Winter Carnival Schedule 2020

See the below schedule for details on all 2020 events that take place throughout the carnival. Event time and details are subject to change. For more info on these events and registration details visit wintercarnivalsteamboat.com.

Event Ticketing

A $10 Winter Carnival button is required for entry/spectating at all events. Your button will serve as your lift ticket for all events you register for, and will give you free skiing access to Howelsen Hill February 5 - February 9 (Must obtain a physical lift ticket at the Howelsen Hill ticket office). All events take place at Howelsen Hill unless otherwise noted. A waiver is required for participation in all events.

Wednesday, February 5

5:30 p.m. Opening Ceremonies

A celebration honoring the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses, and the Grand Marshals. Location: Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill Lodge, Downtown off of 5th Street

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Speed and Flight Night Ski Jumping

Learn to ski jump (on Alpine or Telemark equipment, ages 12+) under the lights on the historic ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Register ($15) the night of the event from 5:15 - 5:45 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. Location: Howelsen Hill

Thursday, February 6

4:00 p.m. Snow Sculpture Judging

Stroll down Lincoln to view hand-carved snow sculptures! Judging will take place from 3 - 4 p.m. and winners will be highlighted with ribbons and announced at Street Events on February 8th and 9th and at the Night Extravaganza on February 8th! Sculptures will be built on February 6th by high school and community teams inspired by the theme, 'Light Up the Sky'. Applications can be found here. For more info, contact Steamboat Creates at (970) 879-9008. Location: Lincoln Avenue, Downtown Steamboat Springs

4:30 - 5:00 p.m. Cross-Country Obstacle Race

A fun and entertaining noncompetitive obstacle race for Nordic skiers and "wannabe" Nordic skiers. Spectators are welcome. Pre-registration not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. (Ages 5 -12) Location: Howelsen Hill

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. Powder Tools Mid-winter Terrain Park Jam Session

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 4:00 p.m. at the terrain park. A waiver must be signed or already be on file with the SSWSC in order to participate. Practice runs from 4:30 - 5:00 p.m., Jam Session from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m. (Ages 14 and under) Location: Howelsen Hill

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Parent-Child Duals

Everyone is a winner in this family-friendly competition. Come join the family fun by racing or bumping down the junior courses on Howelsen Hill Face. Go head to head against your child on either the GS style race course or dual mogul course. Pre-registration is not required, but a release form must be signed or already be on file with SSWSC in order to participate. (All ages) Location: Howelsen Hill

5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Ski Jumping Jamboree

An enjoyable time for children to take to 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. Helmet required. (Ages 4-11) Location: Howelsen Hill

5:30 - 8:30 p.m. S'more Family Fun Party

Presented by Off the Beaten Path and Book Trails with food provided by Moving Mountains.
Families can take part in the Winter Carnival celebration! Throughout the evening's activities at Howelsen Hill, a family-style chili and s'more party will be taking place in the big white tent on Vanatta Ballfield. Just call it S'more Family Fun! Enjoy the outside ski activities, then head into the tent for warm chili, a DJ and dancing! Complete with a bonfire, fire spinners, and s’more making outside! Cost is $10 for adults and $5 for kids 12 and under. Food is served on a first come, first serve basis from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m. Location: Howelsen Hill, Tent at Vanatta Field

Friday, February 7

10:00 a.m. Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom

This is a fun race and is open to any skier or snowboarder 11 and under or U10 program & below (U12 athletes are not eligible). Pre-registration is required at Howelsen Hill Lodge Jan 30 - 31, Feb 1, or Feb 4 - 6 from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Location: Steamboat Ski Resort, Mt. Werner, Stampede Run

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Nordic Jumping Exhibition

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes jumping the Hill Size 20, 30, 45, 75 and 100. Location: Howelsen Hill

6:00 - 7:00 p.m. Amateur Ski Jumping

Ski Jumping (on alpine equipment) under the lights on the historic ski jumps of Howelsen Hill. Prizes, jumping and high-flying fun. Register ($25) the night of the event from 5:00 - 5:45 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. (Ages 15+) Location: Howelsen Hill

6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race

An exciting on-snow, mountain bike event down the face of Howelsen Hill. The event includes practice, qualifying, and final competition rounds. Register the night of the event at 5:30 p.m. in the Fireplace Room at Howelsen Hill Lodge. (Ages 12+) Location: Howelsen Hill

7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. Tito's Mountain Soiree

Celebrate the 107th Winter Carnival at an 80's theme costume party with an evening of libations, food, live music, a bonfire, and more. Tickets must be purchased in advance: sswsc.tix.com. (Ages 21+) Location: Howelsen Hill, Tent at Vanatta Field

Saturday, February 8

8:00 - 11:00 a.m. Knights of Columbus Pancake Breakfast

Hosted annually by the Knights of Columbus, this function is the perfect way to fuel up for all of the day’s activities. Donations are graciously accepted for the charitable works of the Knights of Columbus, and Winter Carnival buttons are also available. Location: Holy Name Catholic Church, 524 Oak Street

8:00 a.m. 100-Meter Nordic Sprint

The Steamboat Springs Nordic Council is looking for the fastest skate skiers in the Boat! They are hosting a 100-meter Nordic Sprint on Lincoln Avenue between 7th and 8th streets prior to the Street Events. The race will have male and female divisions as well as 13 and over and 12 and under age categories. Anyone interested can register for this free event at the Steamboat Touring Center, 970-879-8180. Check in the morning of the event at 7:30 a.m. at 7th Street Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

9:00 a.m. – noon Street Events

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 required beginning January 30 at 10:00 a.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

1:00 p.m. - Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications

This is a must-see ski jumping event with participants launching off of the HS127 "Big Hill" on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. There is a $100 entry fee to participate. Location: Howelsen Hill

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

Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club athletes demonstrate their skills as the sun sets behind Howelsen Hill. Location: Howelsen Hill

7:00 p.m. Night Extravaganza

A must-see evening of entertainment at historic Howelsen Hill! This community favorite draws thousands of spectators for an exciting display of "Lighting the Flame". The evening starts with a winter sports exhibition highlighting athletes showing their prowess in the dark, lit by flares and LED lights! Known across the country, the Lighted Man will then ski down Howelsen Hill shooting 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 that will feature the largest firework in the world! Spectators: Don't forget your Winter Carnival button! Location: Howelsen Hill

Sunday, February 9

9:00 - noon Street Events

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 WinterCarnivalSteamboat.com beginning January 31 at 10:00 a.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

Approximately 11:30 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 the deadline is February 5th at 6:00 p.m. Location: Downtown Steamboat, Lincoln Avenue

1:00 p.m. Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals

This is a must-see ski jumping event with participants launching off of the HS127 “Big Hill” on alpine skis and boots, rather than the usual ski jumping equipment. Watch as world records get broken! There is a $100 entry fee. Location: Howelsen Hill, Downtown off of 5th Street

Not sure whether or not you need to bundle up? Click here for today's weather in Steamboat.

Why Should I Purchase a Button?

Funds from button sales go towards hosting Winter Carnival and support the athletes of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. In addition, wearing your button gives you free skiing at Howelsen Hill February 5 - February 9. You must obtain a lift ticket at the ticket office.

For additional information or questions, please click here or call 970-879-0695.