Howelsen Hill

Howelsen Hill is a small ski hill with an enormous history. It sits right in downtown Steamboat Springs, a short walk from the shops on Lincoln Avenue, and it has been running since 1915, making it the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America. It was founded by the Norwegian ski jumper Carl Howelsen, and its jumps and training runs have produced a remarkable number of Winter Olympians.

Skiing for Less

Owned by the City of Steamboat Springs, Howelsen Hill is all about keeping skiing within reach. Ski Free Sundays are a highlight, and tickets for alpine skiing, Nordic trails, fat biking and tubing are all very affordable. It is well worth an evening or a half day while you are staying in Steamboat.

What There Is to Do

The alpine area is small but steeper than it looks, with lights for night skiing. There is a network of Nordic trails, a tubing hill, and the ski jumps, where you can often watch young athletes from the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club in training.

Getting There

Howelsen Hill is in the centre of Steamboat Springs, across the Yampa River from downtown. Yampa Valley Regional Airport in Hayden is about 22 miles away.

For more information visit the City of Steamboat Springs website.

Howelsen Hill: Your Questions Answered

What is the oldest ski area in North America?

Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, has operated continuously since 1915, making it the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America.

Is Howelsen Hill free?

Howelsen Hill runs Ski Free Sundays, and on other days its tickets for alpine skiing, Nordic, fat biking and tubing are very affordable. It is owned by the City of Steamboat Springs.

Is Howelsen Hill part of Steamboat Resort?

No. Howelsen Hill is a separate, city-owned ski area in downtown Steamboat Springs, a few minutes from Steamboat Resort.

Back to our guide to skiing in Colorado