Howelsen Hill Ski Area - Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Charles C.

Great value, lots of fun for kids of all ages. Note that everyone must ride in their own tube. I got all the way to the top with my granddaughter expecting to have her ride with me and was told she had to ride by herself. Had to ask the staff to watch her while I went down to get a second tube.
Please get larger tubes so that small kids can ride with parents. Water parks do this and it works well.

Cynthia B.

What an amazing place! My son had an absolute blast learning to ski. The experience was made even better with delicious cookies and hot cocoa. The Hawlsen Ski Free Sunday program is such a wonderful gift—it’s incredible to have the opportunity to try skiing while only paying for the rental. Highly recommend!

John

Yesterday, I decided to try out Housen Hill Ski Ramp, a more budget-friendly alternative to the pricier Steamboat Resort. As a skiing enthusiast, I was curious to see how it stacked up, and despite a few hiccups, it proved to be a worthwhile experience that I’d recommend, especially for families.

Atmosphere and Experience

Housen Hill has a welcoming, laid-back vibe that feels like skiing with a tight-knit community. The staff and fellow skiers were kind and approachable, adding to the charm of the place. It’s not as polished or grand as larger resorts, but it has its own appeal, offering a cozy and unpretentious environment.

One unexpected setback was the malfunction of the main lift to the top of the mountain. It was a bit frustrating to switch to an alternative lift, which turned out to be quite challenging to navigate. I even had a less-than-graceful fall while attempting to use it—definitely not my finest moment! That said, I appreciated the resilience of the staff who worked hard to keep things moving despite the breakdown.

Skiing Highlights

Once I made it to the top, the effort was well worth it. I managed to enjoy the mile-long trail twice, and it was pure bliss. The snow conditions were excellent—smooth, fast, and perfect for an exhilarating ride. Even without the high-end amenities of larger resorts, Housen Hill delivered an authentic skiing experience that felt just as rewarding.

Family-Friendly Perks

Housen Hill is an amazing spot for families, and this is where it truly shines. Kids ski free every day, and they offer free skiing for everyone on Sundays—a rare and thoughtful touch that makes skiing accessible to all. Families looking to introduce their children to skiing without breaking the bank will find this a fantastic option.

Pricing

Perhaps the biggest advantage of Housen Hill is the price. Compared to Steamboat Resort, it’s significantly more affordable without sacrificing the joy of skiing. While there’s room for improvement in terms of guidance and infrastructure, the price point makes these issues easier to overlook.

Final Thoughts

Housen Hill Ski Ramp may not have the bells and whistles of high-end resorts, but it has heart and affordability on its side. With excellent snow, welcoming people, and unbeatable family-friendly deals, it’s a fantastic choice for a fun and budget-conscious day on the slopes. Just be prepared for some minor inconveniences and a bit of adventure getting to the top!

Recommendation:
If you’re looking for an affordable ski spot with good snow and a relaxed atmosphere, Housen Hill is worth a visit. Families, in particular, will love the free skiing options for kids and Sundays. I’ll certainly be back—but next time, I’ll be better prepared for those tricky lift alternatives!

Lynn H.

Howelsen is the hub of Steamboat. So inspiring to watch so many young athletes motivated, independent, and creating an amazing community.

Sheila K.

Easy slopes. Good for kids and non experienced snowboarder or skier. Loved it.

Jozef W.

Excellent place to learn to ski with friendly staff and good food to eat while resting. I haven't skied much but I wanted to give it another shot and learn from my friend who is local to the area. This ski area isn't overly crowded and is less intimidating than the more popular ski areas. The lifts are well maintained and the ski runs are fun yet manageable. Overall great place to learn and hone your skiing skills.

cynthia R.

Nice place to visit. Tubing was fun and reasonable. Enjoyed that it used to be not over crowded here and my daughter was able to teach my grandson how to snowboard. Food is ok. A warmed up hot dog in the microwave and chips.

Jim B.

This was a great experience for my kids (9 ask 12). Free skiing on Sundays was a great way to be welcomed to Steamboat. We had just arrived in town and picked up gear. It was so easy to park. We spent 3 days skiing here and accommodated all skill levels. It was a perfect size for us. The other days costs about $50/day. We even saw an international downhill competition here one night.