Steamboat Springs is so excited about the 110th Winter Carnival! This event will take place February 8th-12th, 2023 at Howelsen Hill in downtown Steamboat Springs.
Originally started in 1914, the Steamboat Winter Carnival was started to celebrate winter and forget the hardships of the cold and snow. Today, the Carnival brings thousands of spectators to watch and celebrate Steamboat’s Olympic heritage and the love of snow! Some of the events are various alpine, cross country, ski jumping, freestyle, snowboarding and soaring off the nordic jumps, practicing spins and aerials onto an airbag, and racing down the slopes of Howelsen Hill. The street events were added during the second Winter Carnival and have been a tradition ever since. Lincoln Avenue, the main street of Steamboat Springs, is covered in snow, and horses tow kids on skis and snowboards through cones and jumps in friendly competition.
Here is a full Schedule of Events –
Wednesday, February 8
5:30pm 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.
5-8pm NORDIC EXCAVATING 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. Registration closes Tuesday, February 7 at 5pm.
Thursday, February 9
2pm-6pm 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 on a 50-foot airbag! Closed to the public, this event offers exceptional photography opportunities of airborne athletes!
4pm SNOW SCULPTURE VIEWING
(All Ages, Lincoln Avenue)
Stroll down Lincoln to view hand-carved snow sculptures! Judging will occur at 4pm on February 9, and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced at the street events on February 11 and 12. Student and community teams will build sculptures on February 9, inspired by the Dream, Dare, Dazzle theme! Vote on your favorite sculpture at @SteamboatCreates on Facebook and Instagram.
5pm CROSS COUNTRY OBSTACLE COURSE
(Ages 5-12, Rodeo Grounds Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
A fun and entertaining non-competitive obstacle course for cross country or wanna-be skiers at Howelsen Hill. Spectators are welcome. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already on file with SSWSC in order to participate.
5:30-6:30pm WINTER CARNIVAL MEMORIES
(Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill)
Join the Tread of Pioneers Museum and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club for a special evening with a panel of longtime locals sharing their favorite memories of Winter Carnivals throughout the decades. Free hot beverages served. No rsvp, free event.
5:30-8:30pm S’MORE FAMILY FUN PARTY
(Howelsen Hill Party Tent, Downtown off of 5th Street)
Presented by Off the Beaten Path/BookTrails
Food provided by La Central Catering and Moving Mountains
Families, take part in the Winter Carnival Celebration! 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 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/buff and TICKETS REQUIRED. Food is served first come, first serve, 5:30-7pm.
5-6pm. 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.
5-6:30pm 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.
5:30-7pm 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 on file with SSWSC in order to participate.
Friday, February 10
10 am CHRISTY SPORTS SODA POP SLALOM
(Ages 10 and under for LITTLE KIDS, ages 11-14 for BIG KID DUALS, Howelsen Hill, magic carpet, and Face)
This is a fun race with a starter, announcer, and a soda pop reward for all participants! This race is open to skiers and snowboarders! We will offer a duals race course on the magic carpet for little kids from 10am-1pm and on the Face for big kids from 11am-1pm! This fun, non-timed course allows kids of all ages to race their friends and family. REGISTER HERE.
4:30-6pm. 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.
5-5:30pm New this year! 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. REGISTER HERE.
6-7pm 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. Prizes, jumping, and high-flying is fun. Register ($25) the night of the event from 5:00-5:45 pm in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. For more information, contact Pat Arnone at 970-734-8966.
6-8pm 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 spectate and watch the action. The event includes practice, qualifying, and final competition rounds. Register for FREE the night of the event, 5-5:30pm in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge.
For more information, contact Wheels Bike Shop at 970-819-4805.
7pm – 11pm TITO’S MOUNTAIN SOIREE
(Age 21+, Howelsen Hill, in the Tent at Vanatta Field)
Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Celebrate the 110th 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 on sale January 2, 2023. Purchase HERE. SOLD OUT
Saturday, February 11
8am 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 for free. Check in the morning of the event with SSWSC XC Program Director Brian Tate at 7:30 am on 7th Street.
9am-noon STREET EVENTS
Presented by Yampa Valley Bank
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, donkey jumps, 3-legged races, 25-, 50-, and 75-yard dashes, and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6-14, and non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration for horse event is required HERE. Registration opens on February 3 at 10am. Non-horse event registration is on-site the morning of the event. Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button or buff to spectate!
1pm 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.
6:45-7:15pm. SSWSC ATHLETE EXHIBITION
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
SSWSC athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill!
7:30-8:30pm NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
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 highlights 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!
Sunday, February 12
9-11am STREET EVENTS
Presented by Yampa Valley Bank
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, donkey jumps, 3-legged races, 25-, 50-, and 75-yard dashes, and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6-14, and non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration for horse event is required HERE. Registration opens on February 3 at 10am. Non-horse event registration is on-site the morning of the event. Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button or buff to spectate!
11am DIAMOND HITCH PARADE (after Street Events)
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 streets. Anyone is welcome to enter the parade. Pre-registration required.
1-2pm. 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.
