Steamboat review: 51 facts and highlights

A nearby airport is ideal, as journeying by car or bus through mountainous areas can take longer than on flat terrain.

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The opening hours is the average number of hours per day that the resort is open for skiing. Long opening hours mean you can go for an early ski, or have a long sleep and go later.

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The summit is higher above sea level. This means the mountain can have lots of snow, even in springtime.

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Source: city's official website, 2020.

The level of the base of the mountain above sea level.

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The resort has dedicated on site childrens clubs, so no need to worry about a babysitter.

The total number of ski slopes available at the resort.

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Ski trail difficulty is measured in "percent slope", a system in which a 100% slope equals a 45-degree angle. Medium difficulty trails (marked with a blue square) have a slope gradient between 25% and 40%. These trails are ideal for regular skiers.

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This is the amount of people that can be transported by ski lifts etc. per hour. A bigger uphill capacity can indicate less waiting time, although it will be affected by how busy the resort is.

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In resorts which allow off piste-skiing, you can ski anywhere which is great for adventurous types. However, there are hazards such cliff edges, avalanches or simply getting lost and suffering exhaustion.

The longest ski run at the resort. A longer run can be more challenging and will test your endurance.

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Ski schools offer lessons to beginners.

More restaurants and bars can indicate a lively nightlife, as well as offering visitors more choice.

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Rather than having to trek back to the base of the mountain, it is a lot more convenient to have restaurants and bars on the slopes.

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At the ice rink you can get your skates on and try your hand at a different winter sport.

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A snowmobile tour is a great way to cover large distances in a short time. After lots of physically demanding activities, it can be good way to sit back and let the motor do the work.

The resort has a golf course which visitors can enjoy, weather permitting!

Ice climbing is a great sport for adrenalin seekers. It entails climbing frozen cliff edges/waterfalls using tools such as ice axes in order to grip the surface.

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The resort will be more easily accessible when serviced by public transport. It is also usually cheaper than other modes of transport.

With more hostels and hotels at the resort you have a range to choose from.

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The resort offers facilities so that companies and organisations can hold conferences or other corporate events.

A chalet is a type of house commonly found in ski resorts. Renting your own chalet can be fun and can often work out cheaper than staying in a hotel.

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Bigger number of kindergartens makes it easier to combine career opportunities with bringing up a child. Source: city's official stats, 2020.

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Camping can offer a cheaper alternative to hotels or B&B’s, and can provide a fun outdoors experience - although it might not be ideal in winter!

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The average snowfall each season as measured in inches. The more snowfall there is, the more powdery and fluffy the ski slopes will be.

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Average snowfall in the month of December.

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Average snowfall in the month of March.

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Average snowfall in the month of February.

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Average snowfall in the month of November.

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Average snowfall in the month of January.

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