Summer or winter, only in Steamboat Springs can you find a backyard with so many places to play.

Howelsen Hill, a short walk across the Yampa River from downtown Steamboat Springs, holds a unique place in the history of skiing. Not only does it have the distinction of being the country’s oldest ski area in continuous use, it has sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America. it’s the only ski area listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places and has been the training ground for more than 64 Olympians making over 90 Winter Olympic appearances. Where else can you enjoy lighted night skiing and the best tubing hill in town.

The Howelsen ice Arena provides year-round ice skating fun for the entire family. Learn to figure skate, join one of the hockey teams, or just enjoy one of the public skate sessions. Lace ‘em up and get on the ice.

Summertime on Howelsen Hill brings a multitude of activities including baseball and softball fields, a skateboard park, tennis and volleyball courts. There are miles of trails for horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking and don’t miss the “Howler” alpine slide for a thrilling downhill ride. Summer concerts are held in the bowl formed by the outrun of the ski jumps.

The Yampa River flows right through the center of town. Wonderfully varied fly fishing opportunities abound in these tumbling freestone waters. Fly fishing for the “Rocky Mountain grand Slam” (brook, rainbow, cutthroat, brown trout) is the best “urban fishing” you’ll find anywhere.

During the spring run-off, the Yampa is a playground for kayakers who love the challenge of the rapid waters and play-holes created by rock formations in this freestone river.

Mid-summer brings the opportunity to tube down the Yampa River. Plan a day of high adventure and a little relaxation. it’s a fun way to spend a warm summer day.

Then grab your Stetson and slide into your boots for Steamboat’s Pro Rodeo Series. Professional rodeo cowboys gather weekly to compete in bull riding, calf roping, saddle and bare back bronco riding, and steer wrestling. There’s even an opportunity for the kids to participate in the calf and ram scramble. The roots of the rodeo trace back over 100 years.

Steamboat Springs is an authentic ranch town and a world class ski resort. Experience it all from the center of downtown. All in your backyard.

Howelsen Hill trail maps:

Summer map
Winter map

Statistics:

• Elevation: 6,969 base, 7,136 peak
• Longest run: 1 mile
• Trails: 15
• Lifts: 4 -Double chair, Poma surface, Small Magic Carpet, Magic Carpet, (the chair will run Saturday & Sunday
• 10am-4pm and the small magic carpet is not scheduled to run )
• Cross-Country Trails: 21km
• Snowmaking: 50%

Steamboat Pro Rodeo
Howelsen Ice Arena