It is an annual tradition that began over 40 years ago between a couple World Champion cowboys and former Olympian, Billy Kidd (who is now Steamboat’s Director of Skiing). These cowboys decided to invite a few other Pro Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of enjoying the slopes. They had such a great time that the few cowboys showing their rope skills on skis has now turned into an annual event and tradition here in Steamboat.
The Race
The Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is coming up on Monday, January 20th at Steamboat Resort. The fame from 40 years ago has now become an anticipated legacy with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique "ski rodeo".
Cowboys will ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a lady, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. This is the Timed Event. Followed by the Stampede Event, which is a mass start; first cowboy to the bottom wins. All participants must wear chaps and cowboy hats.
The event is always scheduled to coincide with the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Cowboys drive 3 hours west of Denver to a familiar cowboy ski town in Northwest Colorado. The fun begins on Sunday evening as the town gets ready to cowboy up for the 46th annual event.
This Year's Events
There will be a Balloon Glow the evening of Sunday, December 20th where six hot air balloons will illuminate against the mountain backdrop at the base area of Steamboat Resort. Walk up to see the balloons and be sure to pop into one of the restaurants to enjoy happy hour, dinner or dessert. Night skiing takes place at 5:30 p.m. and then head over to the Timber & Torch restaurant where the cowboys participating in Cowboy Downhill will be dancing the night away with music entertainment from Banks & Shane start at 8 p.m.
Then on Monday, January 20th, be sure to come back to the slopes to check out these cowboys giving their all off a jump and then test their roping skills along the way. Stick around for the well-known band, Fruition as they play a free concert in Gondola Square. Be sure to put this fun, wild and western event on your calendar for the future – it’s a hootin’ howlin’ good time!
Schedule below for Monday, January 20:
-11:00 AM: Festivities kick off in Gondola Square with a 4H petting zoo, Denver Broncos cheerleaders.
-1:00 PM: Timed Slalom, Cowboy Downhill Stampede
-2:30 PM: Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert: Fruition
