Winter Carnival Schedule 2025

See the below schedule for details on all 2025 events that took place throughout the carnival. For more info on these events and registration details visit here.

Event Ticketing

A 2025 $15 Winter Carnival button is required to spectate or participate in all Winter Carnival events, plus you will earn free access to ski or ride on Howelsen Hill each day from Feb. 5-9 — skiing is always FREE at Howelsen Hill on Sundays. Winter Carnival button must be presented at the Howelsen Hill ticket office to redeem the lift ticket. Some events require additional registration or tickets. Proceeds benefit the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

12 - 1 p.m. Olympic Heritage Tour

Coordinated by the Tread of Pioneers Museum. 

5:30 - 6:30 p.m. History Happy Hour

"Three Generations of Winter Carnival's Lighted Man" with Jon, Ron, and Kent Banks - Hosted by the Tread of Pioneers Museum - 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

4 - 6 p.m. Steamboat Cup 

This is a fun, local competitive cross country parent- hild relay and primarily targeted to skiers ages 7-12. These events are free and open to the public but require online pre-registration. Registration opens on January 22 and closes on February 4 at 4 p.m.

5:30 p.m. Royalty Dinner

A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses and the Grand Marshals. Location: Howelsen Hill

Thursday, February 6, 2025

2-6 p.m. Air Bag Athlete Demonstration 

4 p.m. Snow Sculpture Viewing

All ages are welcome. Coordinated by Steamboat Creates. Register here. Location: Lincoln Ave

4:30-5:30 p.m. Cross Country Obstacle Course

Ages 5-12 only. Location: Rodeo Grounds Howelsen Hill

4:30-5:30 p.m. Ski Jumping Jamboree 

Ages 4-11, Hill size HS 8 & 20. Location: Howelsen Hill

4:30-6 p.m. Family Duals 

All ages are welcome. Location: Howelsen Hill

5-6 p.m. Powder Tools Terrain Park Jam Session 

Ages 14 and under. Location: Howelsen Hill

5-8 p.m. S’More Family Fun Night

Tickets required in advance. Food provided by La Central Catering and Moving Mountains
Dinner tickets available for $15 each beginning January 31, 2025 at 10 a.m. S’more tickets (includes access to the event and all you can eat S’mores) will be available at the door for $10 based on tent capacity. Buy tickets Buy tickets here. Location: Howelsen Hill Party Tent

Friday, February 7, 2025

10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom

Registration is required for this event. Registration opens on January 31 at 7 a.m. and closes at noon on Wednesday, February. 5. Register here.

12:30 - 3 p.m. Winter Carnival Rail Jam Open

4:30-5:30 p.m. Nordic Jumping Exhibition 

5:30-6 p.m. Ski Ballet 

Registration is required for this event. Registration closes February 3. Register here. Location: Howelsen Hill, Ponyland

6-7 p.m. Amateur Ski Jumping 

Ages 15+. Location: Howelsen Hill

6-8 p.m. Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race 

Ages 12+. Location: Howelsen Hill

7-11 p.m. Tito’s Mountain Soiree 

Purchase tickets here. Location: Howelsen Hill Party Tent

Saturday, February 8, 2025

8 a.m. 100-Meter Nordic Sprint 

All ages are welcome. Location: Lincoln Ave

8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Gear Up Vendor Village

Everything you need to get outside in cutting-edge style and comfort featuring local Steamboat-based brands and companies. Participating vendors include Big Agnes/BAP, BAR-U-EAT, Town Hall, and more of the brands you love! Location: 9th Street, Between Lincoln Avenue and Oak Street

8:30 a.m. - 11 p.m. Pancake Breakfast

Come enjoy pancakes, breakfast sausages, coffee and juice before diving into the day’s events. Location: Holy Name Enrichment Center, 524 Oak Street

9 a.m.-noon Street Events

Presented by Yampa Valley Bank. Register here. Location: Lincoln Ave

1:30 - 3 p.m. Giant Ski Race Qualifiers 

Teams of six people race head-to-head against another team on a pair of 25-foot-long Giant Skis. The fastest eight teams and one people’s choice team will move onto the finals on Sunday and have the chance to race down Lincoln Avenue and fight for the 2025 championship. Registration opens January 15. Pre-registration is recommended, but day of registration will be available on site. Location: Howelsen Hill

1 p.m. Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications

Location: Howelsen Hill

6:45-7:15 p.m. SSWSC Athlete Exhibition 

Location: Howelsen Hill

7:30-8:30 p.m. Night Extravaganza 

Title sponsor 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! Location: Howelsen Hill

Sunday, February 9, 2025

9-11 a.m. Street Events 

Presented by Yampa Valley Bank. Register here. Pre-registration for horse events required - SOLD OUT

10:30 a.m. Giant Ski Race Finals

Teams of six people race head-to-head against another team on a pair of 25-foot-long Giant Skis downtown up Lincoln Avenue. The top 8 teams from Saturday’s qualifiers will compete along with one people’s choice team. Registration for tSaturday Qualifiers opens January 15. Pre-registration is recommended, but day of registration will be available on site. Location: Lincoln Ave

11:30 a.m. Diamond Hitch Parade 

Register here. Location: Lincoln Ave 

1-2 p.m.  Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals

By Qualification. Location: Howelsen Hill
 

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, ring and spear, donkey jump and the famous adult shovel race. The horse events are for children ages 6-14. Non-horse events for ages 1-14. Pre-registration is required at here beginning February 2nd. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

Approximately 10:30 a.m. after Street Events - 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. Animals, people or vehicles may pull the skiers down the snow-filled street. Anyone is welcome to enter the parade. Pre-registration is required and opens on December 15th. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

Why should I purchase a button or buff?

Funds from button sales go towards hosting Winter Carnival and support the athletes of the SSWSC. In addition, wearing your button or buff gives you FREE SKIING at Howelsen Hill February 7- February 11! (Must obtain lift ticket at ticket office.)