Frequently asked questions about the Steamboat Springs Airport:
- Why are there two airports nearby?
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Refer to the Yampa Airport Commission Report on this issue.
- When did the airport open?
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The Steamboat Springs Airport began in 1952 as a dirt landing strip. Mr. Bob Adams spearheaded an airport improvement plan in 1976 and by 1981, the airport had received its FAA Part 139 certification. Commercial service ceased in 1995. Since that time it has been operated as a general aviation airport.
- How is the level of activity at the airport measured? How busy is the airport?
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Activity levels at airports are measured by aircraft operations. An operation is defined by the FAA as a takeoff or a landing. So, a "touch and go" conducted by a training aircraft counts as two operations. With 73 based aircraft, the Steamboat Airport averages 10,000 operations per year.
- What are the airport's hours of operation?
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The Steamboat Airport is open for business 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in all weather conditions. The Airport is attended daily 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the winter, and 7am to 6pm in the summer.
- What economic benefit does the Steamboat Airport provide?
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A 2003 economic impact study performed by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics indicated that the Steamboat Airport has a $7.5 million impact on the local and Colorado economies. The airport also generates 116 jobs, both on and off the airport.
- Do you have an airline flight to...?
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No. The Steamboat Airport does not have scheduled airline flights. We do have charter companies that can take you around the world on your schedule.
- What is the "scheduled service" issue at the Steamboat Airport?
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Commercial service ceased in 1995 and as of 2004, there is no scheduled air carrier service. Due to several factors including runway length, instrument approaches and economic factors related to the operations of Denver International Airport, the likelihood of air carrier service returning to the Steamboat Airport is doubtful. The City intends to concentrate on operating the airport as a general aviation facility, maintaining the current infrastructure and levels of service.
- Can I fly out of the Steamboat Airport if I don't own an airplane? It's so close to my house...
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Absolutely. Our charter companies are more than willing to take you anywhere you like. Visit our links page for more information on their services.
- What ground transportation/rental car companies operate at Steamboat?
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There are no rental car companies based at the airport. However, you can contact Herz, Avis, Steamboat Motor Rentals, or GO Alpine at the following numbers. All will deliver to the airport, however some may charge a fee:
Avis: 970-276-4377
Hertz: 970-276-3304
Steamboat Motor Rentals: 970-879-7424
Go Alpine (taxi or private vehicles): 970-879-2800
- Is it snowing? What are the runway conditions?
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The Steamboat Airport begins snow removal operations at 0600L (6 am local) and ends around 1700L (5 pm local) daily November through April. For a typical 6" storm the runway is cleared and useable by 7am daily. If it's not snowing, we are still clearing snow to get ready for the next storm.
- Who owns and runs the airport?
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The City of Steamboat Springs owns and operates the airport, as well as the sole Fixed Based Operation. Airport staffing consists of 2 full-time employees and 4 part-time employees, who report to the Airport Manager. The Yampa Valley Airport Commission and the Steamboat Springs City Council provide policy direction.
- Why do so many airplanes take off and land in the same direction?
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Airplanes must takeoff and land into the wind. The primary wind direction here at Steamboat is from the northwest.. About 85% of the traffic at Steamboat takes off and lands to the north.
