Entry No. 36 — the Fort Collins file — filed under: ski-area
Howelsen Hill Ski Area
While every visitor to Steamboat Springs drives past it on the way to the big resort, Howelsen Hill has been running since 1915 — making it the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America, predating most of the state's famous mountains by decades. It sits right inside downtown, a lift-served hill you could walk to from a coffee shop, and on its back side hides the largest natural ski jump complex in North America. More than 100 U.S. Olympians learned to fly here, including jumpers who trained on those same ramps without most visitors ever noticing.
The story
While most visitors to Steamboat Springs cruise right past town on their way to the mega-resort lift lines at Mount Werner, Howelsen Hill sits right behind downtown like a secret municipal time capsule. Operating continuously since 1915, it holds the record as the oldest ski area in North America, predating Colorado's famous resort destinations by decades.
What makes the hill truly surreal isn't just its proximity to main street—you can literally walk to the lifts from a downtown coffee shop—it's the massive athletic machinery built into its flank. Hiding right at the base and backing up the hill is the largest natural ski jump complex on the continent. More than 100 U.S. Olympians learned to launch into the sky off these exact ramps.
You won't find endless bowls or high-speed quad lifts here. Instead, Howelsen offers a nostalgic, unpretentious slice of ski history where local kids, casual lap-skiers, and future Olympic jumpers share the same municipal dirt parking lot.
What it's like
Park at the base lot off Howelsen Parkway or walk over from downtown. The atmosphere feels like a throwback community hill rather than a corporate ski destination. The slopes cater mostly to beginner and intermediate skiers, so bring your groomer skis rather than big powder boards. Take time to walk the base area to scout out the Olympic tribute markers and look up at the towering jump structures above, but know that physical access onto the ski jumps is strictly restricted to sanctioned training and official events.
The move: Ski the historic hill on a weekday morning, then walk the base area to find the Olympic tribute markers and peer up at the ski jumps looming above town.
📍 Before you go Parking lot is at the base off Howelsen Pkwy; the hill is walkable from downtown Steamboat Springs. Ski jumps are visible from the base but access to the jump complex itself is restricted to sanctioned events and training. Terrain is beginner-to-intermediate; not a powder-hunting destination.
- 📍 Steamboat Springs
- 💸 Free
- ⚡ Up for anything
- 🌗 Outdoors
Where: 845 Howelsen Pkwy, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487
Hours: Added 2026-06-21 — confirm current hours before you go.
⚠ Seasonal or scheduled — always check before you go.
Pair it with
- Sulphur Cave at Howelsen Hill — Right at the foot of the hill sits a travertine hole exhaling lethal hydrogen sulfide gas—a strange natural hazard just steps from the runs.
- Sunpie's Bistro — Cross the Yampa River right into town for a New Orleans-style dive bar beer after lapping the municipal slopes.
- Steamboat Art Museum (Rehder Building) — Walk two blocks into downtown Steamboat to check out a 1905 bank building housing local art history.
- Strawberry Park Hot Springs — Trade the downtown municipal lifts for a evening soak in stone-walled hot spring pools five miles up the dirt road.
Good to know
How old is Howelsen Hill Ski Area?
It has been operating continuously since 1915, making it the oldest operating ski area in North America.
Where is Howelsen Hill located?
It is located at 845 Howelsen Pkwy, right inside downtown Steamboat Springs within easy walking distance of town.
Can you ski on the ski jump ramps?
No. While the massive natural ski jump complex is clearly visible from the base, access onto the jump ramps is strictly limited to sanctioned training sessions and official competitions.
What type of terrain does Howelsen Hill offer?
Howelsen Hill features beginner-to-intermediate terrain. It is a historic local hill, not a deep-powder, big-mountain resort.
Plan a visit & invite your people →
Further reading: Wikipedia · cbsnews.com · steamboatpilot.com · denvergazette.com · coloradoan.com
last checked: 2026-06-21