Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival '26

Ever seen a 10-year-old cowboy-in-training being towed on skis by a horse? Mention a community parade or a nighttime fireworks show and people may just say that's a typical town event, right? Now, talk about people on shovels being pulled down a main street behind horses – now THAT is something to see! In Steamboat Springs, nothing is ever ordinary and residents here do things a bit differently. Winter Carnival in Steamboat is a one-of-a-kind celebration that includes a variety of events that embrace Steamboat's Western Heritage and highlight Routt County's tradition of winter sports with the oldest, continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi.

Celebrate 113 years of winter tradition in Steamboat Springs. 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.

WHEN: February 3rd – 8th, 2026

 

The event benefits The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the nation. Spanning five days, the entire town is given over to racing, ski jumping, a parade featuring Steamboat Spring's skiing high school band (the only skiing "marching" band in the United States), the famous ski jöring events down Lincoln Avenue, and the spectacular night show featuring the legendary Lighted Man and fireworks display!

Funds from button/buff sales go towards hosting Winter Carnival and support the athletes of the SSWSC. Your button or buff will grant access to all events and a free lift ticket at Howelsen Hill each day from February 5-9. (*must obtain a physical lift ticket at the Howelsen Hill ticket office to ski.) This year's youth button art was designed by Antigone Loomis, age 12 & this year's buff artwork was designed by local artist MB Warner.

DAY ONE

5:30 P.M.  OPENING CEREMONIES
(Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill Lodge, Downtown off of 5th)
A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses, and the Grand Marshals.

5:00 – 8:00 P.M.  HITCHENS BROTHERS WEDNESDAY NIGHT JUMP
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
Calling all kids ages 8-13 (born in 2008-2013) who want to try out the Nordic Jumps at Howelsen Hill! SSWSC coaches will help you learn to jump on the jump size that fits your age and skill level! Skis only, no snowboards. Hardshell over-ear helmets required.

2:00 – 6:00 P.M. Air Bag Jam Session
(SSWSC Athlete Display, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
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!

4:00 P.M. SNOW SCULPTURE JUDGING
(All Ages, Lincoln Avenue)
Stroll down Lincoln to view hand carved snow sculptures! Judging will take place at 4:00pm on February 10th, and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced at the street events on February 12th and 13th. Sculptures will be built on February 10th by students and community members inspired by this year's theme "Where Legends Are Made."

*Applications can be filled out at www.steamboatcreates.org. For more info, contact Steamboat Creates at (970)879-9008 or sylvie@steamboatcreates.org.

5:00 P.M. CROSS COUNTRY OBSTACLE COURSE
(Ages 5-12, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
A fun and entertaining non-competitive obstacle course for nordic skiers at Howelsen Hill. Spectators are welcome. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate.

5:30 – 8:30 P.M.  S'MORE FAMILY FUN PARTY
(Howelsen Hill Party Tent, Downtown off of 5th Street)
Families, take part in the Winter Carnival Celebration! During the evening activities at Howelsen Hill, a family style chili and s'mores party will be taking 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 fun DJ, and dancing. Top off the night with a large bonfire, fire spinners, and family s'more making outside!

*A Winter Carnival button is required. Purchase tickets in advance at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com. Food is served first come, first serve, 5:30-7:00pm.

5:00 – 6:00 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 the 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 be on file with the SSWSC in order to participate. Practice runs from 4:30-5:00pm, Jam Session from 5:00-6:00pm.

5:00 – 6:30 P.M. FAMILY DUALS
(All Ages, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
Everyone is a winner in this friendly competition. Come join our family fun by racing or bumping down the junior courses on Howelsen Hill Face. Go head to head against your child on the GS style race course. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate.

5:30 – 7:00 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.

DAY TWO

10:00 A.M. CHRISTY SPORTS SODA POP SLALOM
(Ages 11 and under, Howelsen Hill, magic carpet)
This is a fun race and is open to any skier or snowboarder ages 11 and under (SSWSC U12 athletes are not eligible).  Pre-registration is required online at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com by February 9th.

4:30 – 6:00 P.M. NORDIC JUMPING EXHIBITION
(SSWSC Athletes, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
SSWSC Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes jumping the 20 meter, 30 meter, 45 meter,75 meter and 100 meter jumps.

