Skinning & ski touring around Steamboat
Avalanche safety comes first
- Before every backcountry day, check the Colorado Avalanche Information Center (CAIC) forecast for the Steamboat & Flat Tops zone.
- Take an avalanche course (start with AIARE 1 or similar, plus avalanche rescue) before you go into avalanche terrain.
- Every person carries a beacon, shovel and probe, knows how to use them, and practices.
- Never go alone. Tell someone your plan and when you'll be back. Cell service is limited on the passes.
- Resort uphill routes are not backcountry, but Buffalo Pass and Rabbit Ears are, and avalanches happen there.
Steamboat Resort uphill access
2026/27 policy not posted yet. As of October 31, 2026, the resort's official page still says uphill access is closed for the 2025/26 season, and the newest policy online is for 2025-26. Check before you go.
The 2025-26 policy required a signed waiver, the safety video, and a season reflective armband ($39, sold online or at the Ticket Office in Steamboat Square). It allowed no uphill travel during operating hours (9 AM–4:30 PM): if you haven't topped out by 9 AM, you turn around. It also banned uphill travel in lit night-skiing terrain after 4:30 PM, on All Out, in terrain parks and on race venues. No dogs are allowed at any time. Stick to the designated routes listed on the page (resort page · 2025-26 policy PDF). Last season, uphill access opened Jan. 2, 2026 (Steamboat Radio).
Howelsen Hill uphill
Uphill travel is allowed, and no pass is needed. During operating hours the only route is Lower Hobo Park XC trail to Mile Run, then straight out onto Blackmer Trail. The city prefers that you park at the Blackmer trailhead in Fairview. Outside operating hours, every ski-area trail is open to uphill travel. Never enter closed terrain, and stay well clear of groomers, especially the winch-cat cable. Wear reflective gear, carry a headlamp, and leave dogs at home (City policy).
Backcountry: Rabbit Ears Pass
Parking is free. Everything from West Summit to North Walton Peak is non-motorized; east of Dumont is motorized or mixed use (Chamber · Pilot). The USFS says to be aware of avalanche terrain whenever you leave marked routes. The Hogan Park route is for experts only (USFS brochure).
Backcountry: Buffalo Pass (Dry Lake trailhead)
A free Winter Backcountry Permit is required; each person must carry one, and they're available at the Dry Lake trailhead. The area is mixed motorized and non-motorized, with no overnight use. Don't park along the county road below the lot (Chamber). The terrain is big and avalanche-prone, so the safety section above applies in full.
Gear ideas
Generic product types, not tested by us. Links may become affiliate links — see our disclosure.
- Climbing skins affiliate link placeholder
- Touring bindings affiliate link placeholder
- Touring boots affiliate link placeholder
- Avalanche beacon (transceiver) affiliate link placeholder
- Avalanche shovel affiliate link placeholder
- Avalanche probe affiliate link placeholder
- Touring / airbag pack affiliate link placeholder
- Headlamp (needed for dawn/dusk uphill) affiliate link placeholder
Last reviewed: October 31, 2026. Facts link to their sources.