Off-Slope Adventures
Beyond the slopes,
a whole mountain town
awaits.
Not everyone wants to max out their time on the slopes. From soaking in steaming hot springs under starlit skies to mushing your own dog sled team — Steamboat has something for everyone.
01 / Wellness
Hot Springs
Consistently rated one of the most beautiful natural hot springs in the country. Five stone-lined pools at varying temperatures are fed by 150°F mineral water and nestled into a forested canyon. Soaking under a canopy of stars on a snowy night is a Steamboat rite of passage — book early or miss out entirely.
Old Town Hot Springs
Right on Lincoln Ave, walkable from everywhere downtown. Seven mineral pools including the adults-only Heart Spring (unfiltered, unchlorinated, 103°F straight from the source), a new Splash Pool for toddlers, a cold plunge at 55°F, a 230-ft water slide, a 37-ft climbing wall, and a full fitness center. No reservation needed — just show up.
02 / Adventure
Dog Sledding
Snow Buddy Sled Dog Adventures
This isn't a ride — you're the driver. After a quick orientation, you harness up a team of Alaskan huskies and mush them yourself through the backcountry of Dunckley Pass. Learn to call "gee" and "haw," feel the pull of the team, and stop mid-run at a heated wall tent for homemade snacks and hot drinks. Ages 7 to 72+ — families love this one.
03 / Family Fun
Snow Tubing
Multiple groomed lanes, a state-of-the-art tube-tow lift (no hiking back up), and a warm lodge with concessions and a bar so adults can refuel between runs. Shuttle from the Gondola Transit Center is included — no rental car needed. Kids under 4 ride free on an adult's tube.
Tube Howelsen — Howelsen Hill
Tubing right in town at historic Howelsen Hill. A covered magic carpet lift with a kaleidoscope of colored lights takes you to the top for 1-hour sessions. Tubes provided — just show up and ride. Walkable from downtown, no car needed.
04 / Adventure
Winter Horseback Rides
A Steamboat institution since the 1940s — voted Best Horseback Riding in the Yampa Valley. Ride surefooted horses through snowy aspen forests in the Routt National Forest under a U.S. Forest Service Special Use Permit. Each horse is matched to your personality and experience level. They also offer Snow Buggy Tours ($575) for a motorized alternative through the same stunning terrain.
Saddleback Ranch
A fourth-generation working cattle ranch just 17 miles from downtown Steamboat. Ride through rolling hills and snow-covered trees with stunning views of the Flattops, Sleeping Giant, and Mt. Werner. After your ride, warm up with hot chocolate and a fresh homemade cookie.
05 / Adventure
Snowmobiling
The only backcountry snowmobiling experience on a fully-private mountain in Steamboat Springs. Choose from family-friendly trail tours on Grand Touring sleds or high-adrenaline Pro Ride Adventures on single-seat mountain machines deep in the backcountry. All-inclusive white-glove service.
Steamboat Snowmobile Tours
Ride the Continental Divide through the Routt National Forest on Rabbit Ears Pass. Steamboat Snowmobile Tours offers 2, 3, and 4-hour guided tours through some of the most scenic snowmobile terrain in Colorado. Open 7 days a week during winter, 8 AM – 10 PM. They even accept crypto — in case that's your thing.