Why Steamboat is Highly Rated for Tree Runs

Steamboat has rightfully claimed the gold award for Best Ski Resorts for Tree Runs in the world 2025 with an impressive rating of 4.78/5.00. The resort's legendary glade runs are what truly set it apart, with one Snomad user Karen enthusiastically declaring it has "the best tree runs in the world!" The mountain's famous "champagne powder" perfectly complements its forest terrain, creating an unmatched tree skiing experience through beautifully spaced Aspen groves. Deion, an expert skier who's been visiting since the 1980s, highlights that Steamboat is specifically "known for its powder skiing, champagne powder and tree skiing." This perfect combination of light, fluffy snow and expertly maintained glades creates an environment where riders of all abilities can experience the joy of weaving through trees at their own pace.

What makes Steamboat's forest terrain exceptional is the natural spacing between trees, allowing for smooth navigation while maintaining an authentic backcountry feel. Advanced skier Lesia notes that the terrain offers "fantastic pockets of fresh powder even at the end of the day," a testament to how the tree areas preserve snow quality longer than open runs. Ben, an advanced snowboarder, specifically praises the "great trees" alongside the high snowfall totals that make these areas so special. The gladed runs feature natural obstacles that create just the right amount of challenge without becoming overwhelming, allowing intermediate riders to progress while giving experts plenty of creative line choices. With extensive acreage dedicated to varied forest terrain, Steamboat delivers a tree skiing experience that consistently exceeds expectations and clearly justifies its gold award status.

Is the forest calling your name? Read our full resort guide to see how Winter Park stacks up across all 20 of our community-rated categories!