (includes the $25 registration fee) and payments on 10+ Day Camp Packages are due the 1stday of the month. Any change to the number of days booked must be done by May 31, 2024. After May 31, you are financially responsible for the number of days you booked. No refunds/credits will be given for cancelled or unused days. Days can be cancelled or rescheduled only if completed more than 48 hours before camp start date and there is space available for the child. Days cannot be cancelled or rescheduled within 48 hours and no refunds or credits will be given.Know Before You Go: Scenic Lift Rides
DATES Days of the Week Hours Lift Access May 24 - June 9, 2024 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:30 AM
4:00 PM: Last upload
4:30 PM: Last downloadSteamboat Gondola June 14 - September 2, 2024 Daily 9:30 AM
4:00 PM: Last upload
4:30 PM: Last downloadSteamboat Gondola + Christie Peak Express September 9 - 29, 2024 Friday, Saturday, Sunday 9:30 AM
4:00 PM: Last upload
4:30 PM: Last downloadSteamboat Gondola
- Tickets include unlimited rides for the date on the ticket.
- Scenic Lift Rides are for foot passengers only. No bikes.
- Tickets do not include Sunset Happy Hour Access.
- Tickets are nonrefundable and lift access is weather-dependent.
- Young kids (4 and under) ride for free, but still require a lift ticket to board. You can add this ticket during the purchase process.
- Dogs are welcome on the Steamboat Gondola.
HOW DO I GET MY TICKET(S)?
- When you purchase a ticket online, you will receive an email confirmation with a "Print Voucher" link. At the resort, scan the voucher's bar code at one of our ticket pickup kiosks in Steamboat Square (base area map). We will print your ticket and you can proceed directly to the lift.
How to get here
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For detailed information about parking, directions, public transportation schedules, and more, visit our "Getting Here" and First Timer's Guide. rich-text, responsive-table
Getting from the Yampa Valley Airport (HDN) to Steamboat
Getting from Denver International Airport (DIA) to Steamboat
Or, book a nonstop flight from Denver (DIA) to Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN).
Resort Parking
Cancellation Policies
Full and final payment is due at the time of booking for mountain activities and products. Once paid in full, these activities and products are non-refundable. Mountain activities and products include lift tickets and passes, Steamboat Sports equipment rentals, Steamboat Snow Sports and bike lessons, and Steamboat Resort activities (scenic gondola rides, guided hikes, lunch, etc.). rich-text, responsive-table