Lufthansa Business to Denver and Steamboat

By: Kimmen00

Inspired by last year's glowing reviews of Colorado's ski scene, we decided to craft our own winter escape to Steamboat Springs for a February holiday. After extensive research, we selected an all-inclusive package—hotel, lift passes, and ski equipment—securing everything well in advance. Our flights were booked soon after, utilizing a valuable 2-for-1 offer.

In this review, we cover every aspect of the journey: Lufthansa's business class flights, Steamboat's world-class ski resort, and the unique activities we discovered along the way. Enjoy this curated luxury travel guide.

Our day began before dawn, with a taxi scheduled for 06:45. The airport was bustling, filled with families embarking on winter getaways—evident from the abundance of ski bags at the SAS counters. Fortunately, business class check-in was swift, and we breezed through security, heading straight to the T5 Gold Lounge for breakfast.

Despite the lounge being packed with families, the ambiance remained surprisingly calm. Breakfast options included cultured milk, yogurt, cereals, and a variety of breads with toppings ranging from cheeses to ham and fresh vegetables. Porridge was also available. The spread was satisfying, though I missed the cottage cheese, which is no longer offered. We enjoyed a hearty meal before making our way to the departure gate at 09:30.

For our short hop to Frankfurt, we boarded a 737-600. Within Europe, "Plus" class primarily offers a forward cabin seat and a boxed meal, but the seat comfort remains standard. The flight was nearly at capacity, but I was fortunate to have an empty middle seat next to me, a rare luxury. The journey was smooth and swift. The children kept entertained with audiobooks and games.

The adult meal featured tender veal with carrots, potatoes, and apple, while the children's meal was penne pasta with chicken breast—both thoughtfully presented. The crew was attentive and efficient, ensuring the flight was comfortable for all guests.

We had a two-hour layover at Frankfurt Airport. Clearing passport control at the Z pier was a breeze, and we reached the Senator Lounge by Z50 within half an hour of landing. The lounge is expansive, with a design nearly identical to the A50 lounge one level below, but with even more space dedicated to relaxation.

Catering included a staffed station serving vegetarian kebabs, curry chicken with rice, minestrone and tomato soups, and a diverse salad bar. The dessert section featured apple strudel with custard and vanilla panna cotta. For children, a generous candy selection was available, including Haribo, licorice, and lollipops.

Adults enjoyed a premium bar with multiple gins, single malt whisky, cognac, Baileys, and vodka. Weissbier was on tap, and Leffe Blond and Dunkel were served chilled. The lounge never felt crowded, except briefly at the food counter. After a restful hour, we proceeded to board our Denver-bound flight.

Our itinerary originally listed a 747-400, but we were delighted to discover Lufthansa had upgraded the route to the new 787-9 Dreamliner—a change enthusiastically announced by the captain. Business class was located on the upper deck, a novelty for our children who were thrilled by the staircase inside the aircraft. The cabin was fully booked, largely with business travelers.

Our chosen seats, 83A and 83C, were ideally positioned with no seats directly behind, offering extra privacy. The flight attendant responsible for our section greeted us by name and promptly served Champagne. Amenity kits came in stylish leather cases, practical for future use, and included all the essentials. Children received generously filled amenity bags, rivaling leading Asian and Middle Eastern carriers, with games, toiletries, and Lufthansa treats. Our daughter received compliments for her "designer-style" amenity bag from the crew.

The business class seat design is outstanding—angled for privacy with ample window-side storage. The in-flight entertainment system is responsive, featuring a 15-inch touchscreen loaded with over 200 films and complete TV series—an area where Lufthansa clearly outpaces many European competitors.

Service began shortly after takeoff. Our flight attendant was attentive, delivering drinks and managing meal service seamlessly. Starters included beef carpaccio, followed by an exceptional salmon main course. The cheese platter with port wine provided a refined finish. The children's meal arrived on a large tray with a chicken wrap, salad, chocolate mousse, and snacks, followed by a generous gnocchi and tomato sauce entrée. Wines, especially the German Riesling, were frequently topped up.

The Dreamliner provided a remarkably quiet and restful journey, allowing us all to sleep for several hours. A light second meal of Caesar salad and coconut soup was served before landing. Overall, service and product quality on this flight exceeded our expectations—Lufthansa's offering was competitive with leading international airlines, and superior to Scandinavian business class in both hard and soft product.

Arriving at Denver International Airport, we encountered lengthy queues at customs and passport control, followed by a busy scene at the Hertz rental desk. It took nearly two hours to collect our luggage and secure our car.

We had pre-booked Embassy Suites near the airport. The evening reception offered complimentary snacks and drinks, including nachos, fresh vegetables with dips, and a selection of local beers and wines. For the children, we ordered pizza and mac and cheese, satisfying their post-flight hunger. After dinner, the kids enjoyed a swim in the indoor pool before bedtime. Our suite was spacious, featuring two queen beds and a separate living area—typical of upscale American chain hotels.

Breakfast at Embassy Suites was a classic American buffet, with made-to-order omelets, pancakes, and a broad selection of cereals, breads, and pastries. Well-fueled, we set out for Steamboat Springs.

