By Shannon Lukens.
The 2024 Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is Feb. 7-11. This is 111th year of the historic event, hosted by Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and sponsored by Yampa Valley Bank.
The first Winter Carnival was in 1914 as a way for the locals to forget the long, cold winter and bring back happiness to the valley when it was buried in deep snow.
This year’s Winter Carnival poster was created by local artist Susan Gill Jackson, as commissioned by Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. The original is on display at Pine Moon Gallery. Posters are on sale at locations throughout town.
WINTER CARNIVAL BUTTONS
Kai Riegler is the winner of the button contest for the 111th Steamboat Spring Winter Carnival. This year’s theme is “Snowplace Like Home,” and the button design he drew shows the Howelsen Lodge Building with fireworks behind it.
WINTER CARNIVAL BUTTON WINNER IS KAI RIEGLER
Winter Carnival buttons are $15 and for sale throughout the community. A Winter Carnival button is required to watch or participate in all Winger Carnival events. This includes free skiing or riding at Howelsen Hill, Feb. 7-11. (Some events require registration or tickets.) Here is where you can purchase a 2024 Winter Carnival button.
- Ace at the Curve
- Alpine Bank
- Allen’s Clothing
- Arctic Liquors.
- Christy Sports (which one?)
- City Market
- Howelsen Hill Ticket Office
- FM Light and Sons
- Info Center at Steamboat Resort
- Lyons Drug
- Lululemon
- Off the Beaten Path
- Old Town Hotsprings
- One Steamboat Place
- Paws N Claws
- Safeway
- Ski Haus
- Steamboat Art Museum
- Steamboat Chamber of Commerce
- Steamboat Grand-Concierge
- Sotheby’s Wildhorse
- Sotheby’s Town
- Sotheby’s Mountain
- UCHealth-Medical Center HR
- Wild Plum
- Yampa Valley Bank
- Pine Moon Art
The capacity for most horse events is 40 participants. Registration opens at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 2. The capacity for the Shovel Race is five participants. Registration for the non-horse events will be the day of the event at the registration tent located in front of 720 Fusion Fresh.
MORE — STREET EVENTS FROM THE STEAMBOAT SPRINGS CHAMBER
When you are watching the Winter Carnival Street events this weekend, stop by The Veterans Center to say hello and get warm. The Veterans Center is at 928 Lincoln Ave., right by the finish line. They’ll be open from 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. with hot coffee and hot chocolate. And they’ll be playing videos of the 10th Mountain Division and Winter Carnivals of the past.
SATURDAY, February 10
- 9-9:35 a.m. – SkiJoring (6-9 years)
- 9:35-10:10 a.m. – SkiJoring (10-14 years)
- 10:10-10:45 a.m. – Street Slalom (10-14 years)
- 10:45-10:55 a.m. – 3-legged Race, 50yd (5-8 years)
- 10:55-11:05 a.m. – 3-legged Race, 75yd (9-11 years)
- 11:05-11:15 a.m. – 25yd Dash (3-5 years)
- 11:15-11:25 a.m. – 50yd Dash (6-8 years)
- 11:25-11:35 a.m. – 75yd Dash (9-11 years)
- 11:35-12:05 p.m. – Donkey Jump (6-9 years)
- 12:05-12:10 p.m. – Shovel Race (18+)
SUNDAY, February 11
- 9-9:35 a.m. – Street Slalom (6-9 years)
- 9:35-9:45 a.m. – 25yd Dog Dash (0-5 years)
- 9:45-9:55 a.m. – 25yd Dad Dash (0-5 years)
- 9:55-10:30 a.m. – Donkey Jump (10-14 years)
- 10:30-10:35 a.m. – Shovel Race (18+)
- 10:30-11 a.m. GIANT SKI RACE NEW THIS YEAR Grab friends and family and give the Winter Carnival Giant Ski Race a try! Each team of six people races head-to-head against another team on a pair of 25-foot-long Giant Skis downtown up Lincoln Avenue. The event is huge fun for both participants and spectators. A pair of Giant Skis is provided by Colorado Mountain College to each team at the start. Team costumes required! Limit six teams. REGISTER HERE!
