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The Winter Carnival, produced by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club is an event steeped in ski history and Western heritage. Plan a weekend getaway in Steamboat February 3 through 7 to experience everything from the Night Extravaganza to Champagne Powder®.
Purchase a Winter Carnival Button ($10.00) to show your support of the Winter Carnival and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club! More details at sswsc.org.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
After a steaming hot cup of cowboy coffee or cocoa, it’s time to get the kiddos on the slopes with the classic Soda Pop Slalom on Mount Werner.
After lunch on the deck of the Bear River Bar & Grill, let a Vintage Ski Race & Ski Fashion Show take you back to the days of neon onesies and leather boots. Back at historic Howelsen Hill, watch Nordic ski jumpers launch into the Yampa Valley air all afternoon in the Nordic Jumping Exhibition, complete with a community snow tubing party for the whole family to enjoy.
Winter Carnival Soda Pop Slalom and Hot Springs
As the evening wanes, take a scenic drive to Strawberry Park Hot Springs and soak in the natural mineral waters. You might even see some reindeer along the way.
At 7 p.m. in Olympian Hall, see the swanky side of Steamboat at the annual Sorel Soiree.
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11
There’s nothing quite like it in the West: imagine downtown Steamboat’s Lincoln Avenue covered with snow, as horses pull children of all ages on skis as they streak down main street and fly off a jump. The Street Events, 9 a.m. to noon, are sure to inspire lifelong memories and strike the enduring chord of the Yampa Valley’s western and skiing heritage.
Be sure to visit the Tread of Pioneers Museum (open Tuesday through Saturday) or take the Historic Walking Tour to learn more about the people and landmarks that made Steamboat what it is today. Perhaps you can chat with a fifth generation local at F.M. Light and Sons en route.
Have lunch outside at a restaurant on Yampa Street overlooking the river, a beautiful frozen scene framed by more ski jumpers flying off the Howelsen Hill jumps.
Winter Carnival Ski Jumping and Night Extravaganza
At 7 p.m., the famous Lighted Man takes center stage at the Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill. Skiers will jump through fiery hoops and fireworks explode off of the snow, dazzling the crowds gathered at the base.
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12
Wake up to plentiful snow and take to the slopes of Steamboat Ski Area. Cruise down impeccably groomed trails or explore the legendary aspen groves and Champagne Powder® that Steamboat Ski Area is known for. Don’t miss a variety of on-mountain dining options and a host of entertainment at the base area.
Or, start your morning with a hike through a winter wonderland, a worthy alternative to a day on the slopes. Snowshoeing trails are abound in the Steamboat Springs area. Just a few miles from downtown Steamboat, the Fish Creek Falls trailhead offers views of the frozen iconic waterfall and several trail options ranging from leisurely to rigorous.
Winter Carnival Skiing Band and Snowshoeing
The Winter Carnival Street Events continue Sunday at 9 a.m., and don’t miss the traditional Diamond Hitch Parade at 11:30 a.m., featuring the high school marching band skiing down Lincoln Avenue as they play, and recognition of the carnivals Queen and Grand Marshals.
End the day with a celebratory evening by riding the gondola to Hazie's, a gourmet restaurant at 9,000 feet. Watch the sun set over Sleeping Giant while dining on a decadent three-course meal.
