Howelsen Ski Area

Howelsen Hill Ski area holds a unique place in the history of skiing, having sent more skiers to international competition than any other area in North America. It is the oldest ski area in continuous use in Colorado, and has the largest and most complete natural ski jumping complex in North America. Howelsen has been the training ground for more than 64 Olympians that have made over 90 Winter Olympic appearances, 15 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame and 6 members of the National Ski Hall of fame. Recently acknowledged as a “Pioneer Ski Resort” by the International Skiing History Association and the Colorado Ski Museum Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, Howelsen Hill lets you experience skiing history in the Yampa Valley!

More Resort Facts

Nearest Town: Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Base Elevation: 6,696 ft (2,041 m)	Top Elevation: 7,136 ft ( 2,175 m)
Latitude: 40.476389	Longitude: -106.826667

Total Runs: 14
20% Beginner	30% Intermediate	50% Advanced	0% Expert

Terrain Parks: 1

Total 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)

Average Snowfall: 334 inches/year	Snowmaking: 50% of Ski Area

Howelsen Hill is the only ski area listed on the Colorado State Register of Historic Places. Prior to its use as a ski hill it was the town’s Elk Park, a small wildlife preserve. Before the arrival of Norwegian skier Carl Howelsen in 1913, skiing was regarded only as a practical means of getting around in the snow during Colorado’s long winters. In early 1914 Howelsen organized the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, a training program for kids. The induction of this program started the first Winter Carnival featuring a ski jumping exhibition on Woodchuck Hill, where the Colorado Mountain College currently resides. He was convinced that ski jumping records could be broken if he had a steeper slope, and so Howelsen Hill was born.

In 1905 Karl Howelsen performed at the U.S American circus as a ski jumper in the arena. At the time, this extraordinary sport was called “ski sailing”. Nicknamed “The Flying Norseman,” Howelsen built a ski jump on the hill in 1915 and flew 100 feet off of it, to the delight of his peers. Since then the jump has continuously been improved and enlarged. In 1937 the first ski lift at the same hill was opened and one year later the first night jumping event under floodlight took place. Did you know that this ski area is one of the few resorts in Colorado to offer night skiing? And from 6–8pm every Tuesday, any “average Joe” can give their Olympic ski jump a try. Runs are included in your ski pass.

In 1935 the first Winter Carnival Night Show, with torchlight parades, ski jumping through a fiery hoop and fireworks was presented on Howelsen Hill. The following year would see the first “Lighted Man” spectacle. The Lighted Man is a family tradition that has been carried on for 70 years in Steamboat. Brothers Jon and Kent Banks thrill the Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza crowd by skiing down the face of Howelsen Hill. Jon’s poles and skis are illuminated by electric lights while Roman candles explode out of tubes mounted on his backpack. Since 1978, Kent has been skiing 50 feet behind Jon, deliberately obscuring his presence with black clothing, all the while standing ready with a fire extinguisher in case something goes wrong. Claudius Banks, father to Kent and Jon, made his first thrilling run down Howelsen Hill during the Winter Carnival Night Show in 1939. Kent plans on having his son carry on the tradition.

Night skiing was offered as early as 1937 and is still featured with improved slope lighting as of 2007. In 2003 a Magic Carpet conveyor-belt lift was installed on the Ponyland slope. Four years later another conveyor lift was installed, which is designed to accommodate snow-tubes for evening tubing activities. Howelsen Hill, steeped in ski history, will continue to provide a multitude of activities for locals and visitors alike for many years to come.

Located in the center of Steamboat Springs, the Howelsen Touring Center is part of the Howelsen Hill Sports Complex which includes the alpine ski area, the ice skating rink, Nordic jumping hills, and the snow board half-pipe. Howelsen Hill is also home to many summer activities like the alpine slide, rodeo grounds, horse stables, and summer biking, hiking and equestrian trails. The trails were built, and are maintained and groomed daily from December through March, through joint efforts of the city of Steamboat Springs and the Steamboat Springs Nordic Council. As of 2009, there are about 20 km of groomed trails.

In general, the trails tend to be more aerobically and technically challenging than any of the other Nordic areas in Routt County. There is no fee for use of the trails at this time. While the Nordic Center maintains an open attitude toward responsible trail use by the public, these same trails have been part of the Nordic Combined World Cup Cross country course as well as several other high level regional and national Nordic skiing competitions the past several years. Come prepared, the Howelsen Nordic Center is not a full service touring center at this time. Area users must have their own equipment or rent equipment from one of the shops in the area.

For all you adult skiers out there here’s a little heads up. Many skiers have come off these runs depressed because a group of toddlers have blown past them skiing like pros. Just remember you are right in the heart of Ski Town U.S.A, most of these kids have been skiing since they could walk. Skiing is even included in school, and recess in Steamboat during the winter means skiing. So don’t get too bummed out, just enjoy watching these talented tots and possible future Olympians blazing the trails!

Local Forecast

Snow Report

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Resort Photos and Videos

Lift Ticket Information

All Day- Adult	All Day- Jr/Senior	All Day- Child
$16	$11	$6

Season Pass	Prices
Adult:	$175
College:	$100
Youth:	$80
Child:	$30
Senior:	$50
Family:	$350

Note: Lift ticket and season pass prices are subject to change without notice.

Resort Activities

Ice Climbing at Fish Creek Falls - “If you enjoy the mountains, don’t miss this exhilarating opportunity. Come experience ice climbing on a frozen waterfall in a spectacular winter setting. We are the only permitted guided Ice Climbing outfitter in Steamboat.”
Cross Country Skiing - “The Steamboat Ski Touring Center has 15km of groomed cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for all ability levels, winding through the aspen groves and along beautiful Fish Creek, offering some of the most enjoyable and accessible wintertime recreation in the Yampa Valley.”
Horseback Riding - “Enjoy an amazing journey through the Colorado scenery on a guided horseback ride. This favorite pastime gives you, your friends and family the opportunity to ride through snow-blanketed aspen trees and valleys. Join us on a 2 hour horseback ride over the hills and through the tree lined ridges of snowy Saddleback Ranch. Gaze at the Flat Tops, Sleeping Giant and Mt. Werner. Let us show you where our ancestors built their homestead and ranched more than 100 years ago. After your ride, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and freshly baked cookies, then try your hand at calf roping.”
Hot Air Balloon Tours - “The ultimate mountain high! Fantastic views of the Yampa Valley. Fun for the entire family! Imagine the view as you soar high above town and the mountains around Steamboat! 45 minute Yampa Valley flights available. All flights include continental breakfast consisting of pastries, cookies, juice, hot beverages, flight certificate and traditional champagne ceremony.”
Hot Springs - “At the end of an active day, a relaxing soak in a natural hot springs mineral pool can be just what your sore muscles need. The natural hot springs at Old Town or Strawberry Park are two of Steamboat’s many natural treasures.”
Sleigh Rides - “Enjoy a leisurely, comfortable, sleigh ride, nestled in warm blankets, gliding through the unforgettable, quiet beauty of the Yampa Valley with your choice of a tasty home-cooked western steak, chicken, or trout dinner prepared and served at a heated site on the trail. You may bring your own alcohol, if desired, as none will be provided.”
Tubing – Come to historic Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs for the ride of a lifetime! Ride the Magic Carpet to the top and come screaming down on a snow tube provided at the hill. There is a special lane for those who wish for a slower ride. This is a must-do experience for all ages. Children must be at least 36″ tall.