Every winter, Steamboat Springs comes together for one of its most beloved traditions: Winter Carnival, hosted by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Now in its 113th year, this week-long celebration blends winter sports, community gatherings, and a healthy dose of quirky Steamboat charm.
From ski jumping and street events to family-friendly activities, music, art, and fireworks, Winter Carnival is one of those weeks that remind us why winter in Steamboat feels special.
Here’s our top 3 favorite events followed by a clear, day-by-day guide to what’s happening during the 2026 Steamboat Winter Carnival, running Tuesday, February 3 through Sunday, February 8.
Top 3 Winter Carnival Highlights
-
Street Events on Lincoln Avenue (Saturday & Sunday)
A classic Steamboat tradition featuring ski joring, donkey jumps, shovel races, and kids on skis being pulled down Lincoln. It’s loud, lively, and uniquely Steamboat. -
Fire & Ice Night Extravaganza (Saturday Night)
The can’t-miss evening at Howelsen Hill with illuminated athletes, the legendary Lighted Man, fiery ski jumps, fireworks, and this year’s America 250 / Colorado 150 drone show. -
S’More Family Fun Party (Thursday Evening)
A cozy community favorite with chili, s’mores, music, and dancing in the Howelsen Hill party tent perfect for families and a warm break from the cold.
And while these events tend to steal the spotlight, Winter Carnival is really about the full week of competitions, history, art, and community moments that unfold across town. Below is a complete day-by-day schedule to help you plan your week.
Register for events here: SSWSC.
Tuesday, February 3 | Olympic History & Local Stories
5:30 – 6:30 p.m. | History Happy Hour
📍 Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill
Kick off Winter Carnival with stories from Steamboat’s Olympic past. Presented by the Tread of Pioneers Museum, this all-ages event features “Olympic Memories with Local Olympians” and sets the tone for a week rooted in history and community.
Wednesday, February 4 | Royalty Celebration
11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Ski Town U.S.A. Exhibit
📍 Tread of Pioneers Museum, Oak Street
Explore the history of winter sports in Steamboat, including the original Lighted Man pyrotechnic suit.
3 – 9 p.m. | SSWSC Beer Collaboration
📍 Mountain Tap Brewery, Yampa Street
Stop by Mountain Tap to try the Winter Carnival beer collaboration brewed in honor of Team USA. Available all week.
5:30 p.m. | Winter Carnival Royalty Dinner
📍 Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill
A community celebration honoring Winter Carnival Royalty and Grand Marshals.
Thursday, February 5 | Family Events & Community Fun
This is one of the busiest and most family-focused days of Carnival, with multiple events happening throughout the afternoon and evening.
2 – 6 p.m. | Airbag Demonstration
📍 Base of Nordic Jumps, Howelsen Hill
Watch freestyle, freeskiing, and snowboard athletes launch into the air and land on a 50-foot airbag — a great chance for photos.
4 p.m. | Snow Sculpture Viewing & Judging
📍 Lincoln Avenue
Stroll downtown to see hand-carved snow sculptures inspired by the theme Dream Like a Champion. Judging takes place at 4 p.m.
4:15 – 6 p.m. | Family Dual Slalom Ski Race
📍 Howelsen Hill
A friendly, all-ages race on junior courses. No pre-registration required.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Cross Country Obstacle Course
📍 Howelsen Hill Rodeo Grounds
A non-competitive course for ages 5-12.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Ski Jumping Jamboree
📍 Howelsen Hill Nordic Jumps
Kids ages 4-11 can try ski jumping on alpine equipment.
5 – 6 p.m. | Steamboat Cup Cookie Jam
📍 Howelsen Hill Terrain Park
Terrain park jam session for ages 14 and under.
5 – 8 p.m. | S’More Family Fun Party (Ticket Required)
📍 Howelsen Hill Party Tent
Chili, s’mores, music, and dancing – a Winter Carnival favorite for families.
7 p.m. | Symphony of Champions
📍 Steamboat Strings Music Pavilion
A special partnership with the Steamboat Symphony Orchestra celebrating Olympic spirit and community excellence.
Friday, February 6 | Competition & Community
10 a.m. | Christy Sports Soda Pop Slalom
📍 Howelsen Hill
A fun slalom race for skiers and riders ages 11 and under.
12:30 – 3 p.m. | Winter Carnival Rail Jam
📍 Steamboat Resort
Winter Carnival button and Ikon Pass required.
4:30 – 5:30 p.m. | Nordic Jumping Exhibition
📍 Howelsen Hill
Watch SSWSC athletes jump everything from 20-meter to 100-meter hills.
5:30 – 6 p.m. | Ski Ballet
📍 Howelsen Hill
A throwback favorite – costumes encouraged.
5 – 8 p.m. | First Friday Art Walk
📍 Lincoln Avenue
A self-guided downtown art walk featuring local galleries and exhibits.
6 – 7 p.m. | Amateur Ski Jumping
📍 Howelsen Hill
High-flying fun under the lights on alpine equipment.
6 – 8 p.m. | Johnsie Memorial Dual Slalom Bicycle Race
📍 Howelsen Hill
An on-snow mountain bike race with jumps and head-to-head competition.
7 – 11 p.m. | Tito’s Mountain Soiree (SOLD OUT)
📍 Howelsen Hill Big Tent
An 80s-themed dance party with live music, food, and drinks.
Saturday, February 7 | Street Events & Night Extravaganza
8 a.m. | 100-Meter Nordic Sprint
📍 Lincoln Avenue
8 a.m. – Noon | Gear Up Vendor Village
📍 9th Street
8:30 a.m. – 11 p.m. | Pancake Breakfast
📍 Holy Name Enrichment Center
9 a.m. – Noon | Street Events
📍 Lincoln Avenue
Ski joring, donkey jumps, shovel races, and more.
1 – 2 p.m. | Olympic Heritage Tour
📍 Howelsen Hill
1 p.m. | Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Qualifications
📍 Howelsen Hill
1:30 – 3:30 p.m. | Giant Ski Race Qualifiers
📍 Rodeo Grounds
5 – 8 p.m. | Fire & Ice: Winter Carnival Night Show Experience (Ticket Required)
📍 Howelsen Hill Party Tent
6 – 6:40 p.m. | SSWSC Athlete Exhibition
6:45 p.m. | America 250 – Colorado 150 Drone Show
7 – 8 p.m. | Night Extravaganza
📍 Howelsen Hill
Featuring the Lighted Man, fiery ski jumps, and a massive fireworks display.
Sunday, February 8 | Street Events & Grand Finale
9 – 10:30 a.m. | Street Events
📍 Lincoln Avenue: A wildly entertaining show featuring children on skis and snowboards being pulled behind horses along snow-covered Lincoln Avenue. Races include street slalom, donkey jumps, the dog and dad dashes, and the shovel races!
10:30 – 11:15 a.m. | Giant Ski Race Finals
11:30 a.m. | Diamond Hitch Parade
1 – 2 p.m. | Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals
📍 Howelsen Hill
A Steamboat Tradition
Winter Carnival is one of those weeks where Steamboat truly shows its character- athletic, playful, welcoming, and deeply rooted in tradition. Whether you catch one event or spend the whole week bouncing between downtown and Howelsen Hill, it’s a celebration that belongs to the entire community.
Don’t forget your Winter Carnival button, dress warmly, and enjoy one of Steamboat’s most iconic winter traditions.
Find the schedule, registration, and more event details at SSWSC.
For the latest community events, follow our blog or social media linked below!