The 112th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival will take place from February 5-9, 2025, celebrating the town’s rich ski heritage and winter sports traditions. The event is hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and features various competitions, street events, and community festivities.
Key Events and Schedule:
Tuesday, February 4, 2025
12:00 – 1:00 PM: Olympic Heritage Tour – A guided tour of Steamboat’s Olympic legacy at Howelsen Hill.
5:30 – 6:30 PM: History Happy Hour – A discussion on the famous “Lighted Man” tradition at Olympian Hall.
Wednesday, February 5, 2025
4:00 – 6:00 PM: Steamboat Cup Cross Country Parent-Child Relay – A fun family race at Howelsen Hill.
Thursday, February 6, 2025
2:00 – 6:00 PM: Airbag Demonstration – SSWSC freestyle, freeskiing, and snowboard athletes perform tricks and aerials, launch into the air, landing in a 50’ airbag!
4:00 PM: Snow Sculpture Viewing – View hand-carved snow sculptures on Lincoln Avenue. Vote on your favorite sculpture at @SteamboatCreates Facebook & Instagram.
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Cross Country Obstacle Course – A fun and entertaining non-competitive obstacle course at Howelsen Hill.
5:00 – 8:00 PM: S’More Family Fun Party – A family-style chili and s’mores party with a bonfire, music, and dancing at Howelsen Hill.
Friday, February 7, 2025
10:00 AM: Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom – A fun slalom race for children at Howelsen Hill. Open to any skier or snowboarder ages 11 and under.
12:30 – 3:00 PM: Winter Carnival Rail Jam – Open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels. Land a trick for some awesome swag at the Steamboat Ski Resort.
4:30 – 5:30 PM: Nordic Jumping Exhibition — SSWSC Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes jump the 20-meter, 30 meter, 45 meter,75 meter and 100 meter jumps at Howelsen Hill.
5:30 – 6:00 PM: Ski Ballet — Bring back the 1970s sport of choreographed ski routines with flips, spins, and artistic flair. Costumes are required.
5:00 – 8:00 PM: Steamboat First Friday Artwalk — Free, self-guided art tour highlights Steamboat’s local galleries, museums, and creative spaces, featuring rotating exhibits and refreshments.
6:00 – 8:00 PM: Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race — Cyclists race head-to-head down an icy slalom course under the lights, with added terrain and jumps at Howelsen Hill.
7:00 PM: Tito’s Mountain Soiree – An adults-only après-ski party with music and entertainment. SOLD OUT.
Saturday, February 8, 2025
8:00 AM: 100-Meter Nordic Sprint — A fast and thrilling skate ski sprint race down Lincoln Avenue with divisions for kids and adults. Registration is free on the morning of the event.
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Gear Up Vendor Village — Shop the latest outdoor gear and apparel from Steamboat-based brands on 9th Street.
8:30 AM – 11:00 AM: Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast — Fuel up for the day with a delicious breakfast outside Holy Name.
8:00 – 11:30 AM: Street Events on Lincoln Avenue – A crowd favorite! Kids on skis and snowboards being pulled by horses.
1:00 PM: Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications — Watch daring skiers launch off the 100-meter jump using standard alpine skis and boots at Howelsen Hill.
1:30 – 3:30 PM: Giant Ski Race Qualifiers — Teams of six race against each other while strapped onto massive 25-foot-long skis—team costumes required for extra fun!
6:45 – 7:15 PM: SSWSC Athlete Exhibition — Young Steamboat athletes showcase their ski and snowboard skills at sunset in an exciting pre-show to the Night Extravaganza.
6:30 – 8:00 PM: Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill – Watch fireworks, ski tricks, and the iconic “Lighted Man” ski down the mountain.
Sunday, February 9, 2025
9:00 – 11:30 AM: More Street Events on Lincoln Avenue — A crowd favorite! Kids on skis and snowboards being pulled by horses.
10:30 – 11:15 AM: Giant Ski Race Finals
11:30 AM” Diamond Hitch Parade (After Street Events) — The diamond hitch consists of at least four skiers. Animals, people or vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled streets in the shape of a diamond.
1:00 PM: Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals at Howelsen Hill — Must-see ski-jumping event. Qualifying participants launching off of the 100-meter jump again on alpine skis and boots rather than the usual ski jumping equipment.
To spectate or participate, a $15 Winter Carnival button is required, which also grants access to ski at Howelsen Hill during the event. Buttons can be purchased at various locations around Steamboat Springs.
For more details, visit Steamboat Winter Sports Club’s official site: Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival
