Steamboat Winter Carnival 2025 in Colorado

Steamboat Winter Carnival is a five-day event held every February in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, to celebrate everything about cowboys and skiing. It may seem like these two themes do not go well together, but in Steamboat, everything is possible. Its winter carnival has been taking place here since the early 1900s, showcasing the town's Western heritage and strong winter sports traditions.

Festival Events

The Carnival is organized by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, which happens to be one of the largest and oldest in the U.S. Steamboat Winter Carnival features lots of fun activities like people on skis being pulled by horses in the main city street, skiers jumping through fiery hoops, the Lighted Man with roman candles shooting out of his backpack, and spectacular fireworks. The street events also feature amazing ski stunts right on the main street in downtown Steamboat and horses pulling skiers and snowboarders through the streets.

Saturday and Sunday are the most important days of the carnival when visitors can attend an exciting Diamond Hitch parade. The parade is a unique winter tradition, which involves a group of at least four skiers, each holding onto several points of a rope arranged in the shape of one or more diamonds.

These skiers are pulled along by animals, vehicles, or even people, promising an unforgettable spectacle. Another highlight is the Night Show Extravaganza on Howelsen Hill, where athletes demonstrate jumps and flips while other skiers descend down the hill, leaving a red glow along the ski trail.

Schedule & Tickets

Hours of the carnival generally depend on the day, with the carnival opening as early as 8 am on some days and welcoming visitors starting from noon on others. Night Extravaganza usually takes place on Saturday at 7:30 pm, while Diamond Hitch Parade kicks off at 11:30 am on Sunday. Tickets are required to enter the carnival, with the 2024 edition offering a $15 button, which gives you access to all events.