The drive from Denver to Steamboat takes about 3.5 hours and offers dramatic Rocky Mountain vistas. We were mindful of changing weather, but road crews kept the highways clear and gritted. The route wound through snow-dusted ranchlands with herds of cattle, horses, and even bison visible from the car. The scenery was breathtaking, and it's easy to imagine the area’s summer beauty. We stopped at Walmart for supplies and passed by the Silverthorne Outlets, which we found unremarkable.

By early afternoon, we arrived in Steamboat, picked up our rental skis, and checked into our slope-side apartment at Storm Meadows East. Lift passes had arrived by mail, streamlining our arrival.

Storm Meadows East is managed by Mountain Resorts, which operates several properties in the area. We selected this location for its genuine ski-in, ski-out convenience—just a few steps from the back door, you can clip into your skis and glide directly to the lifts. This level of access made for a seamless skiing experience.

Our one-bedroom apartment featured a fully equipped kitchen, breakfast bar, and a living area with a dining table and four chairs. The decor embraced a contemporary alpine style, with wooden accents and warm tones. The balcony caught the afternoon sun, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes. Additional amenities included ski lockers, a washer/dryer, a king-size bed, and a sofa bed for the kids.

Snowfall was abundant—over 2.5 meters on the ground, and it continued snowing throughout our stay, enhancing the winter wonderland ambiance.

Steamboat ranks among the largest ski resorts in North America, boasting 169 trails and a summit elevation of 3,244 meters. Annually, the resort averages over 10 meters of snowfall, making it the snowiest destination in Colorado. The mountain is divided into multiple zones, each offering unique terrain and experiences, described in detail below:

Gondola Square serves as the heart of the resort, with the Steamboat Gondola whisking guests up the mountain. Since 2019, the gondolas have been upgraded to accommodate 12 passengers each, increasing uphill capacity by nearly 50% to 34,000 skiers per hour. The base area features beginner slopes, a mountain coaster, and high-speed chairlifts.

The gondola provides access to most of the mountain, delivering skiers to Thunderhead—an area with approximately 40 trails and four chairlifts. The terrain here ranges from gentle greens to challenging blacks. While weekends can see lines at the gondola (especially during major events like the annual Bluegrass Festival), the mountain’s sheer size disperses crowds rapidly, ensuring minimal wait times for other lifts. Most days, we found ourselves enjoying wide, freshly groomed runs with hardly another skier in sight.

 )

This expansive section features five chairlifts and roughly 30 trails. The eastern slopes cater to beginners with gentle gradients, while the western side offers steeper, more challenging runs reminiscent of Europe's famed "walls," but with Steamboat's signature soft powder. Queues at the main Sunshine Express lift were minimal, and most lifts allowed us to ski straight on—an impressive testament to the resort's efficient lift system.

Situated on the mountain’s far side, Morningside Park is a vast playground for tree skiing and off-piste exploration. While the trail map lists about 10 marked runs, the real allure is the freedom to carve your own path among the glades. After fresh snowfall, this area is magical—each descent felt like a private adventure. It quickly became a daily highlight for our group.

Accessible from Morningside, Mt Werner features steep, forested slopes leading to the Pony Express lift. This area is primarily for advanced skiers, with around 20 black-diamond runs—ranging from steep chutes to narrow mogul fields and winding tree-lined descents. For thrill-seekers, Mt Werner offers some of the most varied and exciting terrain in Colorado.

Steamboat’s snow and runs exceeded our expectations in every way. The famed "Champagne Powder"—light, dry, and fluffy—created an unparalleled skiing surface. Having skied extensively in Scandinavia and the Alps, I can confidently say Steamboat’s conditions rival the best in the world. We arrived to 30 cm of fresh snow, granting us two days of exceptional powder skiing. Early in the week, temperatures hovered between -10°C and -15°C, but the lack of wind and Colorado’s intense sun made it feel warmer. As the week progressed, daytime highs reached 0°C, with the sun’s strength making the air feel much milder.

Sun protection was essential—despite using SPF 50, the children still developed a sun-kissed glow on their noses. As the snow firmed up later in the week, we ventured more frequently off-piste. After our departure, the region received another 60 cm of snow, a reminder of Steamboat’s reliable snowfall.

Lift lines were only an issue at the central lifts on weekends and at popular slope-side restaurants. After the weekend rush, the resort emptied out, and we enjoyed virtually private runs. Staying slope-side allowed us to maximize our ski days, with lifts operating from 08:00 to 16:00. The resort also offers night skiing on select Thursdays, but after full days on the mountain, we found little need for extra hours.

The grooming was exceptional—velvety, soft snow persisted all day due to both the low skier density and the unique snow composition. Unlike many European resorts, there were no afternoon moguls or icy patches, making even the steepest runs enjoyable for all skill levels.

Steamboat commands premium pricing, especially for on-mountain dining, which even our children noticed. We opted for lunches in our apartment most days and dined out only once. However, Colorado remains affordable in other respects—fuel, groceries, and retail shopping were noticeably cheaper than on either U.S. coast.

