Hurry - you will not want to miss attending the oldest winter carnival in Colorado and west of the Mississippi! On February 7th through February 11th, Steamboat Springs has a fun filled line-up of events for the 105th annual Winter Carnival. You read that correctly - the ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTH Winter Carnival. A tradition that has been near and dear to both Steamboat residents and visitors alike.
The Winter Carnival was started by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club as a way to help residents cope with cabin fever during the height of the Colorado winter season. The event continues to this day as a way to celebrate winter. It gives good reason for neighbors to gather and an opportunity to experience life in Steamboat Springs Colorado with a piece of Ski Town USA® history and tradition.
Photo: Winter Carnival street events showing the dog dash where dogs pull kiddos under 5 on sleds to the finish line.
Saturday and Sunday highlight the event with the Winter Carnival Street Events and the Night Show Extravaganza. The Street Events feature local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids being pulled on skis behind horses right down main street in downtown Steamboat. A crowd favorite, the "Donkey Jump", sends kids soaring off a jump for up to 40 feet.
The Night Extravaganza takes place on Saturday night where hundreds of people gather outside Olympian Hall at Howelsen Hill to experience fireworks and the famous, Lighted Man - where roman candles are shooting out of his backpack, which makes for an amazing opening act for the fireworks show to close out the night. The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athletes will also be showcasing their ski and snowboard tricks, jumps and flights.
Be sure to check out the full schedule of events here. I promise you, this is a weekend to put on your calendar. Bring your whole family!
Photo: Kiddo being pulled by a horse during the Street Events in downtown Steamboat Springs
