Free skiing Sundays are back at Colorado’s oldest ski area this winter
Oct 14, 2026, 4:36 PM
The words “lift ticket” and “free” rarely show up in the same sentence in Colorado. Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs is the exception. The state’s oldest continuously operating ski area is bringing back Ski Free Sundays this winter, so you can spend your Sunday on the slopes without a lift ticket.
The season is scheduled to start Nov. 28 and run through March 28, depending on conditions. Free skiing is offered on Sundays throughout the season, with a few blackout dates. Check the city of Steamboat Springs’ website before you load up the car.
Howelsen Hill opened in 1915, so it was around long before high-speed quads and $40 burgers. It sits right in downtown Steamboat, with about 50 skiable acres for every skill level. It’s also known for producing Olympians. Close to 100 winter Olympians have trained there, and it’s home to the largest natural ski-jumping complex in North America. You might spend your Sunday learning to turn while a future gold medalist flies off a jump nearby.
It’s about a three-hour drive from Denver, depending on Rabbit Ears Pass and how many times you stop for snacks. That’s a long trip for a free lift ticket, so you could make it a weekend. Ski the big mountain Saturday, then save some money at Howelsen on Sunday. Your wallet will be glad for the break.
