Winter Carnival and Other Fun Happenings
By Kyra Demla
📅 February 7th to 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. Click here for a full listing of events.
📅 February 8th 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 9th and February 16th: 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 9th and February 16th: Fun Friday Nights
From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in Gondola Square. Enjoy an evening of excitement including night skiing, rides on the Outlaw Mountain Coaster, and different activities and entertainment each week with a DJ dance party. Then enjoy a variety show to impress the whole family, featuring a magical rabbit and dove, knife juggling, and more. The grand finale is at 7:30 with Friday night fireworks.
📅 February 9th: Family Fun Night
From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Chief Theatre with 'We're Not Clowns' juggling and comedy troupe back to Steamboat. Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults, available online here.
📅 February 10th 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 price includes snowshoes and lift ticket. Registration is required. Please call (970) 871-9151 to register.
📅 February 10th: Steamboat Mardi Gras and Free Concert at the Ski Area
Free concerts, parades, snow sculpture contests, a Cajun BBQ, Mardi Gras party, and more. Schedule of events:
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.: Free face painting in Gondola Square
2:30 p.m.: Mardi Gras Parade. Parade begins in Ski Time Square and travels throughout the Mountain Village. Masks and beads are provided on a first come, first serve basis.
1:30 to 4:00 p.m.: Celebrate Mardi Gras in Gondola Square with more face painters and street performers.
3:00 to 4:30 p.m.: Free concert with Brother Joscephus and the Love Revolution
📅 February 11th: 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 14th: Valentine's Fireworks and Torchlight Parade
At sunset. The Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School treats tourists and locals to a spectacular on-snow parade down the mountain lit only by torches for this Valentine's Day event.
Photo: Winter Carnival downtown Steamboat Springs.
