Steamboat Winter Carnival — Let Your Light Shine
The 112th annual winter tradition returns February 4–9, 2025
High-flying skiers clearing hoops of fire, grown adults squealing down Main Street on shovels, kids on skis propelled by horses, fireworks booming in the star-painted night sky — this is how we celebrate our western heritage in Steamboat!
The 112th Annual Winter Carnival takes place February 4–9, 2025, marking the oldest continuous winter carnival west of the Mississippi. Sponsored by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club to help fund athletic programs and run by volunteers, this year’s Winter Carnival theme is “Where Legends are Made.”
The renowned February event began in 1914 to ease cabin fever and to gather with neighbors and celebrate the season.
Admission: A 2025 $15 Winter Carnival button is required to spectate or participate in all Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival events, plus free access to ski or ride on Howelsen Hill each day from February 5-9. You must obtain a physical lift ticket at the Howelsen Hill ticket office.
Events Not to Miss:
While everyday brings a new assortment of fun, exciting, wild, and interactive events, here are just a few of our favorites.
Wednesday, February 5
Opening Ceremonies
5:30 p.m.
Head to Olympian Hall to kick off festivities with the Winter Carnival Queen, her Court of Attendants, Little Princesses and the Grand Marshals.
Thursday, February 6
Snow Sculpture Judging
4 p.m.
Walk Lincoln Avenue and take in the hand-carved snow sculptures created by high school and community teams under the 2022 theme “Let Your Light Shine.”

S’more Family Fun Party
5:00 p.m.
Visit the big white tent on Vanatta Ballfield at Howelsen Hill for a family-style chili and s’mores party complete with a bonfire, a DJ and dancing.
Friday, February 7
Winter Carnival Rail Jam Open
12:30 p.m.
Head to the base of the Christie Peak Express to watch or participate in this new event. Open to skiers and snowboarders of all ages and ability levels, it’s as simple as the “Do a trick, Get a prize” format sounds. Be sure to stop by The Range Food and Drink Hall or Timber and Torch for lunch and refreshments.
Nordic Jumping Exhibition
4:30 p.m.
See Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club Nordic Combined and Special Jumping athletes catching big air on Howelsen Hill.
Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race
6 p.m.
More terrain and jumps spice up this year’s on-snow Howelsen Hill mountain bike course. Cheer from the sidelines or register the night of the event.
Saturday, February 8

Street Events
9 a.m.
Snowy Lincoln Avenue transforms into an all-day course for street slalom, ski joring, ring and spear and donkey jump events and the famous adult shovel race.
Night Extravaganza + Fireworks
7:30 p.m.
This evening of entertainment includes local athletes displaying jaw-dropping skills while illuminated by flares and LED lights. Stay for the Lighted Man as he skis down Howelsen Hill shooting fireworks from his pyrotechnic suit while jumpers clear a flaming hoop.
Sunday, February 9
Street Events
9:00 a.m
Once again, snowy Lincoln Avenue transforms into an all-day course for street slalom, ski joring, ring and spear and donkey jump events and the famous adult shovel race.

Diamond Hitch Parade
11:30 a.m.
A parade for the record books, skiers hold onto points of a rope tied in the shape of diamonds as animals, people or vehicles pull them down the snow-packed street.
Come see why National Geographic named the Steamboat Winter Carnival among the Top 10 Winter Carnivals in the World! View the full 2025 Winter Carnival Schedule.
Booking your Steamboat vacation and Winter Carnival accommodations has never been easier. Save on family and group deals and ski packages by booking with Steamboat Central Reservations or view our packages. We offer pass holder lodging specials, lodging + lift ticket packages, military discounts and more.
See you at the carnival!