6:00 – 7:00 P.M. AMATEUR SKI JUMPING
(Ages 15+, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
Ski Jumping (on alpine equipment) under the lights on the historic ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Think: Prizes, jumping, and high-flying fun! Register ($25) the night of the event from 5:00pm – 5:45pm in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. For more information, contact Pat Arnone at 970-734-8966.

6:00 – 8:00 P.M. JOHNSIE MEMORIAL DUAL SLALOM BICYCLE RACE
(Ages 12+, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
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 5:00pm – 5:30pm in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge.
For more information, contact Wheels Bike Shop at 970-819-4805.

7:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M. TITO'S MOUNTAIN SOIREE
(Age 21+, Howelsen Hill, in the Tent at Vanatta Field)
Celebrate the 109th Winter Carnival at an 80's themed dance party with an evening of libations, food, live music by the 6 Million Dollar Band, fire pits, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com or 970-879-0695 x 100.

DAY THREE

8:00 – 11:00 A.M. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS PANCAKE BREAKFAST
(All Ages, Holy Name Catholic Church – 524 Oak St.)
Hosted annually by the Knights of Columbus, this function is the perfect way to fuel up for all of the day's activities.  Donations are graciously accepted for the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus. Winter Carnival buttons are available.

8:00 A.M. 100-METER NORDIC SPRINT
(All Ages, Downtown, Lincoln Avenue)
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 & 12 and under age categories. Anyone interested can register for this free event at Check in the morning of the event with SSWSC XC Program Director Brian Tate btate@sswsc.org or 970-734-7678 – Check-in day of event @ 7:30 am at 7th Street.

9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. STREET EVENTS
A wildly entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses on historic 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; there are also non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration required at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com promptly on February 4 at 10:00am. Don't forget your Winter Carnival button or buff to spectate!

Time Event
8:15am  – 100 meter Nordic Sprint (register with the Nordic Council for this) 9:00am – Ski Joring [6-9]
9:20am – Ski Joring [10-14]
9:50am – Street Slalom [10-14]
10:20am – 3-legged Race (50yd) [5-8]
10:30am – 3-legged Race (75yd) [9-11]
10:40am – 25yd Dash [3-5]
10:45am – 50yd Dash [6-8]
10:50am – 75yd Dash [9-11]
11:00am – Donkey Jump [6-9]
11:30am – Shovel Race [18+]

1:00 P.M.  PRO ALPINE SKI JUMPING QUALIFICATIONS
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
This is a must-see ski jumping event with participants launching off of the 100 meter on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. For more information, contact Pat Arnone at 970-734-8966, $100 entry fee.

6:45 – 7:15 P.M. SSWSC ATHLETE EXHIBITION
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
SSWSC athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill!

7:30 – 8:30 P.M. NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
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 or buff!

DAY FOUR

9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. STREET EVENTS
(Downtown Lincoln Avenue)
A wildly entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses down historic 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; there are also non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration required at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com promptly on February 4th at 10 am. Spectators: Don't forget your Winter Carnival button or buff!

Time Event
9:00am – Street Slalom [6-9]
9:20am – 25yd Dog Dash [0-5]
9:25am – 25yd Dad Dash [0-5]
9:30am – Donkey Jump [10-14]
10:00am – Shovel Race [18+]
10:30am – Parade Preparation

APPROX. 11:30 A.M.  DIAMOND HITCH PARADE (after Street Events)
The diamond hitch consists of at least four skiers. The skiers hold on to points on a rope tied in the shape of one or more diamonds. Animals, people or vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled streets. Anyone is welcome to enter the parade.  Pre-registration required, deadline is February 5th at 6pm. Register online at www.wintercarnivalsteamboat.com.

1:00 P.M. – 2:00 P.M.  PRO ALPINE SKI JUMPING FINALS
(By Qualification, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
This is a must-see ski jumping event with qualifying participants launching off of the 100 meter jump again on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. Watch as the jumpers try to break the hill record. For more information, contact Pat Arnone at 970-734- 8966, $100 entry fee.