February Fun
By Kyra Demla
📅 February 1st through March 15th: Yampatika Ski With a Naturalist
Take a run during this free program that takes place on Steamboat Ski Area; however, it does not include a lift ticket. Meet at the Why Not trailhead at the top of the Gondola at Steamboat Ski Resort on Tuesday and Thursday through March 15.
📅 February 1st: Moonlit Snowshoe Tour
Join Stagecoach State Park at 7:30 p.m. for a moonlit snowshoe tour. The hike will leave from the Arrowhead Group Picnic Area and will provide beautiful moonlit views of the lake and surrounding mountains from the overlook trail. Afterwards, stick around for a bonfire and hot chocolate. Glowsticks and limited snowshoes are available. Bring warm clothes, flashlights, and snowshoes if you have them. Pets welcome, but must be kept on a six-foot leash. Admission is free with a valid parks pass. For additional info, please contact the state park by calling (970) 736-2436.
📅 February 2nd and February 9th: Free Snowshoe Tour at Fish Creek Falls
From 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This tour is offered weekly through March 16. Join Yampatika for a moderately strenuous snowshoe tour along the breathtaking Fish Creek Canyon. This tour is for ages 12 and up. The snowshoe tour is a free program; however, registration is required. Please call (970) 871-9151 to register.
📅 February 2nd: First Friday Artwalk in Downtown Steamboat Springs
From 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. (free). The monthly art walk is a free self-guided tour of local art galleries, museums, and alternative venues in downtown Steamboat Springs. These businesses remain open the first Friday of every month for this favorite event of locals and visitors alike. Many offer changing exhibits, so there is something new to see each month. Refreshments are served.
📅 February 3rd through March 17th: Yampatika Snowshoe Tour on Emerald Mountain
Ride the chairlift up historic Howelsen Hill to enjoy spectacular views of the Yampa Valley, and to learn winter ecology provided by a Yampatika guide. This tour is for ages 12 and up. Cost is $20 and includes snowshoes and a lift ticket. Registration is required. Please call (970) 871-9151 to register.
📅 February 3rd: Winter Gala at the Steamboat Art Museum
From 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Gala celebration will feature the theme Imagining the West. At the Gala, you will be able to help celebrate the opening of the expanded museum and view works by the country's foremost artists and their interpretation and vision of the West. The event will include festivities, cocktails, and dinner. There will also be a silent auction of an original painting by John Fawcett. Tickets are available for $100 and seating is limited. To reserve your spot, please call (970) 870-1755 or email sam@steamboatartmuseum.org.
📅 February 4th: Ski Free Sundays at Howelsen Hill
From 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Ski for free every Sunday at historic Howelsen Hill in Steamboat Springs. Ski the same trails as Steamboat Olympians just steps from downtown. It's as easy as simply stopping into the lodge to pick up your free ticket, which is required to access the ski lifts and the Nordic trails on these special Ski Free Sundays.
📅 February 6th: History Happy Hour at Butcherknife Brewery
Join the Tread of Pioneers Museum from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Each attendee will receive one free craft beer, compliments of Butcherknife Brewery. Local Olympian, outfitter, and rancher Ray Heid shares his "Stories from the Trail." Heid has become famous locally for his storytelling while leading guests on trail rides for Del's Triangle 3 Ranch. This event is free to attend.
📅 February 7th through 11th: 105th Annual Winter Carnival
Held all throughout Steamboat Springs. Winter Carnival was started by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club 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. Saturday and Sunday highlight the event with the Winter Carnival Street Events and the Night Show Extravaganza. The Street Events feature local Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club kids being pulled on skis behind horses right down main street in downtown Steamboat.
Photo: Local cowgirls and cowboys getting ready to pull kids on skis downtown for the Winter Carnival street events.
