Dec 24 & Dec 31, 2023
Written By: J.Couch
Howelsen Hill is a small ski area located in downtown Steamboat Springs, Colorado. It is the oldest continuously operating ski area in North America, and has a rich history of producing Olympic skiers and jumpers. It is also a great place to enjoy some free snowboarding on Sundays, thanks to a program initiated by the city council to celebrate the community’s spirit and heritage.
I decided to take advantage of this opportunity and snowboard at Howelsen Hill on a sunny and cold Sunday in December. I parked my car in the parking lot there at the ski resort. There was no sign for the free tickets, but I had heard about it from a local at one of the shops in town. I walked to the ticket office, where I was greeted by a friendly staff member who gave me a free lift ticket and wanted to know where I was from. I put on my snowboard boots and gear, which I brought from home, and headed to the lift.
I actually took advantage of this free Sunday a couple times while we were staying in Steamboat. The first time the chair lift was not open but the T-bar was. If you have never done this on a snowboard, it can be quite a challenge. But once I got the hang of it, it wasn’t too bad. Free is a great deal. On the second Sunday that I went up the chair lift was open. The lift is a triple chair that takes you to the top of the hill, where you have a choice of several trails. The trails were mostly green and blue, with a few black runs for the more advanced riders. The terrain was varied, with some groomers, some moguls, some glades, and some jumps. There were a few icy patches since they hadn’t gotten a lot of snow for a while. During the week we were there it snowed and the second Sunday the snow was fresh and powdery, and the views were spectacular. I could see the whole town of Steamboat Springs and the ski resort in the distance.
I spent a couple of hours snowboarding each time I was there. The first Sunday I spent my time on the face run only because that was what was open that day. The second Sunday I spent all my time on the back run that takes you over by Blackmer trail. See my blog about snowshoeing over there one day. I enjoying the fun and challenge of each one but preferred the backside run. Everyone was friendly and supportive, and there was a sense of camaraderie and community.
I took a break at the lodge, where I bought a hot chocolate and had a snack that I brought. The lodge was cozy and rustic, with a lot of people warming up for the cold outside. I chatted with some of the staff and other guests, who told me more about the history and culture of Howelsen Hill. I learned that the ski area was founded by Carl Howelsen, a Norwegian immigrant who introduced ski jumping to the town in 1914. I also learned that the ski area hosts several events and competitions throughout the year, such as the Winter Carnival and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club races. We would love to get back here for the Winter Carnival but not sure yet if that will happen.
I went back to the slopes for another hour, trying some of the trails that I had missed before. I ended my day at Howelsen Hill feeling happy and satisfied. I had a great time snowboarding, and I also learned a lot about the ski area and the town. I was grateful for the free Sunday program, which allowed me to experience this unique and historic place. I would highly recommend snowboarding at Howelsen Hill to anyone who loves snow and adventure. It is a fun and affordable way to enjoy the winter wonderland of Steamboat Springs. A good way for a family to take the kids out to learn to ski or snowboard.
If you want to learn more about Howelsen Hill and the free Sunday program, you can check out this website: https://www.steamboatsprings.net/619/Ski-Free-Sundays
If you have skied or snowboarded here, I would love to hear about your experience here. Comment below.
Thanks for wandering with us,
The Wandering Couchs