Photo courtesy George Fargo
Diamond Hitch Parade
11:30 a.m. – Diamond Hitch Parade begins. The parade is announced by Tom Whiddon and Steamboat Radio’s Shannon Lukens. Staging is from 8-10 a.m.
Parade Detour information is at the bottom of this page.
REGISTER FOR THE DIAMOND HITCH PARADE
Parade Requirements:
1. ALL VEHICLES MUST HAVE TRACKS! No chained tires will be allowed this year
2. ALL ENTRANTS MUST PROVIDE A THREE OR FOUR LINE PARAGRAPH FOR THE ANNOUNCER TO READ (PLEASE COMPLETE WITH THE ENTRY FORM)
3. YOU WILL BE NOTIFIED ABOUT YOUR PLACE IN THE LINEUP A FEW DAYS PRIOR TO THE PARADE. This will assist you in determining where to set up in the parade line-up.
4. FOR SAFETY REASONS, NO OBJECTS (CANDY, BEADS, ETC.) MAY BE THROWN
5. While anyone is welcome to enter the parade, only those entrants using the Diamond Hitch are eligible to be judged. The DIAMOND HITCH consists of at least four (4) skiers. The skiers hold on to points of a rope tied in the shape of one or more diamonds. Animals, people or tracked vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled streets.
6. 1st – 3rd place will be awarded in the Primary (K-5th Grade), Intermediate (6th-12th Grade), Adult and Commercial (Business) Categories. If you would like your entry to be judged, please be sure to indicate so on the entry form.
Entrants who wish to be judged must:
- Wear costumes and use decorations that represent the Winter Carnival Theme: Snowplace Like Home
- Use at least one diamond hitch
- Be on skis or snowboards
- Hold the diamond position throughout the parade route
HORSE EVENTS
Ski Joring (Ages 6 – 9 and 10 – 14): Contestants with skis will race a flat course down the street while being pulled by a horse. The fastest time wins.
Street Slalom Ages 6 – 9 and 10 – 14): Contestant with skis will ski a slalom course through a series of cones while being pulled by a horse down the street. Fastest time wins. Anyone missing a cone or falling during performance will be disqualified.
Donkey Jump (Ages 6 – 9 and 10 – 14): Contestant will attempt to jump off a 2-foot ramp while being pulled on skis by a horse down main street. Longest distance while maintaining a standing position wins.
Shovel Race (Ages 18 and over): Contestants will situate themselves in a shovel of any type and while being pulled by a horse, will race a flat course down the street. Fastest time wins. Anyone falling off the shovel during performance will be disqualified.
NON-HORSE EVENTS
Waivers must be signed by participants or their guardian the day of the event at the start line.
25-Yard Dog and Dad Dash
(Ages 5 and under) Children 5 years old and younger compete against one another while being pulled in a sled or toboggan (no metal runners allowed) by the family dog. All dogs must be leashed and led by the parent/dog owner during the dash. Following the dog competition will be the Dad Dash with Dad on all fours pulling the child. First one over the finish line wins.
3-Legged Race (Ages 5 – 8 and 9-11) Two people on skis tie legs together (ties provided) and race to finish line. The first pair over the finish line wins.
Obstacle Course (Ages 4-6, 7-10, and 11-14) Contestants on skis maneuver around a variety of obstacles and then make a straight dash to the finish line. First one over the finish line wins.
25-, 50-, and 75-Yard Dashes 25 Yard Dash for ages 3-5 years, 50 Yard Dash for 6-8 years and 75 Yard Dash for 9-11 years all on skis.
STREET EVENT RULES
- Contestants must have read through the waiver statement and signed the release.
- Pre-registration is mandatory for all horse events.
- Contestants must wear goggles and a helmet (cycling or ski racing helmet is sufficient)
- Contestants may enter only one (1) Horse Event per day.
- Contestants may sign up only for events for which they are the designated age.
- Contestants must have a Winter Carnival Button – available at the Winter Sports Club Offices, participating downtown merchants, and the Chamber Visitor Center
- Shovel Race contestants must provide their own shovel.
