steamboat springs, colorado
Getting Here
When you visit Steamboat, you're visiting a genuine Colorado mountain town that's steeped in history, surrounded by ranches, barns, horse and cattle, and just so happens to boast one of the biggest and best ski mountains in the country. We are in the heart of the American West, with a ranching heritage that is still such a big part of our community. Read below to find out the best ways to get here and other useful information.
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Find the parking lot that works best for you
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View Parking Map
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Download Ikon Pass App
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Sign up for Text AlertsSteamboat Ski & Resort Corporation (SSRC) will roll out a new parking program for the 2026-27 winter season designed to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, support sustainability goals, and improve the arrival experience at the resort through managing parking demand.
Guests can park for free in the Meadows Lot Monday through Thursday, while paid parking will be in effect Friday through Sunday in the Meadows Lot and Upper and Lower Knoll lots. A limited number of seasonal parking passes are available for purchase, offering first-come, first-served access.
See below for frequently asked questions about this new program. rich-text, responsive-tableaccordion, accordion-placeholderParking Changes for Winter 26/27 Season
Why is Steamboat charging for parking?
The Steamboat parking program is designed to reduce single-occupancy vehicles, support sustainability goals, and improve the arrival experience at the resort through managing parking demand.
This program incentivizes carpooling and alternative modes of transportation, helping reduce the number of single occupancy vehicles arriving/parking at the resort. Guests who carpool will have access to free parking options and the parking program encourages shifting more riders on public transportation and into offsite employee parking lots.
How much does it cost to park daily?Parking Location Weekdays (Mon-Thurs) Weekends (Fri-Sun) & Peak Periods* Carpool (3+ People) Meadows Lot Free $15/day (free after 1 p.m.) Free Upper Knoll Lot $20/day (free after 1 p.m. $25/day (Free after 1 p.m.) Free (reserve in advance required) Lower Knoll Lot $25/day $45/day Steamboat Square Garage $55/Day $65/day Ski Time Square Garage $55/DAy $55/day
*Peak Periods include Dec. 26, 2026-Jan. 3, 2027; Feb. 15, 2027; Mar. 4, 2027
Is there a season parking pass option?
Yes. A limited number of 26-27 Season Parking Passes will be available for purchase on April 9 for the Upper Knoll and Meadows lots. For locals and frequent visitors, a Season Parking Pass offers a more cost‑effective and convenient way to access paid parking throughout the winter, eliminating the need to pay daily rates and streamlining arrival on busy days.
Parking Season Pass Pricing- Parking Pass Plus (Upper Knoll & Meadows Lot Season Pass): $600
- Parking Pass Meadows (Meadows Lot Season Pass): $300
How do I pay for parking or making a parking reservation?
Steamboat uses ParkMobile for paid parking and parking reservations. Guests can pay via the app or on the website once parked in the Upper Knoll and Meadows lots; the Lower Knoll lot and Parking Garages offer app and kiosk payment options.
Is there a discount for carpooling?
Yes. We encourage carpooling. Any vehicle arriving with three or more people will receive free parking in the Meadows Lot on paid parking days. Guests who reserve a limited-available carpool spot in advance via ParkMobile can also park for free in the Upper Knoll Lot, giving carpoolers free access to our most convenient surface parking.
Carpool benefits apply to our surface lots only. Parking garages are not eligible for carpool discounts.
Can I reserve a parking spot?
Yes. Guests can make advanced parking reservations via ParkMobile for the Upper Knoll Lot when booked by 10 p.m. the night before. Reserving ahead guarantees a parking space in the Upper Knoll Lot until 10:00am at a discounted rate.
Carpools of three or more receive free parking with an advanced carpool reservation made via ParkMobile.
Reservations apply to the Upper Knoll Lot only .
Are there free parking options?
Yes. Guests have several free and convenient ways to get to Steamboat Ski Resort without paying for parking. These options help reduce congestion, support sustainability goals, and often make arrival easier on busy days.
Carpooling
Vehicles with three or more people qualify for free parking:- Meadows Lot: Free for carpools on arrival (on paid parking days).
- Upper Knoll Lot: Free with an advanced carpool reservation. Carpooling is the simplest way to secure free parking close to the mountain.
