113th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is Feb. 3-8

January 20, 2026 Shannon Lukens

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By Shannon Lukens.

The 2026 Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is Feb. 3-8. This is 113th year of the historic event, hosted by Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and Title Sponsor Yampa Valley Bank. This year’s theme is Dream Like a Champion.

More Information: www.WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com or call 970-879-0695.

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. Winter Carnival History

More history is below from the Tread of Pioneers Museum.

WINTER CARNIVAL POSTER

This year’s Winter Carnival poster was created by local artist Paulina M. Johnson as commissioned by Steamboat Sotheby’s International Realty. The original is on display at Pine Moon Gallery. Posters are available for sale throughout Steamboat Springs to benefit SSWSC and are available at various retailers throughout Steamboat Springs.

More on the Story — The 113th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival poster is unveiled

WINTER CARNIVAL BUTTONS

Winter Carnival buttons are $15 and for sale throughout the community. A Winter Carnival button is required to watch or participate in all Winter Carnival events. This includes free skiing or riding at Howelsen Hill, Feb. 4-8. Winter Carnival buttons are for sale at businesses throughout the community. Buttons will be available for sale around Steamboat starting January 19, 2026. (Winter Carnival Button artist to be announced Friday, Jan. 23.)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

Volunteers are needed to help with the Winter Carnival Street events, Feb. 7-8. Volunteers get free coffee and burritos and a front-row view of the action. Community service hours can be fulfilled, if needed. Link to Volunteer Or email olympiavb@gmail.com

Or click HERE for details.

REGISTER FOR THE WINTER CARNIVAL STREET EVENTS

Registration opens at 10 a.m. Friday morning, Jan. 30, for Winter Carnival Street Events. The horse events are for kids ages six to 14 years old. Kids can only compete in one event during the weekend. The Shovel Race is for ages 18+. Street Event Registration

REGISTER FOR THE WINTER CARNIVAL 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.

The Diamond Hitch Parade is Sunday, February 8 at approximately 11:30 a.m., immediately following the Street Events and Giant Ski Race on Lincoln Avenue. Depending on the complexity of your float, staging will happen from 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.. These details will be shared with entrants once parade registration has ended on Friday, January 31. Anyone is welcome to enter the 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 THIS 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 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.

LINK TO REGISTER FOR THE PARADE

WINTER CARNIVAL DIAMOND HITCH PARADE FLASHMOB

Routt County locals are invited to join a singing flash mob during the Winter Carnival Diamond Hitch parade on Sunday, Feb. 8. Organizers say no perfection, just JOY is required. Details and lyrics are online at KPERFORM.com

Link to the lyrics

WINTER CARNIVAL SNOW SCULPTURES

Get your team together to create a Snow Sculpture along Lincoln Ave. for Winter Carnival.. Apply through SteamboatCreates.org before Jan. 26. Prizes are awarded for the Best Student Team, Best Community Team, and People’s Choice. This year’s theme is Dream Like a Champion.

Apply Here

Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2026

5:30 – 6:30 p.m. HISTORY HAPPY HOUR (All Ages, Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill)
Tread of Pioneers Museum presents “Olympic Memories with Local Olympians”

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

5:30 p.m. WINTER CARNIVAL ROYALTY DINNER – A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Royalty and Grand Marshals.

(All Ages, Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill)

Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026

2-6 p.m. Air Bag Jam Session at 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 Sculpture Viewing on Lincoln Ave. Vote on your favorite snow sculptures @Steamboat Creates on Facebook and Instagram. Voting closes Sunday night.

4:30 p.m. Cross Country Obstacle Race at Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds for ages 5-12. 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.

4:30. 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 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.

4:30 SKI JUMPING JAMBOREE (Ages 4-11, Hill Size Bump & 20, Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th)
Kids can 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.

5-8 p.m. SOLD OUT — S’More Family Fun Party in the Howelsen Hill Party Tent. Get tickets in advance through WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com.

5 – 6 p.m. STEAMBOAT CUP COOKIE JAM 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 p.m. 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 p.m., Jam Session from 5-6 p.m.

7 p.m. SYMPHONY OF CHAMPIONS – Celebrating the Olympic Spirit with Steamboat Symphony Orchestra at Steamboat Strings Music Pavilion.