While skiing is the main draw in Steamboat, the town and surrounding area offer a diverse array of activities for all interests.

Downtown Steamboat Springs is a ten-minute drive from the resort and exudes small-town charm with its Western heritage. The main street is lined with boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. We browsed authentic cowboy hats, sampled local fare, and enjoyed the relaxed pace. It’s an ideal outing for a leisurely afternoon or evening.

Steamboat is home to the longest mountain coaster in the United States—a thrilling ride that combines the excitement of a roller coaster with the alpine scenery. Our SVIP package included complimentary tickets, and the experience was exhilarating, with sharp turns and panoramic views at every twist.

Steamboat Springs earned its name from the region’s natural hot springs, which early French explorers mistook for steamboat engines. While Strawberry Park Hot Springs are the most renowned, we visited Old Town Hot Springs in the heart of downtown for convenience. The facility features multiple outdoor pools fed by mineral-rich, 38°C water, as well as chlorinated pools, waterslides, a climbing wall, and a dedicated fitness pool. The center also offers a gym, massage therapies, and saunas.

As dusk fell, steam rising from the hot pools created an enchanting atmosphere—especially as the air cooled around us. The children loved the waterslides, and the entire experience was a perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Other activities in the area include snowmobiling and horseback riding through the snow, but our main focus remained on skiing and a handful of curated excursions.

On our final day, the weather shifted—sunshine gave way to clouds and snow by evening. We departed early to ensure we had ample time for the 3.5-hour drive back to Denver. Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and our Nissan Rogue's tires were not ideal for severe conditions, but Colorado’s road maintenance teams were always prepared and efficient. We enjoyed clear roads and spring-like temperatures in Denver, which can fluctuate dramatically in March.

With a little extra time before our flight, we detoured to a small Dinosaur Discovery Center. Colorado is famous for its paleontological finds, and the center offered fascinating exhibits for children, including fossilized footprints and dinosaur skeletons. The adjacent Dinosaur Ridge trail, featuring real dinosaur tracks, is an experience we’ve earmarked for a future summer visit.

After returning our rental car to Hertz, we checked in for our flight and sought out the United Club lounge. Both United Club lounges are located in Concourse B (B West and B East), with the West lounge recently renovated. Our flight departed from Concourse A, requiring a shuttle train transfer. The B West lounge at B32 is spacious, featuring a staffed bar, coffee machines, and a range of snacks—sandwiches, fresh vegetables with dip, Parma ham and mozzarella, soups, and more.

Complimentary beverages included Budweiser on tap, two wine selections, and basic spirits; premium options were available for purchase. While the lounge was busy, it provided a comfortable pre-flight retreat. The transfer from B to A took about 15 minutes, so we left with time to spare before boarding.

For our return to Frankfurt, we flew aboard a 747-400, again seated in rows 82 and 83A/C. Our flight attendant was exceptionally warm and efficient, promptly offering Champagne as we settled in. Business class was at full capacity, mostly with corporate travelers.

The seating was similar to the 747-8, though storage space by the windows was more limited. The in-flight entertainment system was an older generation—large screens with good resolution, but not touchscreen, requiring use of the handheld remote, which was occasionally unresponsive. The film library remained extensive, with over 200 titles. Amenity kits this time were pencil-case style and included L’Occitane products—each kit containing a different cream (hand, body, or facial). Children were given games and activity sets instead of the elaborate bags from the outbound journey.

Shortly after takeoff, drinks and dinner were served. Lufthansa’s menu reflected American influences, with standout dishes like chipotle shrimp, perfectly cooked steak, and a curated cheese plate. The children enjoyed ham and cheese sandwiches, mac and cheese, and chicken fingers—generous portions all around. Beverage service was attentive, with frequent refills from our dedicated flight attendant.

After a seamless passport check, we entered the Schengen zone and made our way to the Senator Lounge at A50. The lounge mirrors the Z50 location in layout, though it's slightly smaller and busier, especially at lunchtime. Culinary offerings included sliced kebabs, a variety of chicken stews and soups, a salad bar, pretzels, fresh fruit, and desserts. Six private shower suites are available—a welcome amenity for long-haul travelers. I took advantage of a refreshing shower and found the facilities modern and immaculate.

Our final segment home was operated by an Airbus A319, with boarding via a remote bus gate—an unexpectedly extensive tour of Frankfurt Airport’s tarmac. The business cabin was only half full. Lufthansa’s intra-European business class mirrors SAS Plus, with subtle distinctions: the use of seat blocks for added space and meals served on a tray with complimentary beverages.

The meal featured a small ham and melon plate alongside a calamari salad—a unique combination that was surprisingly enjoyable. The flight was uneventful, punctual, and we landed in Stockholm feeling satisfied, if a bit weary, after our adventure.

Colorado left a lasting impression on us, and just days later, I secured another Lufthansa award flight to Denver for July—192,000 miles for our family of four, an excellent redemption. We look forward to returning, perhaps for more Steamboat powder next winter.

Special thanks to @Senator

for invaluable Steamboat advice, and thank you for reading our luxury travel report!