STEAMBOAT WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 5 - 9, 2020

STEAMBOAT WINTER CARNIVAL FEBRUARY 5 - 9, 2020

Book your room now with us and enjoy five days of winter events 

The Fairfield Inn is the only Marriott branded Steamboat Springs Hotel; ALL rooms are smoke-free! Enjoy FREE Hot Continental Breakfast, FREE HSIA and USA Today. The Fairfield Inn Steamboat is indeed your winter base camp for adventure, with its natural hot springs, friendly local people and a great old western town full of character, history, & of course, famous champagne powder skiing all just minutes away. 

Steamboat boasts wonderful old stores like the 100 year old F.M.Light, museums, galleries & a great variety of restaurants from BBQ to gourmet, at prices you just don't see in other ski resorts. When it comes to winter adventure, Steamboat has something for everyone; festivals, nordic and alpine skiing, CAT/Heli Skiing, a winter driving school, sleigh rides, and the best snowmobiling in North America. The Fairfield Inn is the real thing too - from the warm welcome & stone fireplace ablaze in the lobby to the spacious rooms, spa & fireplace suites, all at a surprisingly low price.

Click here for the Winter Carnival Schedule 

Celebrate 107 Years of Winter Tradition in Steamboat Springs

Mention a parade and fireworks and people say that’s typical. Talk about adults on shovels being pulled down main street behind horses or skiers jumping through fiery hoops and people stop to listen. In Steamboat Springs we do things differently, and with the oldest, continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi, this event is certainly no different.

JAN. 2019 Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill

Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill 

and Cowboy Up Party & Balloon Glow

Book your room direct with us

Fairfield Inn and Suites

Steamboat Springs

3200 South Lincoln Ave.

Steamboat Springs, Co 80477

970-870-9000

It is time to cowboy up and get the party started for the 44th Annual Cowboy Downhill. Join us Sunday night at 5 pm by the base of the Steamboat Ski Area for an evening of sensory delight. View the beauty of six magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery.

The fun continues with Night Skiing at 5:30pm. After a few runs the party really begins at the Bear River Bar & Grill. Join cowboys who will be racing in the Cowboy Downhill and dance the night away with musical entertainment from Georgia based legends Banks & Shane. Steamboat splendor all rolled into one night.

January 
It is time to cowboy up and get the party started for the 40th Annual Cowboy Downhill. Join us Sunday night at 5pm by the base of the Steamboat Ski Area for an evening of sensory delight. View the beauty of six magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village. Spectators can stroll among the tethered balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery. The fun continues with Night Skiing at 5:30pm. After a few runs the party really begins at the Bear River Bar & Grill. Join cowboys who will be racing in the Cowboy Downhill and dance the night away with musical entertainment from Georgia based legends Banks & Shane. Steamboat splendor all rolled into one night.

It all began 40 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time All-Around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the Pro Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the Downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country.

Sponsored by Bud Light, the Cowboy Downhill is always scheduled to coincide with the National Western Stock Show in Denver and the action busts out of the starting chutes at 1:00pm on Stampede on Monday, January 20th. After the race, kick up your boots with a free concert as part of the Bud Light Rocks the Boat Concert Series.

Winter Carnival: Trip Itinerary February 3 through 7 2018

Winter Carnival: Trip Itinerary

Book Directly Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Steamboat Springs -

Call Phone: (970) 870-9000

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.

Winter Carnival Wed. Feb. 7, 2018 - Sun. Feb. 11, 2018

Winter Carnival

Wed. Feb. 7, 2018 - Sun. Feb. 11, 2018

Book Now at Fairfield Inn

Book Directly Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Steamboat Springs -
Call Phone: (970) 870-9000

5:30 PM

Various locations, Steamboat Springs

CELEBRATE 105 YEARS OF WINTER TRADITION IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS

Mention a parade and fireworks and people say that’s typical. Talk about adults on shovels being pulled down main street behind horses or skiers jumping through fiery hoops and people stop to listen. In Steamboat Springs we do things differently, and with the oldest, continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi, this event is certainly no different.

ABOUT THE WINTER CARNIVAL

Winter Carnival was started by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) as a way to help residents cope with cabin fever during the height of the Colorado winter season.

The event continues to this day as a way to celebrate winter; as a reason for neighbors to gather; and as an opportunity for everyone to experience a piece of Ski Town USA® history and tradition.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Saturday and Sunday highlight the event with the Winter Carnival Street Events and the Night Show Extravaganza. The Street Events feature local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids being pulled on skis behind horses right down main street in downtown Steamboat. A crowd favorite, the "Donkey Jump", sends kids soaring off a jump for up to 40, or even 50 feet.

On Saturday, the Night Extravaganza on Howelsen Hill is lit up with colors as Winter Sports Club athletes flip through the air off the jumps while others descend down the mountain leaving a red glow outlining perfect ski turns.

Winter Carnival Hashtag

The last down the mountain is always the twinkle light wrapped Lighted Man with roman candles shooting out of his backpack, which makes for a spectacular opening act for the fireworks show to close out the night.

See below for more details on the street events and full event schedule for Winter Carnival.

FULL SCHEDULE

   

STREET EVENTS SCHEDULE

WINTER CARNIVAL REGISTRATION

Registration for the 2018 Street Events will open February 2 at 10:00 a.m. More Information

EVENT TICKETING

A Winter Carnival button is required for entry and spectating at all events. Some events require tickets as well. Please be sure to check the schedule for details.

