The Winter Carnival celebration includes a variety of events that embrace Steamboat's western heritage and highlight our tradition of winter sports.

This unique event includes everything from kids pulled on skis behind horses down a snow-covered main street, to the Lighted Man at the Night Show Extravaganza whose battery-powered suit weighs 70 pounds.

Celebrate 111 Years of Winter Tradition in Steamboat Springs

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's history and tradition.

Schedule:

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

12:00 P.M. Olympic Heritage Tour
Olympic Heritage Tour with Ben Berend, Tread of Pioneers. Location: Howelsen Hill

5:30-6:30 P.M. History Happy Hour
"Flying Saucers, or Off Their Rockers? Colorado’s Role in the 1966-1968 Scientific Study of Unidentified Flying Objects" with Megan K. Friedel, Assistant Professor, Lead Archivist & Head of Collections Management & Stewardship at University of Colorado Boulder *Winter Carnival Button Encouraged! Location: Howelsen Hill

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

5:30 P.M. Opening Ceremonies
A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses, and the Grand Marshals. Location: Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill Lodge, Downtown off of 5th Street

5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Nordic Excavating Hitchens Brothers Wednesday Night Jump
Calling kids ages 8-13 who want to try Nordic jumping at Howelsen Hill! SSWSC coaches will guide beginners to the jump size that fits their age and skill level! Skis only, no snowboards. Hard-shell over-ear helmets are required. Location: Howelsen Hill.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

2:00-6:00 P.M. Air Bag Jam Session
Watch as SSWSC Freestyle, Freeskiing, and Snowboard athletes launch into the air and work on their tricks, landing in a 50’ airbag! Closed to the public, this event offers exceptional photography opportunities of airborne athletes! Location: Howelsen Hill

4:00 P.M. Snow Sculpture Judging
Stroll down Lincoln to view hand-carved snow sculptures! Judging will take place from 3 - 4 p.m. and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced on Feb 10th! Sculptures will be built on February 10th by high school and community teams inspired by the theme, 'Snowplace Like Home'. For more info, contact Steamboat Creates at (970) 879-9008, or [email protected]. Location: Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Steamboat Springs

4-5:30 P.M. Ski Jumping Jamboree
(Ages 4-11, Hill Size Bump & 20, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th) An enjoyable time for children to try the Bump Jump and 20 meter jump at the nordic jumping complex of Howelsen Hill for some "flying fun" on alpine equipment. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate.

4:30-5:30 P.M. Cross-Country Obstacle Race
A fun and entertaining noncompetitive obstacle race for Nordic skiers and "wannabe" Nordic skiers. Spectators are welcome. Pre-registration not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. (Ages 5 -12) Location: Howelsen Hill

4-6 P.M. Family Duals
(All Ages, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th) Everyone is a winner in this friendly competition. Join our family fun by racing or bumping down the junior courses on Howelsen Hill Face. Go head to head on the GS-style race course. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already on file with SSWSC in order to participate.

5-6 P.M. Powdertools Mid-Winter Terrain Park Jam Session
(Ages 14 and Under, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th) Open to both skiers and snowboarders. Located under the lights of Howelsen Hill Terrain Park, this event is open to the public. Pre-registration is required at 4:00 pm at the terrain park. A liability waiver must be signed or already on file with the SSWSC to participate. Practice runs from 4:30-5pm, and Jam Session from 5-6pm.

5-8 P.M. S’more Family Fun Party
Presented by Off the Beaten Path and BookTrails, food provided by Moving Mountains Families. During the evening activities at Howelsen Hill, a family-style chili and s’more party will take place in the big white tent on Vanatta Ballfield.  Just call it S’More Family Fun! Enjoy the outside ski activities, then head into the tent for warm chili, a DJ, and dancing! Complete with a bonfire and s’more-making outside! A Winter Carnival button and ticket are required. Food is served first come, first serve, 5:30-7:30pm. Location: Howelsen Hill Party Tent, Downtown off of 5th Street

Friday, February 9, 2024

10:00 A.M. Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom
(Ages 11 and under, Howelsen Hill, magic carpet)
(Ages 11 and under, Howelsen Hill)
This is a fun race on the magic carpet and is open to any skier or snowboarder ages 11 and under.  NEW THIS YEAR- BIG KID DUALS on the face from 11am-1pm! Two separate races, all can participate in the fun! Registration is required and opens on January 30th. Sign up here.

4:30-5:30 P.M. Nordic Jumping Exhibition
Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes jumping the Hill Size 20, 30, 45, 75 and 100. Location: Howelsen Hill

5-5:30 P.M. Ski Ballet
(Howelsen Hill, Ponyland, the big magic carpet next to the nordic ski jumps)
Wear your sequins and stretch pants! A throwback to the mid-70s and once an official Olympic sport, ski ballet in its purest form included routines choreographed to music consisting of flips, jumps, rolls, spins, and leg crossings. In this Winter Carnival competition, anything goes, but costumes are mandatory! All competitors must attend a pre-competition meeting at 4:30pm on February 10 to sign a waiver and receive a lift ticket by showing Winter Carnival Button. Join the fun as a competitor or spectator at Howelsen Hill.

