Wed. Feb. 7, 2018 - Sun. Feb. 11, 2018
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 7
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
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Speed and Flight Night Ski Jumping
Learn to ski jump (on Alpine or Telemark equipment, ages 12+) under the lights on the historic ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Register ($15) the night of the evnt from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
Thursday, February 8
5:00 p.m. Cross-Country Obstacle Race
A fun and entertaining obstacle race for Nordic skiers and "wanna be" Nordic skiers. Spectators welcome. Pre registration not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Parent-Child Duals
Everyone is a winner in this family friendly competition. Come join or family fun by racing or bumping down the junior courses on Howelsen Hill Face. Go head to head against your child on either the GS style race course or dual mogul course. Pre registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Air Bag Jam Session
Located under the lights of the Howelsen Hill. Watch athletes of the Winter Sports Club launch into the air onto a 15 foot tall and 50 foot wide air bag. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Powder Tools Mid-Winter Terrain Park Jam Session
Located under the lights of the Howelsen Hill Terrain Park, this event is open to the public. Pre registration is required at 4:00 p.m. at the terrain park. A waiver must be signed or already be on file with the SSWSC in order to participate. Practice runs from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m., Jam Session from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Open Ski Jumping
Ever wonder how Olympic Ski Jumpers can fly over 3 football fields? Now is your chance to come learn to fly in a safe and fun environment! The SSWSC welcomes you to try the bump jumps, 20m and 30m during our historic Winter Carnival. Alpine ski equipment recommended. Pre registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
6:00 - 9:00 p.m. S'more Family Fun Party
Presented by F.M. Light & Sons, families can take part in the Winter Carnival Celebration! Throughout the evening's activities at Howelsen Hill, a family style chili and S'more party will be taking place in the big white tent on Vanatta Ballfield. Just call it S'more Family Fun! Enjoy the DJ and dance, then head outside to ski, ride, or watch the fire show by the "Pyroneers," and enjoy s'more fun with the entire family! Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
Friday, February 9
10:00 a.m. Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom
This is a fun race and is open to any skier or snowboarder 11 and under or U10 program & below (U12 athletes are not eligible). Pre registration is required at the Winter Sports Club office February 2nd, 3rd, and 7th from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Steamboat Ski & Resort, Mt. Werner, Stampede Run
1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Ski Jumping Jamboree
An enjoyable time for children to take to the Bump Jump and 20 meter jump at the Nordic jumping complex of Howelsen Hill for some “flying fun” on Alpine equipment. Registration is open February 2nd, 3rd, and 7th at the Winter Sports Club office from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Check-in from 12:30 - 1:15 p.m. on event day. Open to the public. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Snow Sculpture Judging
Stroll down Lincoln to view hand carved snow sculptures! Judging will take place from 3-5 p.m. and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced at Street Events on February 10th and 11th at the Night Extravaganza on February 10th! Sculptures will be built February 8th - 9th in three categories; student, professional, and individual/group/business. For more info, please contact the Steamboat Arts Council by calling 970-879-9008. Location: Lincoln Avenue
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Nordic Jumping Exhibition
SSWSC Nordic Combined athletes jumping the Hill size 20, 30, 45, 75, and 100. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
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. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Wheels Bike Shop Dual Slalom Bicycle Race
An exciting on-snow, mountain bike event down the face of Howelsen Hill. Event includes practice, qualifying and final competition rounds. Register the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Tito's Mountain Soiree Party
Celebrate the 105th Winter Carnival in a true Winter Wonderland. An evening of libations, food, live music with Loose Change, a bonfire, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance by calling 970-879-0695 or visiting sswsc.tix.com.
Saturday, February 10
8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast
Hosted annually by the Knights of Columbus, this function is the perfect way to fuel up for all of the day’s activities. In addition to a Winter Carnival button, donations are graciously accepted. Location: Holy Name Catholic Church, 524 Oak Street
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 a male and femaile 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 morning of the event at 7:30 a.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue
9:00 a.m. – noon Street Events
A wildly popular and 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 at WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com beginning February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue
1:00 p.m. - Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications
A must-see ski jumping event with participants launching off of the HS127 on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
6:15 - 6:45 p.m. SSWSC Athlete Exhibition
SSWSC athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
7:00 p.m. Night Extravaganza
A must-see evening of entertainment at historic Howelsen Hill! This community favorite draws thousands of spectators for an exciting display of "Take me to the Mountains". The evening starts with a winter sports exhibition highlighting athletes showing their prowess in the dark, lit by flares and LED lights! Known across the country, the Lighted Man wil arc down Howelsen Hill shooting fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit, and Nordic and alpine jumpers will soar through a fiery hoop off of the Nordic jumps! End the night with a stunning fireworks show that will feature one of the largest fireworks in the country! Spectators: Don't forget your Winter Carnival button! Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
Sunday, February 11
9:00 - noon Street Events
A wildly popular and 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 WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com beginning February 2nd at 10:00 a.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue
Approximately 11:30 a.m. after Street Events - Diamond Hitch Parade
The diamond hitch consists of at least four skiers. The skiers hold on to points of a rope tied in the shape of one or more diamonds. Animals, people or vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled street. Anyone is welcome to enter the parade. Pre registration is required, deadline is February 3rd at 6:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue
1:00 p.m. Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals
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. Watch as world records get broken! Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street
