WINTER PROGRAMS

YAMPATIKA WINTER 2022/2023

Registration for our Winter Tours kicks off on November 1st, 2022. If you have registered for tours in previous years, we have switched our reservation system.

 

Below you will find descriptions of each tour if you want a general overview of our offerings. All reservations needed can be made by clicking the button above.

We hope to see you out there this winter!

Hire a Guide!

Private Tours

One of our most popular options where our decades of knowledge help you find the perfect adventure for your group- all ages are welcome, and no snowshoe experience need. Our Naturalists are experts at winter ecology, wildlife, animal tracks, plants, and engaging youth & adults, to name a few things, and will open your eyes to our natural world. We also size, put on, and teach basic snowshoe skills to people of all ages; you’ll be in great hands.

We only offer private tours on specific days and times on a first-come, first-served basis.

For the 2023 season we have a change in staffing and availability all private tour requests will close February 15th, any requests made after this date will not be booked, thank you for understanding! 

We currently offer December 6th – March 24th

Tuesdays (no longer offered in 2023) & Thursdays 10 AM-12 PM

Fridays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM

Saturdays 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM or 12:30 PM- 2:30 PM

yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-legacy
adults snow shoeing in steamboat springs

Snowshoe rentals are included in the cost and will be brought to the trailhead by your Naturalist. We have snowshoes for kids through adults.

Destinations we are permitted for, but limited to, Rabbit Ears Pass, Emerald Mountain/Howelsen Hill, Fish Creek Falls, municipal trails in town, Historic Legacy Ranch, Steamboat Ski Touring Center, and much more! We do not guide snowshoe tours at Steamboat Resort.

Cost Breakdown- go to the registration site, and click view more details on any date.

How to Book:

Step 1: Go to our Reservation Page

Step 2: Find a date with the option to “Hire a Guide,” if there are no sessions listed that day we either do not offer tours that day or it is already booked.

Step 3: Reserve the date for free, this will prompt a Yampatika staff member will follow up with a consultation phone call to talk about your transportation options (we do not provide transportation) and your group such as ages and interests and together we can determine the perfect adventure tailored to you!

Step 4: Payment is due once details have been confirmed and you will be all set!

PUBLIC WINTER PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS FOR WINTER 2022/2023

yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-legacy

Mountain Side Snowshoe Tour

Wednesdays  December 14th- March 8th

10 AM – 12 PM; AGES 16+ $20 including snowshoe rentals, RSVP required

The Steamboat Ski Touring Center is nestled between Fish Creek and the Steamboat Ski Resort a mere 2.5 miles from the base of the resort. The snowshoe offers gentle rolling hills with views, and wildlife and is a fantastic morning activity to add to your visit to Steamboat.

Transportation: We do not provide transportation. This location is about 2 miles away from the base of the resort, and most hotel shuttles will come to this location; if planning on taking a hotel shuttle double check beforehand they go to this location,, the bus doesn’t have a stop very close by. Parking is free and plentiful on-site.

Fish Creek Fall’s Uranium Mine Trail Snowshoe Tour

Fridays December 16th – March 10th

10:00 AM – 1 PM, AGES 16+, $20 for deposit or snowshoe rentals. If no rentals are needed your deposit will be refunded for attendance.

Fish Creek Falls are a must-see destination, the Uranium Mine trail will give you sweeping views of the falls, canyon, ski resort, and surrounding mountains in one hike. A great way to stretch your legs from skiing/snowboarding or a perfect way to get out on the snow when you’re not a skier/border yourself.

Transportation: We do not provide transportation often; local accommodations have shuttles that do not operate this early or will not drop off at the location; check beforehand. The local free bus system does NOT have a stop in this area.

yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-naturalist
yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-naturalist

Howelsen Hill Snowshoe Tour

Saturdays December 18th – March 12th (no tour Christmas Day)

10 AM – 12 PM; AGES 16+ $25 including snowshoe rentals; registration required

Located in easy to access downtown this snowshoe tour features a chair lift to get the group up near the top of the hike (weather permitting lift use). The tour winds through multiple ecosystems full of signs of wildlife with an amazing view of the valley looking out towards the Steamboat Ski Resort.

Transportation: You are responsible for your own transportation PLAN AHEAD- sometimes local hotels have shuttles that do not operate this early, secure your transportation plans as soon as possible. There is a local bus stop .5 miles from the meeting location, check City of Steamboat bus transit to plan.

Winter Wander, Discover Snowshoeing

Saturdays  January 7th- March 11th

11 AM – 11:45 AM snowshoe, free hot coco served afterward ALL AGES $10 includes snowshoes, RSVP required

Looking for easy terrain, something that everyone in the family can do, maybe you have never snowshoed and want an easy first experience. This snowshoe program is for you! Legacy Ranch is nestled on a historic ranch, we will explore our flat meadow for animal tracks and uncover snowy secrets. This snowshoe has no elevation gain but has fantastic views of the Yampa Valley mountains. There is indoor space close by the whole time if anyone needs to warm up or has little ones that want to read winter-themed books while the rest of the family is out.
 
 

Transportation: we do not offer transportation often, local accommodations have shuttles that will drop off at the location make sure to check beforehand. The local free bus system does NOT have a stop in this area. There is a bus stop nearby, however, the only walking access is along the highway with no sidewalk (not recommended).

yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-legacy
yampatika-outdoor-education-steamboat-springs-naturalist

Ski with a Naturalist!

Tuesdays AND Thursdays December 13th – March 9th 

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM;  ALL AGES, FREE, NO RSVP NEEDED- just show up!

Mere steps away from the top of the Gondola, you can be taken down a green run “Why Not” Depending on the day, you could see old bear dens and claw marks, the best places to see porcupines, snow cameras, learn about Elk, Moose, and see colorful birds up close.

Meeting Location: Steamboat Ski Resort; meet at the large trail map across from Thunderhead Lodge at the top of the “Why Not” run.

Cost: FREE thanks to the Steamboat Ski Resort Corporation  – lift ticket NOT included, no rental equipment available 

Monthly Special Programs

Registration is required for all

Moonlight Snowshoe Tour- times vary   December 7th January 6th February 5th

Snowshoe through History w/ The Tread of Pioneers Museum
January 18th

Winter Landscape Photography w/ Morning Light Photography
TBD

Moonlight Snowshoe on Rabbit Ears Pass– a special location for our full moon tour

March 5th

Yampatika