The West is alive in Steamboat Springs, even in the winter. Activities like sleigh rides, snowmobiling at a cattle ranch, and shopping for cowboy hats and boots are all great ways to experience Steamboat Springs’ western heritage. Those of us who live in the Yampa Valley pride ourselves on our Western traditions and we invite you to take part in them. Here are a few ways to enjoy the “Old West” on your winter trip:
Haymaker Sleigh Ride Dinner
Explore winter in Steamboat Springs the western way – on a horse-drawn sleigh. You’ll start the evening in the cozy clubhouse at Haymaker and then be swept away on a sleigh to enjoy Steamboat Springs’ mountain and valley views. Following the sleigh ride, a Colorado-inspired four-course dinner will be ready for you so you can indulge in a delicious meal western-style. Reservations are required and spaces are limited so be sure to plan.
Winter Activities at Saddleback Ranch
Ranches make up a significant part of Northwest Colorado and to this day, are still one of the most authentic ways to enjoy the Yampa Valley. Saddleback Ranch is a real fourth-generation working cattle ranch that offers several winter activities for visitors. Explore the ranch by snowmobile or horseback for those with a sense of adventure or take on the tubing park if you’re looking for some fun for the little ones. Book one of their winter activities here.
Snowshoe Tour with Yampatika
Environmental education and stewardship are important to protecting our beautiful western landscape and ecology. Local non-profit organizations like Yampatika are essential to keeping environmental education at the forefront of the visitor experience. This organization offers many fun educational opportunities such as private and group snowshoe tours. Their naturalists are experts at winter ecology, animal tracking, plant ID, and engaging youth & adults. Check out their winter program offerings here to learn about western ecology in the winter.
Ski at North America’s Oldest Operating Ski Area, Howelsen Hill
The American West has a long history of ski areas, many of which have been abandoned. Steamboat Springs local ski hill, however, is one of the last operating and has been operating since 1915. Howelsen Hill brings you back to the early days of skiing and is a historic treasure to western skiers. It has been the training ground for 100 Olympians making over 150 Winter Olympic appearances, 22 members of the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame, and 13 members of the National Ski Hall of Fame. This is the place to experience skiing history in the Yampa Valley!
Grab a Western Souvenir at F.M. Light & Sons or Steamboat Hatter
Don’t end your trip without leaving with a special little piece of the west. Many shops on Lincoln Avenue stock great souvenirs to commemorate your trip, including F.M. Light & Sons and Steamboat Hatter. To get souvenirs for the whole family, we recommend a trip to F.M. Light & Sons where you can find western hats, boots, and other accessories of all sizes and styles. If you’re looking for a Western accessory to treasure for years to come, a hat from Steamboat Hatter is hard to beat. These hats are custom and handmade, making them one of the most unique items in the West.
