100th Annual Winter Carnival

Wednesday, February 6, 2013 - Sunday, February 10, 2013

Beginning as the organizing committee for the first Winter Carnival, the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club (SSWSC) has maintained the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival as a service to the community since 1914, making it the oldest, continuous winter carnival west of the Mississippi.  Winter Carnival started 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. 

Rated Top 10 Winter Carnival in the World by National Geographic Highlights of the 96th Event from Good Morning America's "Weekend Window"       This annual celebration includes a variety of events that embrace our western heritage and highlight Steamboat's tradition of winter sports. The festivities include such events as: Ski Jumping competitions, Snowboarding Jam Session, Soda Pop Slalom, Tubing Party, Diamond Hitch Parade which includes the High School band on skis, Street Events on Lincoln Avenue, and Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill with a brilliant fireworks display and the famous Lighted Man. Register for Winter Carnival Street Events

Photo: Jay O'Hare

The History and Tradition for the Steamboat Winter Carnival
An interview with Leif Howelsen, son of Carl Howelsen (founder of the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival), shows us the tradition of the Steamboat Winter Carnival and what Ski Town USA® is all about.

Thanks to Howelsen Place and Jay Kinghorn for putting this beautiful video together.

Thank You to Our 2012 Presenting Sponsor:

Thank You to Our 2012 Supporting Sponsors: