Photo: Jeffrey Beall / CC BY-SA 3.0About Howelsen Hill
Howelsen Hill is a ski resort in Colorado. It offers 440 feet of vertical drop, 50 skiable acres, 17 marked runs, served by 4 lifts, with an average of about 170" of snow a year. Howelsen Hill has operated since 1915 and is Colorado's oldest continuously operated ski area. It is municipally owned and closely tied to Steamboat Springs' ski-jumping and athlete-development history. The compact city ski area includes alpine trails, Nordic terrain, ski jumps and night training. Sources differ between 17 and 19 alpine trails.
Why Visit Howelsen Hill?
- 17 runs with 440ft of vertical drop
- Average annual snowfall of 170"
- 50 skiable acres with terrain for all ability levels
- 4 lifts including chairlift, surface
Where to Stay
Live prices for hotels, condos and homes near Howelsen Hill, plus places we’ve researched.
Live prices & availability
Live prices and availability from Booking.com, Expedia, Hotels.com and Vrbo — hotels, condos and private homes. You book on their site. These are affiliate links: Everything Ski may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you.
Loading live listings…
Photos
View Full Size
Mountain Statistics
7,136ft
Summit Elevation
2,175m
6,696ft
Base Elevation
2,041m
440ft
Vertical Drop
134m
50 acres
Skiable Area
20.23 ha
17
Total Runs
0.7mi
Longest Run
1.2km
4
Lifts
170"
Avg. Snowfall
432cm annually
How Howelsen Hill compares
Terrain Breakdown
30%
40%
20%
10%
●Beginner
30% of trails
■Intermediate
40% of trails
◆Advanced
20% of trails
◆
◆◆Expert
10% of trails
Trail Map
Open the current Howelsen Hill trail map:
Season & Operating Hours
Last season (2025–26)
Opening DayDecember 1, 2025
Closing DayMarch 15, 2026
Status Closed for the season
This season’s dates are set by the resort — check its official site for opening day.
Getting to Howelsen Hill
By Car
Howelsen Hill is in Colorado, USA. Tap the button below for turn-by-turn directions from where you are.
Get DirectionsGPS Coordinates
Latitude40.4856
Longitude-106.8417
RegionColorado, USA
Lift Tickets
The rest of your Howelsen Hill trip — for lodging, see Where to Stay above.
Nearby Resorts
Frequently Asked Questions
Opening and closing dates are set by the resort each season, so check its official site for this year's dates. Howelsen Hill averages 170" of snowfall a year.
Howelsen Hill rates 30% of its terrain as beginner, across 17 marked runs. Check the resort's site for its ski school and learning areas.
Howelsen Hill averages 170" of snowfall a season, with a summit elevation of 7,136 ft.
Howelsen Hill is located in Colorado, USA. Use the "Get Directions" button at the top of this page for turn-by-turn directions from where you are. GPS coordinates: 40.4856, -106.8417.
The Where to Stay section near the top of this page shows live prices for hotels, condos and vacation rentals around Howelsen Hill, plus any places we've researched.
Articles About Howelsen Hill
Gear
Best All-Mountain Skis Under $800: Real Picks for Real Budgets
You don't need to spend $1,200 on skis to have an incredible season. These all-mountain skis deliver performance that punches well above their price point.
8 min
Resort Guide
Best East Coast Ski Resorts for Families in 2026
Planning a family ski trip on the East Coast? We've ranked the top resorts based on ski schools, kid-friendly terrain, activities, and value. Here are your best bets for 2026.
14 min
Beginner Tips
How to Pack for a Ski Trip: The Ultimate Checklist
Don't learn the hard way what you forgot. This comprehensive packing list covers everything you need for a ski trip — and a few things you should definitely leave at home.
10 min
Planning
Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in 2026: Start Here, Not Somewhere You Will Regret
Your first resort shapes your relationship with skiing for years. These mountains give beginners the best possible start.
9 min
Planning
How to Plan a Ski Trip on a Budget: Real Numbers, Real Advice
Skiing has a reputation for being expensive. Some of that reputation is earned. But there are specific ways to cut the cost significantly.
9 min
Planning
Best Ski Resorts for Families in 2026: Where Kids and Parents Both Win
Not every great ski resort is great for families. Here's where the kids programs, terrain variety, and off-slope amenities actually deliver.
9 min