- Shovel Race contestants must wear a protective helmet.
11th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival Schedule
Tuesday, February 6
Noon – 1 p.m. OLYMPIC HERITAGE TOUR with Ben Berend and Tread of Pioneers Museum (Howelsen Hill)
Join local Olympian Ben Berend to explore Steamboat’s unmatched Olympic heritage and his personal athletic journey to Olympic excellence. Learn about the history of Carl Howelsen, ski jumping, Howelsen Hill, and the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, and find out why Steamboat is home to more Olympic athletes than any place in North America. *Winter Carnival Button Encouraged! Meet at the front entrance of Howelsen Hill Lodge- 845 Howelsen Parkway.
5:30-6:30 p.m. HISTORY HAPPY HOUR with Tread of Pioneers Museum (Howelsen Hill)
“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!
Wednesday, February 7
5:30 p.m. OPENING CEREMONY (Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill Lodge)
A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses, and the Grand Marshals.
Thursday, February 8
2-6 p.m. Air Bag Jam Session (SSWSC Athlete Display, Howelsen Hill)
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.
4 p.m. SNOW SCULPTURES coordinated by Steamboat Creates (All Ages, Lincoln Avenue)
Stroll down Lincoln to view hand-carved snow sculptures. Judging will occur at 4 p.m. on February 8, and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced at the street events on February 10 and 11. Student and community teams will build sculptures on February 8, inspired by the Snowplace Like Home theme. Vote on your favorite sculpture at @SteamboatCreates on Facebook and Instagram. Be a part of the Winter Carnival action; create a Winter Carnival Snow Sculpture. Come be a part of a Steamboat tradition and carve your way into history. Get a team of five together and submit a design today. Don’t miss the chance to showcase your creativity along Lincoln Avenue. Contact Robin at Steamboat Creates robin@steamboatcreates.org for details. Deadline to apply is Jan.30. No experience needed. SIGN UP HERE
4-5:30 p.m. CROSS COUNTRY OBSTACLE COURSE (Ages 5-12, Rodeo Grounds Howelsen Hill)
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.
4-5:30pm SKI JUMPING JAMBOREE (Ages 4-11, Hill Size Bump & 20, Howelsen Hill)
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.
4-6 p.m. FAMILY DUALS (All Ages, Howelsen Hill)
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)
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 p.m. at the terrain park. A liability waiver must be signed or already on file with the SSWSC to participate. Practice runs from 4:30-5 p.m., and Jam Session from 5-6 p.m.
5-8 p.m. S’MORE FAMILY FUN PARTY (Howelsen Hill Party Tent) SOLD OUT
Presented by Town Hall and Mountain and Company; 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 fire pits and s’more-making outside! A Winter Carnival button and S’More Family Fun TICKET REQUIRED. Tickets go on sale January 30, 2024. Food is served first come, first serve, 5:30-7 p.m.
Friday, February 9
10 a.m. – 1 p.m. 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, Steamboat Radio’s Shannon Lukens is the announcer, and a soda pop reward for all participants. This race is open to skiers and snowboarders with a duals race course on the magic carpet for little kids from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and on the Face for big kids from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. This fun, non-timed course allows kids of all ages to race their friends and family. Registration opens January 30, 2024. REGISTER HERE
4:30-5:30 p.m. NORDIC JUMPING EXHIBITION
(SSWSC Athletes, Howelsen Hill)
SSWSC Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes jumping the 20-meter, 30-meter, 45-meter,75-meter, and 100-meter jumps.
5:30-6 p.m. Back by popular demand, 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 4:30 p.m. on February 10 to sign a waiver and receive a lift ticket by showing the Winter Carnival Button. Join the fun as a competitor or spectator at Howelsen Hill. REGISTER HERE.
6-7 p.m. AMATEUR SKI JUMPING
(Ages 15+, Howelsen Hill)
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 5-5:45 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. For more information, contact Pat Arnone at 970-734-8966.
6-8 p.m. JOHNSIE MEMORIAL DUAL SLALOM BICYCLE RACE
(Ages 12+, Howelsen Hill)
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, 5-5:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge.