Free Public Transit
The City of Steamboat Springs offers free bus service throughout town with frequent routes to and from the resort. This is one of the most reliable and stress‑free ways to get to the mountain. Guests not directly on the bus line can park in the Stockbridge Transit Center and east portion of River Creek Park. Guests are reminded to follow all posted parking regulations.
Hotel and Lodging Shuttles
Many hotels, condos, and property management companies provide complimentary shuttles directly to the resort, allowing guests to avoid parking altogether.
Walking or Biking
For guests staying or living nearby, walking or biking can be a quick and pleasant way to reach the resort, especially on fair‑weather days.
Do you have a dedicated skier drop-off location?
Yes, at the Gondola Transit Center. Follow signs in the Transit Center for passenger drop-off.
How will this affect Passport Club members’ parking access?
Passport Club members’ parking benefits will be announced with next year's pass offering.
Will there be drop-off options for Trailbusters/Minibusters and Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club families?
Yes. Drop-off logistics will be shared with Trailbusters/Minibusters and SSWSC guests prior to the start of the 26-27 Winter Season.
Is it typical for ski resorts to charge guests to park?
Yes. Most major resorts have paid parking and reservation programs. SSRC reviewed parking programs across the industry to identify the best plan for Steamboat.
Will Northside Parking Lot still be a parking option?
Beginning summer 2026, The Stockman will break ground in the current Northside parking lot which will transition that lot out of SSRC parking operations.
If the mountain goes into overflow parking, will parking in overflow lots be paid as well?
The intention of this new parking program is to reduce number of vehicles parking on busy days and to limit the days overflow parking is needed. If Steamboat goes to overflow lots, parking will be free for guests parking in those lots.
What does a parking season pass offer?
STEAMBOAT PARKING SEASON PASS
Simplify your winter mornings with a Steamboat Season Parking Pass. Enjoy first come, first served access to designated lots all season long — no daily payment required. Both passes are valid from opening day through closing day of the 2026/27 ski season and require registration of one vehicle license plate (registration details will be sent in the fall). Parking is not guaranteed and is subject to lot capacity. Multiple license plates may be registered; however, only one vehicle per pass may park at any given time. Additional vehicles will be subject to citation.
STEAMBOAT PARKING SEASON PASS DETAILS
1. Parking Pass Plus Access Includes:- Upper Knoll parking lot
- Meadows parking lot
- First come, first served
- Valid all 2026/27 season
- Multiple license plates may be registered; however, only one vehicle per pass may park at any given time. Additional vehicles will be subject to citation.
- Pass holders will be contacted this fall with detailed parking information and license plate registration.
- Meadows parking lot only
- First come, first served
- Valid all 2026/27 season
- Multiple license plates may be registered; however, only one vehicle per pass may park at any given time. Additional vehicles will be subject to citation.
- Pass holders will be contacted this fall with detailed parking information and license plate registration.
Purchase a Parking Season Pass
A payment plan option is available by calling Steamboat Central Reservations at 800-922-2722.
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carousel-componentFind the parking lot that works best for you
View Parking Map
Plan ahead with live parking updates & lot statuses
Download Steamboat App
Get text alerts with live parking updates & lot statuses
Sign up for Text Alerts rich-text, responsive-tableFree Parking
Free parking is available in the Upper Knoll Parking Lot. Short walk to the base. No overnight parking.
Paid Parking
Steamboat Square Garage
Parking is $10 week days, $19 weekends, and $25 overnight.
ski time square garage
Parking is $10 week days, $19 on weekends.
Lower Knoll Parking Lot
Parking is $5/day
Parking is 6 am – 2 am. Overnight parking for the general public is allowed in the Steamboat Square garage. Overnight parking in Ski Time Square is for hotel guests only.
Use pay station kiosks at lots or the Park Mobile App:- Enter license plate number & credit card number to pay
- All lots free for the first 15 minutes
- Cars parked without using the app or pay station will be ticketed. $80 citation fee.
