Lift Line Privileges

Permission to go to the front of the lift line is extended to disabled individuals that have difficulty standing for extended periods and those whose adaptive equipment makes it difficult to navigate within the maze. This specifically includes above the knee amputees, (and below the knee if skiing with one ski), physically disabled using the mono-ski, bi-ski or sit-ski sled, four-track skiers with two skis and two outriggers and blind persons with an side. All sit-ski sleds must be equipped with standard evacuation systems, (straps, hooks, etc.), and may be inspected at the base of each lift. Upon arrival at the base of the lift, please let the lift operators know the type of assistance you may need for loading and unloading or any other special preferences.

Adaptive Mountain Facilities & Services

Parking & Mountain Access - The most accessible parking for Adaptive Skiers and Snowboarders is in the Gondola Square Parking Garage, located between the Steamboat Grand and Sheraton Hotels. Resort parking attendants will direct you to the most convenient parking space. Access to the Ticket Office, Ski & Snowboard School and slopes is possible by using a series of three ramps in Gondola Plaza. All parking is FREE for adaptive guests.

Restrooms - Restrooms are conveniently located around the Base Area as well as on the mountain.

  • Base Area - Ground level of the Gondola Building, next to Kids' Vacation Center and 2nd level.
  • Thunderhead Facility at the top of the Gondola-1st level next to the Stoker Bar. These are accessed from the front of the building, and in through the main doors. If desired, please ask the lift operators for assistance and a representative will happily assist you through the inside of the building to the restrooms.
  • Rendezvous Saddle-West side, bridge into "the loft" level of building. Restrooms are on the immediate left upon entering, accessed from the South Peak lift.
  • Four Points Hut-Access the restrooms inside on the main level by way of a ramp.

Wheelchairs - Wheelchairs are available to assist you in accessing the facilities on the mountain. For your convenience, a wheelchair is located at each of the four locations below. Please have your Companion Skier obtain the chair or ask for assistance when you arrive.

  • Base of the Gondola in the loading and unloading area.
  • Top of the Gondola and Thunderhead chairlift in the loading and unloading area.
  • Four Points Hut, behind the food service counter.
  • Rendezvous Saddle facility on the top floor, accessed from South Peak Lift. Cross the bridge and you'll find a wheelchair just inside the door to the left.

Gondola Cabin No. 129 - The resort utilizes a cabin to its gondola that is like no other. Cabin No. 129 was built specifically to be more convenient for adaptive skiers, particularly wheelchair users. The cabin means that wheelchair users can roll through the gondola line to board the special cabin for the trip to Thunderhead for the scenery or for a meal.

The ADA cabin opens up to 32.7 inches instead of the regular gondola door openings of 24.4 inches. The cabin itself is larger and both of the bench seats flip up, allowing enough room for a wheelchair to turn around inside. If the wheelchair guest is traveling with an able bodied person that person may easily sit down on one of the benches while still allowing plenty of room for the wheelchair. Also, the door opening mechanism of the ADA cabin is in the roof (as opposed to the floor), which allows more room overall. CWA of Switzerland (the same company that built the original eight-passenger cabins) built the new cabin at a cost of $32,000.

Resort Transportation - The resort features a 25-passenger El Dorado National Aerotech wheelchair accessible shuttle from its remote parking lot, the Meadows. The shuttle features a Braun fully automatic wheelchair lift, double wheelchair lift doors; passenger foldaway seats over wheelchair positions and enhanced interior and exterior lighting.

Local Transportation - Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) is the public transportation system for Steamboat. SST provides service for both fixed route and para-transit service. The fixed route serves much of the downtown area, the Ski Area base and many of the adjacent condominiums. Please call for the closest stop and service times. The para-transit service is available upon request for those who qualify. This service provides curb-to-curb service to any location within the city limits. Next day advanced request is required for this service. There is no charge for this service, as all SST buses that provide service within the city limits of Steamboat Springs are free. 970-879-3717.

Notice Regarding New Department of Justice Regulations Under the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)

On September 15, 2011 the United States Department of Justice published Revised ADA Regulations Implementing Title II and Title III of the ADA, which regulations take effect commencing March 15, 2011. These new regulations address, among other things, Power Driven Mobility Devices and Service Animals used by individuals with disabilities under the ADA.

Steamboat has determined that the use of any power-driven devices or vehicles by the public, including Power Driven Mobility Devices used by individuals with disabilities, would conflict with Steamboat's safety requirements necessary for the reasonably safe operation of our on-slope activities. These safety concerns include the use of devices on the slopes that expose the user and skiers/snowboarders and other users of the mountain to a safety hazard, including potential collisions and the use of devices that may provide access into closed areas that may pose other hazards. These safety concerns are compounded by Steamboat's high volume of trail use and are based on actual risks and are not intended to be discriminatory in any way.

With respect to Service Animals, Steamboat will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate individuals with service dogs, but has determined that due to the nature of the lifts, the terrain and the safety of other users it will not be able to accommodate the use of miniature horses on the mountain.

The full service reservation headquarters for lodging, air, ground transportation, lift tickets, Ski & Snowboard School, equipment rentals and dining, Steamboat Reservations has the most complete information on Adaptive/ADA lodging in Steamboat, including condominiums, hotels and private homes for travelers with disabilities. Steamboat Reservations: 800.922.2722