For more information, contact Wheels Bike Shop at 970-819-4805.
7-11 p.m. TITO’S MOUNTAIN SOIREE SOLD OUT
(Age 21+, Howelsen Hill, in the Tent at Vanatta Field)
Presented by Tito’s Handmade Vodka
Celebrate the 111th Winter Carnival at an 80s themed dance party with an evening of libations, food, live music by the 6 Million Dollar Band, fire pits, and more. Tito’s Mountain Soiree is SOLD OUT please sign up for the waitlist HERE.
Saturday, February 10
8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. PANCAKE BREAKFAST at Holy Name Catholic Church – BACK THIS YEAR! (Holy Name Enrichment Center, 524 Oak Street) Come enjoy pancakes, breakfast sausages, coffee, and juice before diving into the day’s events.
9 a.m.-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 2 at 10 a.m. Non-horse event registration is on-site the morning of the event. Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button or buff to spectate!
1 p.m. PRO ALPINE SKI JUMPING QUALIFICATIONS
(Howelsen Hill)
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)
SSWSC athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill.
7:30-8:30 p.m. NIGHT EXTRAVAGANZA — Parking and traffic information is below,
(Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th) Presented by Yampa Valley Bank 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 and shoot 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.
Sunday, February 11
9-11 a.m. 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 2 at 10 a.m. Non-horse event registration is on-site the morning of the event. Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button or buff to spectate!
10:30-11 a.m. GIANT SKI RACE NEW THIS YEAR
Grab friends and family and give the Winter Carnival Giant Ski Race a try. Each team of six people races head-to-head against another team on a pair of 25-foot-long Giant Skis downtown up Lincoln Avenue. The event is huge fun for both participants and spectators. A pair of Giant Skis is provided to each team at the start. Team costumes required! The Giant Ski Race is a collaboration between Colorado Mountain College and Steamboat Springs High School. Both schools will build the skis as part of a class. Limit six teams. REGISTER HERE!
11:30 a.m. DIAMOND HITCH PARADE (after Street Events and Giant Ski Race)
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 HERE.
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.
PARADE DETOUR INFORMATION
The City of Steamboat Springs will use a circular detour play to serve the Highway 40 thru-traffic. Eastbound traffic goes on Yampa Street. Highway 40 westbound traffic is on Yampa Street and then Oak. A traffic control company has been hired to help with the detour, signage, barriers and flaggers at key intersections.
Steamboat Springs Police Chief Mark Beckett says not to use the emergency lane and alleyways of you’ll get a ticket. “The plan focuses on public safety’s ability to travel unobstructed across town and for large semi-trucks to easily navigate the detour turns at 5th and 11th Streets,” said Police Chief Mark Beckett. “Unfortunately, several motorists tried to use the emergency lane and alleyways to bypass the detour; and that will not be tolerated this year and those individuals will be cited.”
Starting early Saturday morning, westbound traffic will turn right on 5th St, then left onto Oak St before continuing down to 11th St and US40. In addition, motorists looking to access Howelsen Hill from Lincoln will not be able to turn left at 5th Street or access 5th St from the alley between 3rd to 5th. Individuals will need to follow the circular detour or use River Road. Eastbound traffic will turn right at 11th St, then left onto Yampa St. Traffic will travel the six-blocks down Yampa to 5th St before returning US40/Lincoln Ave.
Parking along the southside of Oak and northside of Yampa will be prohibited for the weekend and additional parking closures may be implemented at key intersections. These areas will be coned with no parking signage and violators will be subject to citations and towing. Motorists who violate a detour barricade or use the emergency lane could see a $120 fine for disregarding a traffic control device.
Individuals looking to access neighborhoods north of downtown should utilize 3rd, 4th, and 12th Streets. Residential side streets approaching Oak between 5th and 11th will not be permitted to turn left on Oak but will need to follow the circular route. The city is asking lodging shuttles to use the parking lot at 3rd & Oak for drop off and pick up during the street events closure.