A special partnership with Steamboat Symphony Orchestra and Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club – Imagine your heart pounding as the Olympic Fanfare begins. Feel the pride as local Olympians march through the hall, take the stage, and inspire us with their presence. Let your Steamboat Symphony Orchestra lift your spirits and stir your imagination with music that celebrates excellence, unity, and the very best of our community during this Symphonic Winter Carnival, PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

Friday, February 6, 2026

10 a.m. to 1 p.m. CHRISTY SPORTS SODA POP SLALOM for ages 11 and under at Howelsen Hill. Pre-registration is required. Registration opens at 7 a.m. Jan. 30. Steamboat Radio’s Shannon Lukens is announcing.

4:30-5:30 p.m. Nordic Jumping Exhibition off the 20-meter, 30-meter, 45-meter, 75-meter, and 100-meter jumps at Howelsen Hill.

5:30-6 p.m. SKI BALLET. 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 6 to sign a waiver and receive a lift ticket by showing a Winter Carnival Button. Join the fun as a competitor or spectator at Howelsen Hill.

5-8 p.m. is Steamboat First Friday Artwork on Lincoln Ave. in downtown Steamboat Springs

6-7 p.m. Amateur Ski Jumping under the lights. Register in the Fireplace room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. $25 per person.

6-8 p.m. Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race. Ages 12+. 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 5-5:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge.

7-11 p.m. SOLD OUT Tito’s Mountain Soiree for ages 21+ in the tent at Vanatta Field at Howelsen. Celebrate 1121th Winter Carnival with an ‘80s themed dance party, with food, drive, and live music by the 6 Million Dollar Band. SOLD OUT. Ticket Waitlist will open on January 26 at 10 a.m.

IMPORTANT:

There are detours during different Winter Carnival events, including the street events, the fireworks at Howelsen Hill, and the parade route. On Saturday and Sunday mornings at 2 a.m., Hwy 40 eastbound traffic reroutes onto Yampa Street. Hwy 40 westbound traffic reroutes on Oak Street. There will also be parking restrictions on those streets.

Saturday night is the Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill. Overflow parking is at the rodeo grounds. Plan on walking to the base of Howelsen from downtown, if possible. After the fireworks, if vehicles are at Howelsen Hill, they’ll be directed down River Road. Extra bus service will be available.

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.

SATURDAY, February 7, 2026

8 a.m. is the 100-Meter Nordic Sprint on Lincoln Ave.

8 a.m. – noon GEAR UP VENDOR VILLAGE (9th Street, Between Lincoln Avenue and Oak Street)

8:30 – 11 p.m. PANCAKE BREAKFAST with the Knights of Columbus at Holy Name Catholic Church Enrichment Center, 524 Oak Street) Come enjoy pancakes, breakfast sausages, coffee, and juice before diving into the day’s events.

9 am. to noon are the Street Events, presented by Yampa Valley Bank. Watch kids on skis and snowboards being pulled by horses down snow-covered Lincoln Ave. You must have pre-registered for the horse events.

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+

1-2 p.m. Olympic Heritage Tour with Olympian Ben Berend – Coordinated by the Tread of Pioneers Museum. (All Ages, Howelsen Hill)

1 p.m. Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications at 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.

1:30-3:30 p.m. GIANT SKI RACE QUALIFIERS (Rodeo Grounds, Howelsen Hill) 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.

5-8 p.m. FIRE & ICE: WINTER CARNIVAL NIGHT SHOW EXPERIENCE (All ages, Ticket Required, Howelsen Hill Party Tent)

New this year, FIRE & ICE: Winter Carnival Night Show Experience. Upgrade your Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza with premium access in the heart of the action at the base of Howelsen Hill. Join Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club in the heated tent for an evening of fire, light, and winter spectacle, including food, drinks, and front-row views of the iconic 113th Winter Carnival Night Extravaganza. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. January 13, 2026, PURCHASE TICKETS HERE.

6-6:40 p.m. SSWSC Athlete Exhibition at Howelsen Hill

6:45 p.m. America 250 – Colorado 150 Drone Show for all ages at Howelsen Hill

7:30 p.m. Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill. Presented by Yampa Valley Bank. The light display with local athletes. The Lighted Man skis down shooting fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit. Ski Jumpers and FIREWORKS. Wear your Winter Carnival button. (Emerald Mountain including Blackmer Trail is closed to the public from 4-9 p.m. that night.) Overflow parking is at the rodeo grounds. No parking on Howelsen Parkway or River Road. Watch for lots of pedestrians.

