- Activities
- Biking
- Mountain Biking
- Road Biking
- Around Town
- Gravel Biking
- New Bike Trails
- Brew Trail
- Dining
- Family Friendly Activities
- Hiking
- Camping
- Clark and North Routt
- Continental Divide Trail
- Fish Creek Falls
- In and Around Steamboat
- Mountain Area
- South Routt Flat Tops
- Top Hikes for the Family
- Outdoor Activities
- Camping
- Golf
- Fishing
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting
- Shopping
- Skiing and Snowshoeing
- Steamboat Resort
- Water Activities
- Hot Springs
- Colorado Historic Hot Springs Loop
- Tubing
- Paddle Sports
- Fishing
- Boating
- Fall Activities
- Spring Activities
- Summer Activities
- Winter Activities
- Events
- Annual Events
- Steamboat Marathon
- Marathon Registration
- Marathon Lodging
- Marathon FAQ
- Get Involved / Support
- Marathon Course Maps
- Marathon Event Schedule
- Marathon Transportation
- Marathon Aid Stations
- Marathon Fun Run
- Marathon Race Results
- Marathon Race Photos
- Marathon Training Tips
- Steamboat Pro Rodeo Series
- Fourth of July Celebration
- Hot Air Balloon Rodeo
- Steamboat OktoberWest
- Cowboy Downhill
- Steamboat Winter Carnival
- Arts & Entertainment
- WinterWonderGrass Festival
- Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free Concert Series
- Free Summer Concert Series
- Steamboat MusicFest
- Calendar of Events
- Submit An Event
- Plan Your Trip
- Getting Here
- Flying
- Winter
- Summer
- Ground Transportation
- Visitor Center
- Request a Visitors' Guide
- Steamboat Gift Cards
- Insider Tips
- Vacation Packages
- Spring and Summer Packages
- Fall Packages
- Winter Packages
- Top 10 Things to Do in Winter
- Top 10 Things to Do in Spring
- Top 20 Things to Do Summer
- Top 20 Things to Do in the Fall
- Top Free Things to Do
- Email Sign-Up
- Know Before You Go Winter Recreation
- Itineraries & Road Trips
- Locals' Favorites
- Locals' Favorite Hikes in Steamboat Springs
- Locals' Favorite Bike Trails in Steamboat Springs
- Locals' Favorite Happy Hour Spots in Steamboat Springs
- Locals' Favorite Products from Steamboat Springs
- Locals' Favorite Places to Watch the Sunset
- Locals' Favorite Drinks in Steamboat Springs
- Discover Steamboat Springs
- State Parks
- Pearl Lake
- Stagecoach Reservoir
- Steamboat Lake
- Western Culture
- History
- Rodeo
- Best of the West
- Fact & Figures
- Blog
- Weather
- Webcams
- Business Directory
- Doing Business
- Relocate Guide & Info
- Real Estate Directory
- Large Employers
- Routt County Communities
- Visit Responsibly
Steamboat Winter Carnival
February 3 - 7, 2021
For 108 years the Winter Carnival has celebrated Steamboat’s Western heritage and long-standing tradition of winter sports. This year, the spirit of the Winter Carnival will continue to embrace that history while supporting Steamboat’s Winter Sports Club with adjusted celebrations to keep athletes and community members safe.
Due to current local and state restrictions, there will be no Street Events, Night Extravaganza, or spectator events this year. The carnival will take place with outdoor activities for local youth to participate in and traditional experiences around town such as the soda pop slalom, snow sculptures, and the recognition of Winter Carnival Royalty and Grand Marshals. Athletes will also make numerous descents in smaller groups down the darkened backside of Howelsen Hill throughout the evenings of the Carnival to enjoy the experience and magic of skiing with flares. Fireworks will light up the sky on Saturday night and spectators can watch the display from home or lodging property, as no gathering at the blast will be permitted
We encourage all locals and visitors to keep the Winter Carnival tradition alive by playing outside and experiencing the winter wonderland of Steamboat Springs!
About the Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival was started by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) 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; as a reason for neighbors to gather; and as an opportunity for everyone to experience a piece of Ski Town USA® history and tradition.
Schedule of Events
Due to current local and state restrictions, there will be no Street Events, Night Extravaganza, Parade or spectator events this year. Please continue to check back for additional details on the 2021 event.
Thursday, February 4
Snow Sculptures presented by Steamboat Creates - Stroll down Lincoln to view hand-carved snow sculptures created by locals using this year's theme "Happy Outside". For more info, contact Steamboat Creates at (970) 879-9008. Location: Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Steamboat Springs
Friday, February 5
Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom - This is fun race is open to any skier or snowboarder 11 and under or U10 program & below (U12 athletes are not eligible). Location: Steamboat Ski Resort, Mt. Werner, Stampede Run
Saturday, February 6
Livestream World Pro Ski Tour at Howelsen Hill - SSWSC is making plans to host the World Pro Ski Tour on Saturday evening at Howelsen Hill. The exciting side-by-side racing event with two huge pro jumps will conjure up images of some of our favorite Carnival events. While there will be no spectators, the event will be live-streamed allowing people to enjoy the event safely in their homes.
Fireworks Display - End the night with a stunning fireworks show presented by Yampa Valley Bank. Spectators are encouraged to watch the show from the comfort of their home or lodging property.
Event Ticketing
Memorabilia will be available for purchase, including Winter Carnival buffs and posters created by local artist Sarah Juschka. Winter Carnival buttons will not be used for entry this year and will be limited to a number of 500 ‘collectors’ buttons, designed by one of Steamboat’s talented youth artists in the annual art competition. This year's buffs and buttons will follow tradition by giving the wearer free skiing at Howelsen Hill when shown to the ticket office between February 3 - 6.
Winter Carnival Video Playlist
View our Winter Carnival video playlist below for an inside look at the amazing events that take place during the carnival, including an interview with Leif Howelsen, son of Carl Howelsen (founder of the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival), that shows us the history and tradition behind this wonderful event.