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 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.

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Proof: source 1 · source 2 · source 3 · source 4

last checked: 2026-06-21