Summary:  Steamboat Springs, nestled in north central Colorado, is a real western ranch town, complete with all the amenities of a modern day ski resort.  The mountain offers a wide range of skiing, and is consistently known as one of the better family ski areas in the west.  Just a little too far from Denver to be a day-trip, Steamboat enjoys fewer weekend crowds than its companions along the I-70 corridor.  The Kids Ski Free program allows a child aged 12 or under to ski free on the same days that a parent or grandparent does, assuming a 5-day (or more) lift ticket is purchased.

Lodging Choices:  Wide range of lodging choices, ranging from budget to luxury.  Plenty of ski-in, ski-out accommodations, in addition to hundreds of units available in condos and townhomes within a 10 minute walk of the slope.

Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop:  2,965 acres / 10,500 feet / 3,700 feet

Activities for Non-Skiers:  Steamboat Springs is a real town – complete with a main street, shops, and restaurants.  There is an ice arena, hot springs, and several other activities which don’t require one to hit the slopes.

Ski School:  Many group options available for ages 2-6.  Prices range from $100 / day to $500 / week.  2 and 3 year olds have the option of a combo ski school & daycare program.  Individual lessons also available.

Day Care:  Half and full day care available for infants through Kindergarten age.  Prices range from $78 - $104 depending on duration and time of year.

Getting there:  The Hayden / Yampa Valley airport is 22 miles, or about 35 minutes, from Steamboat Springs.  Airport code is HDN.  Direct jet flights from Minneapolis, Chicago, JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Salt Lake City

Insider Tip:  Consider renting a car in Steamboat.  While Steamboat has one of the better intra-city shuttle services we've seen, the prices that taxi's and shuttles charge to get to/from the airport is sky-high (or at least was 2 years ago during our last visit)