Winter Carnival buttons are for purchase at the following local businesses: Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club - Howelsen Hill Lodge, Yampa Valley Bank, City Offices, Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, Steamboat Art Museum, Info Center at Steamboat Resort, Yampa Valley Medical Center, Resort Group, Sotheby's International Realty, Wyndham Vacation, and Olsen Development. Show your support of the Winter Carnival and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club by making your purchase.

PLAN YOUR WINTER CARNIVAL VACATION

Peruse our suggested itinerary for ideas on how to plan your Winter Carnival vacation with your family and friends. Let us guide you through the Winter Carnival event schedule, as well as experiencing all the winter activities Steamboat has to enjoy!

WINTER CARNIVAL ITINERARY

WINTER CARNIVAL VIDEO PLAYLIST

View our Winter Carnival video playlist below for an inside look at the amazing events that take place during the carnival, including an interview with Leif Howelsen, son of Carl Howelsen (founder of the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival), that shows us the history and tradition behind this wonderful event.

Parade Application

The Diamond Hitch Parade will be held on Sunday, February 10, 2018 at approximately 11:30 a.m., immediately following the Street Events on Lincoln Ave. Participants will line up at 11:00 a.m. Anyone is welcome to enter the parade.

VOLUNTEER AND SPONSOR

Find information in the below links for options on how you or your business can be a part of this unique and traditional Steamboat winter event.

VOLUNTEER

Sponsorship

With the aim of maximizing benefits for sponsorships and streamlining the process for event partners, the Chamber believes that combining sponsorship for both the Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza and Street Events will provide our members and the local business community with increased visibility, and a more streamlined process to become a sponsor of Winter Carnival. Our events team will partner with the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and will continue to produce the classic downtown Street Events on Saturday and Sunday, while the SSWSC will take the reins of managing sponsorship for the entire 2018 Winter Carnival. For more sponsorship information please contact Lane Malone, Director of Development for the SSWSC at (970) 879-0695, ext. 115 or lmalone@sswsc.org.

Steamboat Springs - Winter Carnival

Steamboat Springs -  104th Winter Carnival 

Wed. Feb. 8, 2017 - Sun. Feb. 12, 2017

Steamboat Springs Hotel Winter Base Camp for Adventure

The Fairfield Inn is the only Marriott branded Steamboat Springs Hotel; ALL rooms are smoke-free! Enjoy FREE Hot Continental Breakfast, FREE HSIA and USA Today. The Fairfield Inn Steamboat is indeed your winter base camp for adventure, with its natural hot springs, friendly local people and a great old western town full of character, history, & of course, famous champagne powder skiing all just minutes away. Steamboat boasts wonderful old stores like the 100 year old F.M.Light, museums, galleries & a great variety of restaurants from BBQ to gourmet, at prices you just don't see in other ski resorts. When it comes to winter adventure, Steamboat has something for everyone; festivals, nordic and alpine skiing, CAT/Heli Skiing, a winter driving school, sleigh rides, and the best snowmobiling in North America. The Fairfield Inn is the real thing too - from the warm welcome & stone fireplace ablaze in the lobby to the spacious rooms, spa & fireplace suites, all at a surprisingly low price. 

Book Now Click Here

Winter Carnival 

The Steamboat Winter Carnival runs Wednesday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 12, 2017
Various times & locations, Steamboat Springs see schedule below.

A $10 Winter Carnival Button is required to participate or spectate in events! Available at:
Aces Hardware
All That
Allen’s Clothing      
Alpine Bank      
Bud Werner Memorial Library    
Steamboat Chamber
Christy Sports at Central Park Plaza      
City Market    
City Offices
Colorado Mountain College    
FM Light & Sons
Highmark  
The Lodge
Lyon’s Drug      
Off the Beaten Path      
Olson Development    
One Steamboat Place    
Paws & Claws      
Safeway    
Ski Haus
Ski Inn      
SSWSC    
SSRC Info Center
Steamboat Art Museum    
Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty    
Steamboat Village Brokers
Wild Plum      
Wyndham Vacation Rentals      
Yampa Valley Bank      
Yampa Valley Medical Center


CELEBRATE 104 YEARS OF WINTER TRADITION IN STEAMBOAT SPRINGS
Mention a parade and fireworks and people say that’s typical. Talk about adults on shovels being pulled down main street behind horses or skiers jumping through fiery hoops and people stop to listen. In Steamboat Springs we do things differently, and with the oldest, continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi, this event is certainly no different.

The Winter Carnival was started by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) as a way to help residents cope with cabin fever during the height of the Colorado winter season.

The event continues to this day as a way to celebrate winter; as a reason for neighbors to gather; and as an opportunity for everyone to experience a piece of Ski Town USA® history and tradition.

What To Expect Click Here for Video!

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
http://www.sswsc.org/events/winter-carnival
Saturday and Sunday highlight the event with the Winter Carnival Street Events and the Night Show Extravaganza. The Street Events feature local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids being pulled on skis behind horses right down main street in downtown Steamboat. A crowd favorite, the "Donkey Jump", sends kids soaring off a jump for up to 40, or even 50 feet.

For More Information Click Here