Howler Alpine Slide Opens Early for Steamboat Memorial Day Weekend

The Howler Alpine Slide is opening early. Not because the board of directors decided to squeeze more revenue out of a tourist-heavy weekend, but because the weather finally cooperated.

That’s the counterintuitive part. We often assume early openings in this valley are a gamble against unpredictable spring conditions — a risk that leads to cancellations and angry emails. This year, the gamble paid off. The slide opens this Saturday, May 23, catching the Memorial Day weekend crowd before the full summer rush.

“This is kind of a good early start, and we’re excited to be able to offer something on Memorial weekend,” said Jon Nolting, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) chief operating officer.

The decision to open a week early isn’t just about beating the heat. It’s about the people who actually run the place. The slide will operate on a six-day schedule until May 30, giving high school-age employees time to finish out their school year. That’s a specific, human-centric detail that gets lost in the broader narrative of tourism revenue. These aren’t just seasonal laborers; they’re local kids balancing exams with shifts atop Howelsen Hill.

The slide itself is a 2,400-foot stretch of concrete and steel that offers a panoramic view of the rodeo grounds, the Yampa River, and downtown Steamboat. It’s been here for 25 years. That’s a long time in infrastructure years, but Nolting says the ground has settled.

“Although issues with the Howelsen chairlift towers due to movement in the ground have led to closures in the past, the current towers have been stable for around four years,” Nolting said. “The track itself is built so small movements can be individually adjusted for, but Nolting noted that these movements are minimal and pose no issues to the slide’s overall structure.”

So, what’s it going to cost you? Scenic chairlift rides are $12. If you want to haul your bike up for the Emerald Mountain trails, that’s $16 for the first ride and $10 for same-day re-rides. An all-day mountain bike pass runs $45.

Nolting sees the slide as more than just a thrill ride. He views it as a vital amenity that brings energy to the west side of the river.

“Howelsen is such a great park. (The slide) is another amenity that brings energy and things to do over on this side of the river,” he said.

The financial structure is straightforward: SSWSC and the Howler Alpine Slide operate as distinct businesses, but the slide is an extension of the club’s program. All proceeds go directly back to the club. This isn’t a private equity play; it’s a community reinvestment loop. The first goal is safety and fun. The second is a successful summer season.

There’s a distinct rhythm to who uses the slide and how they use it. Locals know the shortcuts. Tourists linger.

“The locals enjoy it, they tend to go fast. From out of town, they tend to take their time a bit more, but not necessarily,” Nolting said. “Everybody can kind of go their own speed and be comfortable.”

The operational hours for the Memorial Day weekend stretch are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Once the full summer season kicks in on May 30, the slide operates seven days a week. After that, the schedule tightens. June runs until August 9 with hours from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. By mid-August, it shifts to 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The final stretch sees reduced hours, ending with weekend-only operation from September 12 to 20.

Tickets are sold at the hut at the base of the chairlift. If you’re looking to work off the ride, they’re hiring summer staff. You need to be at least 15.

Nolting’s hope is simple. He wants everyone who rides the Howler to leave with a smile. It’s a modest goal for a 25-year-old institution, but in a town where infrastructure can feel like a constant battle against the elements, a stable slide that opens on time is a victory worth celebrating.

“The locals enjoy it, they tend to go fast,” Nolting said. “From out of town, they tend to take their time a bit more, but not necessarily. Everybody can kind of go their own speed and be comfortable.”