Steamboat Springs, Colorado — If you’re planning to visit Steamboat next winter, you may have to pay for parking.
Yesterday, Steamboat Resort announced that during the 2026-27 season, it will require some drivers who park at the resort on weekends and holidays to pay.
Paid parking at Steamboat Resort is nothing new. For years, various lots have required users to pay up, with the closest to the slopes being the most expensive. However, two of the lots, Upper Knoll and Meadows, have remained free. With limited parking, Steamboat decided to make a change to promote carpooling.
The Upper Knoll Lot will now feature paid parking every day of the week. On Weekdays, the Upper Knoll will be $20 per day. On Weekends and Holiday periods, it will be $25 per day. After 1 p.m., the parking becomes free again. Carpoolers with three or more people who reserve will also get free spots, regardless of their arrival time.
The Meadows Lot will also now feature paid parking. On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, parking will cost $15 a day. This policy will also apply during peak periods. It will go back to free parking if you arrive at 1 p.m. or later. Also, carpoolers will be able to park there for free, and don’t need reservations. S
Starting on April 9th, 2026-27 parking passes at Meadows will be on sale. It will cost $300 per vehicle.
“Rolling out a new parking program this winter is about encouraging shifts in how our guests and community arrive at the resort,” said Dave Hunter, president and chief operating officer for SSRC. “We are optimistic that these changes will enhance the experience for the broader community by reducing traffic congestion on peak days, decreasing the number of single occupancy vehicles and minimizing the need for overflow lots.”
I do think this is a good time to recommend Steamboat Springs’ excellent bus transit system for visitors. If you go on vacation there, you can make do with just the city’s bus system. I ended up renting a car when I went out there, but I barely used it. The only real trouble is figuring out how to get from the airport to Steamboat, although shuttles are available.
However, this announcement is a tough break if you like making day trips there.
Image/Video Credits: PeakRankings, Steamboat Resort