Sunday, February 8, 2026

10 a.m.- 4 p.m. SUNDAY FREE SKI DAY AT HOWELSEN HILL Provided by the City of Steamboat Springs at Howelsen Hill Ski Area, 845 Howelsen Parkway

9 a.m. to 11 a.m. are the Street Events, presented by Yampa Valley Bank. Watch kids on skis and snowboards being pulled by horses down snow-covered Lincoln Ave.

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+
11 a.m. – Diamond Hitch Parade begins *Events that require advance registration. Start Times are approximate

10:30-11 a.m. GIANT SKI RACE FINALS Teams of six race head-to-head on a pair of 25-foot long GIANT SKIS. Costumes are required. Students from SSHS and CMC are building the giant skis. Sign up in advance through our website or WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com

11 a.m. is the Diamond Hitch Parade (right after the street events). A diamond hitch consists of at least four skiers pulled by a rope. Have fun and don’t miss this. Steamboat Radio’s Shannon Lukens will be announcing the parade.

1-2 p.m. Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals at Howelsen Hill.

Winter Carnival Memories Podcasts

From the Tread of Pioneers Museum — “How did Winter Carnival begin?”

Discovered by local Marjorie Perry in Hot Sulphur Springs at their Winter Carnival, Norwegian ski jumping pioneer Carl Howelsen started the first Steamboat Winter Carnival events in 1914 on Woodchuck Hill, the present site of Colorado Mountain College. The first Carnival introduced ski jumping and competitive skiing to the people of Steamboat Springs. Until then, local skiing was primarily a mode of winter transportation.
Officials estimated that 1,500 to 2,000 people gathered to watch a simultaneous jump by Carl Howelsen and James Pestrud that first year. The events were so popular that residents decided Winter Carnival should return annually.
The mid-winter Carnival also serves as a fundraiser for the renowned Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The club founded by Carl Howelsen continues to train and develop Steamboat’s talented athletes, and prepare them to succeed in life.

Over the years, some events have turned into longstanding traditions, while others were short-lived:

In the past, the penalty for being spotted without a Winter Carnival Button was to push a peanut down Lincoln Avenue using your nose.
In 1977, three Lighted Men skied down Howelsen Hill in the Night Show.
The High School Marching Band first performed on skis in 1935.
In 1920, two enterprising ranchers created “hub-mobiles” – sleds mounted with six-foot airplane propellers – and raced them down Lincoln Avenue.
In 1921, one of the prizes awarded to winning amateur ski jumpers was a 20 lb. bucket of lard. Other practical prizes of the past included a wheel of cheese.
Accommodating the surge in visitors for Winter Carnival in the early days posed some challenges. In 1959, a newspaper article promised visitors would have room to sleep in Steamboat’s schools, vacant storefronts, and the county’s equipment storage shop. Fitzsimmons Hospital in Denver loaned 200 cots and 400 blankets to help fill the need. (Hey, it’s not the Airbnbs of today, but it was a way to attend Winter Carnival!)
Longtime South Routt residents and historians Ellen and Paul Bonnifield remember the mid-1980s: “At that time, many ranchers still fed with feed teams and sleds during the winter, and several “team pulls” were held throughout the county and at the Fair. Paul put together a feed team contest in the rodeo arena for the Carnival. Bob Gay, as one judge, set the rules…”
Then, in 2020, who can forget: “The skies over Steamboat Springs, Colorado, erupted in red as the world’s largest firework launched Saturday night at the city’s annual Winter Carnival. The firework shell weighed almost 2,800 pounds, about the weight of a Toyota Corolla, and was 62 inches – a little more than five feet – in diameter.” CNN.com

By looking back on Carnivals of the past, we can appreciate and celebrate this town, its traditions, and the community members who make Winter Carnival the best winter celebration in the nation.

Sources: The Steamboat Pilot archives, The History of Skiing at Steamboat Springs by Sureva Towler, and The Flying Norseman by Leif Howelsen