6:00 - 7:00 P.M. Amateur Ski Jumping
Ski Jumping (on alpine equipment) under the lights on the historic ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Prizes, jumping and high-flying fun. Register ($25) the night of the event from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. (Ages 15+) Location: Howelsen Hill

6:00 - 8:00 P.M. Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race
An exciting on-snow, mountain bike event. Most of the action takes place on the poma ride up to the top of the course, but this year the course will include more terrain and jumps to spice up the action. Come take a chance and ride the course or just spectate and watch the action.  Event includes practice, qualifying, and final competition rounds. Register the night of the event 5:00-5:30pm in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge.
For more information, contact Wheels Bike Shop at 970-819-4805. (Ages 12+) Location: Howelsen Hill

7:00 P.M. - 11:00 P.M. Tito's Mountain Soiree
This Event Is Sold Out. Tito’s Mountain Soirée tickets are only available through SSWSC. Tickets cannot be transferred or resold. If you purchase resale tickets through a third party, we cannot guarantee the authenticity of the tickets.

Saturday, February 10, 2024

8:00 A.M. 100-Meter Nordic Sprint
The Steamboat Springs Nordic Council is looking for the fastest skate skiers in the Boat! They are hosting a 100-meter Nordic Sprint on Lincoln Avenue between 7th and 8th streets prior to the Street Events. The race will have male and female divisions as well as 13 and over and 12 and under age categories. Anyone interested can register for this free event at the Steamboat Touring Center, 970-879-8180. Check in the morning of the event at 7:30 a.m. at 7th Street Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

9:00 A.M. – Noon Street Events
A wildly entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses along snow-covered Lincoln Avenue. Races include street slalom, ski joring, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6-14. Non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration required. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue. Register here for all street events.

1:00 P.M. - Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications
This is a must-see ski jumping event with participants launching off of the HS127 "Big Hill" on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. There is a $100 entry fee to participate. Location: Howelsen Hill

6:45 - 7:15 P.M. Sswsc Athlete Exhibition
Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill. Location: Howelsen Hill

7:30 P.M. Night Extravaganza
Presented By Yampa Valley Bank
Athlete Lighting Provider: Yampa Valley Electric Association
Join us for this must-see evening of entertainment at historic Howelsen Hill!
This community favorite draws thousands of spectators for an exciting light display! The evening starts off highlighting local athletes showing their prowess in the dark, lit by flares and LED lights. The Lighted Man will then ski down Howelsen Hill shooting fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit, and jumpers will soar through a fiery hoop off of the nordic jumps! End the night with a stunning fireworks show. Spectators: Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button! Location: Howelsen Hill

Street Event:
9:00-9:35am: Ski Joring  6-9 years 40
9:35-10:10am: Ski Joring  10-14 years 40
10:10-10:45am: Street Slalom  10-14 years 40
10:45-10:55am: 3-legged Race (50yd)  5-8 years Open
10:55-11:05am: 3-legged Race (75yd)  9-11 years Open
11:05-11:15am: 25yd Dash  3-5 years Open
11:15-11:25am: 50yd Dash  6-8 years Open
11:25-11:35am: 75yd Dash  9-11 years Open
11:35-12:05pm: Donkey Jump  6-9 years 40
12:05-12:10pm: Shovel Race  18+ 5

Sunday, February 11, 2024

8:00 A.M. 100-Meter Nordic Sprint
The Steamboat Springs Nordic Council is looking for the fastest skate skiers in the Boat! They are hosting a 100-meter Nordic Sprint on Lincoln Avenue between 7th and 8th streets prior to the Street Events. The race will have male and female divisions as well as 13 and over and 12 and under age categories. Anyone interested can register for this free event at the Steamboat Touring Center, 970-879-8180. Check in the morning of the event at 7:30 a.m. at 7th Street Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

9:00 -11 A.M. Street Events
A wildly entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses along snow-covered Lincoln Avenue. Races include street slalom, ski joring, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6-14. Non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration is required at here beginning February 2nd. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

9:00-9:35am: Street Slalom  6-9 years 40
9:35-9:45am: 25yd Dog Dash  0-5 years Open
9:45-9:55am: 25yd Dad Dash  0-5 years Open
9:55-10:30am: Donkey Jump  10-14 years 40
10:30-10:35am: Shovel Race  18+ 5
11:00am: Parade begins

Date: February 7 - 11, 2024

Location: Various Venues in Steamboat Springs, CO 80487

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