Steamboat Springs invites everyone to come and enjoy the true spririt of small town America at their 99th annual Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival.
Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival Dates February 8th – 12th, 2012
In 2011 the National Geographic Magazine featured the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival as one of the top 10 Winter Carnivals in the nation.
This annual festival encompasses a unique variety of events that not only embrace the western heritage of the Colorado Rockies but also highlights the tremendous winter sports traditions that sets Steamboat Springs apart.
When you go to “the boat” as the locals refer to it, you are always in for some experiences that you can only enjoy in this picturesque retreat surrounded on all sides by majestic mountain peaks.
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 winter carnival in Colorado. 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. Source: Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce
Events include a muzzle-loading biathlon, a ski parade, tubing party, a donkey jump, a shovel race, a 25-yard toboggan dash, the diamond hitch parade and the night show with a huge fireworks display and the famous Lighted Man.
Check out a clip from a past Winter Carnival from the popular kid being pulled behind a horse on ski’s competition in the video gallery to the left.
Winter Carnival Street Events 2012
On Saturday and Sunday hundreds of people line Lincoln Avenue to witness the Street Events. The Street Events are a wildly popular and entertaining show featuring children on skis (or snowboards) being pulled behind horses down a snow-covered Lincoln Avenue. Horse Events include: Street Slalom, Ski Joring, Ring & Spear, Ring & Box, and the famous Donkey Jump. Horse Events are for children ages 6 to 14 years old, while Non-Horse Events are for children ranging in age from infant to 14 years old.
* Pre-Registration is REQUIRED for all Horse Events. NO DAY-OF REGISTRATION for the Horse Events. Please check back on February 3rd for registration details.
Questions? Contact Sarah at 875-7006
2012 Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival Street Events Schedule
| Saturday, February 11 | Sunday, February 12 | |||||
|
Time |
Event |
Age |
Time |
Event |
Age |
|
| 8:15 am | 100m Nordic Dash** | 9:00 am | Ring & Spear | (6-9) | ||
| 9:00 am | Street Slalom | (10-14) | 9:30 am | Obstacle Course (50 yds) | (5-7) | |
| 9:30 am | 3-Legged Race (50 yds) | (5-8) | 9:40 am | Obstacle Course (50yds) | (8-10) | |
| 9:40 am | Ski Joring | (6-9) | 9:50 am | Obstacle Course (50 yds) | (11-14) | |
| 10:00 am | 3-Legged Race (75 yds) | (9-11) | 10:00 am | Street Slalom | (6-9) | |
| 10:05 am | Ski Joring | (10-14) | 10:20 am | 25 yd Dog Dash | (0-5) | |
| 10:35 am | 25 yd Dash | (3-5) | 10:25 am | 25 yd Dad Dash | (0-5) | |
| 10:40 am | Ring & Box | (6-9) | 10:30 am | Donkey Jump | (10-14) | |
| 11:10 am | 50 yd Dash | (6-8) | 11:00 am | Shovel Race | (18+) | |
| 11:15 am | 75 yd Dash | (9-11) | 11:30 am | PARADE BEGINS | ||
| 11:25 am | Donkey Jump | (6-9) | ||||
| 11:55 am | Shovel Race | (18+) | ||||
Events in Bold – Horse Events and required advance registration
** On Saturday, February 11th, the Nordic Council will be putting on a 100 meter Nordic Sprint. This race will start on 6th and end at 8th Street. Please contact the Nordic Council for registration information. The street events will start at 9:00 A.M. as usual.**
For more information visit the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce website here.
For more information check out Fun Facts and Heritage on the Winter Carnival.
Steamboat Springs is a great place to visit at any time of the year. Check out the festivals happening throughout the year in this favorite Colorado getaway spot.
Steamboat Springs Wine Festival
Steamboat Springs Colorado Summer Adventures
Steamboat Springs All Arts Festival
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Wow, so many great family-friendly events. Wish I was a better skier. Do you ever participate in any of these events, Chrissy?
In my youth.. now I watch my kids and their friends from the comfort of the cozy ski lodges!
If every state made snow this much fun, no one would live in Florida. Thanks for sharing a wonderful upcoming event!