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1. When did the Steamboat Springs Airport open?

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 received its FAA Part 139 certification. Commercial service ceased in 1995. Since that time, the Steamboat Springs Airport has operated as a general aviation airport.

2. How is the level of activity at the airport measured? How busy is the airport?

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 Springs Airport averages 10,000 operations per year.

3. What are the airport's hours of operation?

The Steamboat Springs 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.

4. What economic benefit does the Steamboat Springs Airport provide?

A 2013 Economic Impact Study performed by the Colorado Division of Aeronautics indicated that the Steamboat Springs Airport has a $8.8 million impact on the local and Colorado economies. The airport also generates nearly 100 jobs, both on and off the airport.

5. Do you have a commercial airline flight to...?

No. The Steamboat Springs Airport does not have scheduled commercial airline service. However, the airport does have charter companies that can take you around the world on your schedule.

ALL commercial passenger service/flights land at the Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN) in Hayden, Colorado. Steamboat/HDN is located approximately 28 miles west of downtown Steamboat Springs and is served by a number of airlines. 

6. Why isn't there scheduled service at the Steamboat Springs Airport?

Commercial service ceased in 1995 and currently there is no scheduled commercial air carrier service. Due to 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 Springs 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.

7. Can I fly out of the Steamboat Springs Airport if I don't own an airplane? It's so close to my house...

Absolutely. Charter companies are more than willing to take you anywhere you like. Visit the links page for more information on their services.

8. What ground transportation/rental car companies operate at Steamboat?

There are no rental car companies based at the Steamboat Springs Airport. However,  Hertz, Avis, Steamboat Motor Rentals, or GO Alpine provide requested service. All will deliver vehicles to the airport; however, a fee may be charged. 

•  Avis: 970-276-4377 
• Hertz: 970-276-3304 
• Steamboat Motor Rentals: 970-879-7424 
• Go Alpine (taxi or private vehicles): 970-879-2800

9. Is it snowing? What are the runway conditions?

The Steamboat Springs 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-inch storm, the runway is cleared and useable by 7am daily. If it's not snowing, ground operations may still be clearing snow to ready for the next storm.

Current airport conditions can be accessed by two cameras fixed to the terminal. 

• View to the south
• View to the west

10. Who owns and runs the airport?

The City of Steamboat Springs owns and operates the Steamboat Springs Airport, as well as the sole Fixed Based Operation. Airport staffing consists of two full-time employees and four part-time employees, who report to the Airport Manager. The Yampa Valley Airport Commission and the Steamboat Springs City Council provide policy direction.

11. Why do so many airplanes take off and land in the same direction?

Airplanes must takeoff and land into the wind. The primary wind direction at the Steamboat Springs Airport is from the northwest. About 85% of the traffic takes off and lands to the north.