(Photo: Single track riding on Howelsen. Photo by Noah Wetzel.)

Featured in the Steamboat Springs Visitors' Guide Summer 2024. 

Steamboat Springs, CO - While Howelsen Hill might be more famously known for being Colorado’s oldest operating ski slope in the winter, the park and ice rink that sit adjacent to the world-famous ski jump provide plenty of opportunities for family fun. From mountain biking, baseball, softball and the alpine slide, there’s an abundance of activities to keep you busy all day long. 

The Howelsen Ice Arena is located off Fifth Street and is home to an Olympic-sized ice rink, on-ice bumper cars, public skate sessions, stick-and-puck and drop-in hockey for all ages. 

Leaving the ice arena, walk past the rodeo grounds to find the historic Olympian Hall, which can be rented out for public use and includes banquet tables, 120 chairs, a podium, projection screen and kitchen space. Also close by are baseball, volleyball, pickleball and tennis courts. 

If you’re looking for a scenic trail to walk your dog, go for a hike, mountain bike or even horseback ride, Emerald Mountain, home to the Howelsen Hill ski area, has 24 miles of backcountry trails for all levels of non-motorized use (leave your e-bikes at home or you could face fines as well as scorn from locals). If you’re just in it for the views, pick up a roundtrip chairlift ticket or an uphill bike access ticket from the ticket office next to Olympic Hall. 

Last, but surely not least, is “The Howler;” 2,400 feet of exhilarating fun down the face of Howelsen. This alpine slide isn’t for the faint of heart, but it’s as safe as riding a bike. Purchase a ticket at the ticket office and remember, children two and under aren’t allowed; children under four feet must ride with an adult. 

For more information on all of the activities and amenities at Howelsen this summer, visit https://steamboatsprings.net/661/Parks-Recreation.