Overnight PARKING
Overnight parking for oversized vehicles is available in the Meadows Parking Lot for $40/night. Contact 970-846-1055. rich-text, responsive-table -
STEAMBOAT SPRINGS TRANSIT
With Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) Free Bus system, getting around Steamboat without your personal vehicle is easy! The City of Steamboat Springs offers a comprehensive system of FREE bus transportation between the ski area and downtown, as well as most hotels, condominiums, restaurants, grocery, and entertainment locations. The ski area is three miles/4.8 km southeast of downtown Steamboat Springs.
Steamboat Springs Transit Schedule rich-text, responsive-table
LODGING PROPERTY SHUTTLES
Many local lodging properties offer private shuttle service to take you anywhere in town you might need to go. The extent of the service varies by property.
Call your selected lodging property directly to inquire about shuttle service,
or reach out to Steamboat Central Reservations® for more information:
877-783-2628 [toll free] or 970-879-0740 [International]
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airport shuttles
Steamboat Springs is only minutes from the Hayden Airport (HDN) and between 3.5 and 4 hours from Denver International Airport (DEN), weather and road condition dependent.
View Shuttle Rates & Schedules rich-text, responsive-tablerental cars
Prefer to rent your own car while in Steamboat? Steamboat Central Reservations® can help you book your rental car to and around Steamboat from respected rental companies. Call 800-922-2722 to book. rich-text, responsive-table -
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FROM HAYDEN AIRPORT
The Hayden airport is located just a few miles east of Hayden and approximately 22 miles/35 km west of Steamboat Springs off Highway 40. From the airport, take the access road about 2 miles/3.2 km out to Highway 40 and turn right. Steamboat is about 22 miles/35 km east. While there is no public bus service from the airport, but shuttle services are available.
FROM DENVER
157 miles/250 km northwest of Denver, an easy 3 hour drive. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, Exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles/59 km), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles/85 km).
View conditions on Highway 40 | View conditions on CO 9
View Airport Shuttles from Denver.FROM FORT COLLINS
Take CO 14 West, through Poudre Canyon, over Cameron Pass until Walden, CO. Take CO 14 (toward Steamboat Springs) until US 40, and turn right (West) over Muddy and Rabbit Ears Passes to Steamboat Springs.
FROM COLORADO SPRINGS
230 miles/368 km Northwest of Colorado Springs. Take I-25 north to C 470 (53 miles/85 km) then C 470 west to I-70 west (15 miles/24 km). Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles/59 km), then West on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (53 miles/85 km).
FROM GRAND JUNCTION
Take I-70 West through Glenwood Springs and Eagle to Exit 157 (117 miles/187 km). Take CO 131 North (75 miles/120 km) to US 40. Turn left on US 40 to Steamboat Springs (4 miles).
FROM PARK CITY/SALT LAKE CITY, UT
Take US 40/UT 189 South to Heber City, UT. Stay on US 40, Steamboat Springs is about 5 1/2 hours from Park City.
FROM LARAMIE, WYOMING
Take WY 230 West (Snowy Range exit) through Mountain Home to the Wyoming/Colorado border, the road changes to CO 127. Stay on CO 127 to Walden. Take CO 14 West to US 40 at Muddy Pass and Rabbit Ears Pass to Steamboat Springs.ALTERNATE ROUTES IF RABBIT EARS PASS IS CLOSED
Take this route if US 40 over Rabbit Ears Pass is closed and you're coming from Denver or Colorado Springs. Take I-70 west through the Eisenhower Tunnel to Silverthorne, exit 205 (67 miles/107 km). Take CO 9 North to Kremmling (37 miles/59 km). Head west on US 40 until the intersection with CO 134 (6 miles/9.6 km). Turn left and go over Gore Pass (CO 134). At Toponas, take Colorado 131 north to Steamboat Springs (40 miles/64 km). Or, take I-70 west (through Vail) until Exit 157. Take CO 131 North to Steamboat Springs (75 miles/120 km), then left on US 40 to town (4 miles/6.4 km). -
take the Snowstang to Steamboat
Starting December 16, Snowstang will provide 40 days of weekend bus service between Denver and Steamboat Springs on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. and Presidents Day holidays. Passengers can board at either Denver Union Station or the Denver Federal Center. Fares are $20 one-way, or $40 Roundtrip for Steamboat Springs. Additional discounts will be available for Seniors and Children. Children age 2 - 11 ride free with a full fare-paying adult ticket.
Learn More
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