Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
fallen trees from the glades allows high-level intermediate skiers to weave through trees
without the typical hazards of tree skiing. Serious skiers will also dig a number of mogul
runs on the hill, and although these runs are a virtual factory of Olympic skiers and snow-
boarders, you don't have to be world-class to enjoy them. Compared with its foils in the
Central Mountains, the sunny north-facing slopes are generally less aggressive. Wide,
well-groomed runs are ideal cruising for intermediate skiers who might be a little rusty,
making this hill among Colorado's best all-rounders.
Howelsen Hill Ski Area
SNOW SPORTS
( 970-879-8499; Howelsen Pkwy; lift tickets adult/child $17/12; 1-8pm Tue-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat & Sun)
Among the country's oldest ski areas in continuous use and on the Colorado State Re-
gister of Historic Places, this is a relatively modest hill by current standards - only 14 runs
and four lifts. It's the place to go if you're minding your budget. There's an indoor ice-
skating facility too, the Howelsen Ice Arena, which operates from October until April.
Steamboat Powdercats
( 970-879-5188;
www.steamboatpowdercats.com
; tours $375-475)
Want to nail some untracked lines?
This tried-and-true cat-skiing operator offers guided backcountry tours on Buffalo Pass.
Your guide will provide you with beacon, shovel and probe to keep you safe… and the
cats are heated!
SNOW SPORTS
Steamboat Ski Touring Center
( 970-879-8180;
www.nordicski.net
;
Steamboat Blvd; day pass $18)
Near the base of Mt Werner , this
Nordic ski center has excellent cross-country trails, some on a golf course, others through
the forest. The facility also has good food - home-cooked soups and chili served with
homemade bread and baked goods.
SNOW SPORTS
Steamboat Central
Reservations
( 877-783-2628;
www.steamboat.com
; Mt Werner Circle, off Gondola Sq)
This central booking office is
the nerve center of the Steamboat Ski and Resort Corporation and can arrange ski pack-
ages, accommodation and all sorts of rentals. It's a corporate monolith, but it occasionally
has good off-season specials.
SNOW SPORTS
Steamboat Springs Winter