The detour plan goes into effect starting Saturday, Feb 10 at 2am and runs through the conclusion of the street events. The following morning, Sunday, Feb 11, the closure/detour begins at 4am and runs through around 2pm. At the conclusion of the street events, crews will plow the snow to the parking lanes and reopen Lincoln Ave. Keep in mind that on-street parking along Lincoln Avenue will not be available after the street events on Saturday due to snow storage.
During the closure, temporary bus stops for westbound Steamboat Springs Transit (SST) routes will be at the alley on 5th and then on Oak at 7th, & 9th. Eastbound SST routes will use 11th at the alley, then on 9th & 7th on Yampa St. Buses will return to normal operations when Lincoln Avenue reopens.
More details from the City of Steamboat Springs
SKI FREE & Tube Discounts at Howelsen Hill – February 7-11, 2024
The ski area will be open normal operating hours during Winter Carnival. Your Winter Carnival button/buff provides access to a free lift ticket to ski at Howelsen Hill during Winter Carnival from February 7-11. Lift ticket must be obtained from the Ticket Office prior to accessing the slopes. One lift ticket per button/buff per day. Tube Howelsen is also offering $5 off all one-hour reservations from Feb. 5-11. Enter the code WC2024 at time of online checkout to access this screaming Winter Carnival deal.
Emerald Mountain – February 10, 2024
All trails that access Emerald Mountain including Blackmer Trail will be closed for public safety from 4pm until 9pm on Saturday, Feb. 10, as crews set up and launch fireworks for the Night Extravaganza. Please respect all closures and understand that additional trail closures may be required prior to Saturday.
SST Service – February 10 & 11, 2024
SST will operate additional service during the street events and continuous service following the Night Extravaganza on Saturday, February 10 and during the day on Sunday, February 11. Extra unscheduled buses will run on Saturday during normal scheduled hours to transport people to and from the festivities. View buses in real-time via steamboatsprings.net/sst.
Howelsen Hill Traffic & Parking – Night Extravaganza, February 10, 2024
Howelsen Hill base area parking typically fills to capacity early for the Night Extravaganza and overflow parking will be available at the rodeo grounds/ice arena as space permits. ADA parking is limited at the Howelsen Lodge and some ADA spaces will be set up at the tennis courts. Parking is not permitted along Howelsen Parkway or River Road and illegally parked vehicles will be tickets and/or towed.
Once the Howelsen parking lots are full, Howelsen Parkway will be CLOSED to incoming traffic except for ADA access and emergency vehicles. At that time, traffic may be diverted into the Rodeo Arena featuring a drop-off area as well as additional parking. Vehicles will exit the rodeo grounds via the Ice Arena. All traffic crossing the 5th Street Bridge toward Howelsen Hill is requested to take River Road instead of returning to downtown.
The 9th Street Pedestrian Bridge will see periodic closures due to crowd volumes. Individuals will not be able to stand on the pedestrian bridge to watch the fireworks show. Even with additional snow removal and scoria, the footpath will be slick, and people should have proper winter footwear and use caution.
After the fireworks, vehicles departing Howelsen Hill will be directed down River Road to where it intersects with Mt. Werner Road. The 5th Street Bridge will have intermittent closures and Howelsen Parkway will be closed westbound between the Ice Arena and the 5th Street Bridge. Ski area venue vehicle traffic will be held until pedestrians dissipate. There will be no left turns permitted out of the Howelsen Ice Arena parking lot. Motorists are asked to follow traffic directions and signals, yield to city buses and refrain from blocking intersections or railway crossings.
Due to the high volume of spectators, please be patient, alert and follow police and traffic control directions. It’s recommended that pedestrians use a headlamp, flashlight, and glow sticks to be visible by motorists. Designated routes, which may not be your preferred way home, will be used to aid in maintaining egress from the venue during this popular event.
Additional parking is available throughout the downtown area during the night show, at the Steamboat Springs High School and the Stockbridge Transit Center. Please respect residential access and do not block driveways. It is highly recommended that people walk, take the free SST bus, or utilize drop off/pick up locations at the west end of Yampa and Oak Streets to access the venue.