Steamboat has a softer landing than many big western resorts. The town feels warm, the mountain has a friendly rhythm, and the tree-skiing reputation gives stronger skiers something to chase when the snow is good. It's a destination that doesn't need to intimidate people to impress them.
The best Steamboat trips are about flow. Families, intermediates, and advanced skiers can all find their lane without turning the vacation into a test piece. When the snow comes in light and soft, the trees become the whole argument.
The tradeoff is that Steamboat isn't the sharpest expert mountain in Colorado. If your group wants steep, dramatic terrain above all else, other places have more bite. Steamboat wins when the full trip matters.