Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival
People in Steamboat Springs will find any excuse to play in the snow. The first Winter Carnival provided local ranchers an excuse to leave their ranches for a week of fun and games in packed powder conditions. Carl Howelsen, "The Flying Norseman", founded the Winter Carnival in 1914 to give locals a reprieve in February from the monotony of winter. Early participants tested their skills at ski jumping, cross country skiing and shooting.
Today the event features ski races, ski jumping, chariot racing, street events, the shovel race, dog sled pull and the unique High School Marching Band on skis!
Ending the weeklong celebration is the ever-popular night show with fireworks, synchronized skiing demonstrations and the famous Lighted Man.
The Winter Carnival is traditionally held in early February each year and is organized by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. Tourists pack the sidewalks along Lincoln Avenue to witness a little piece of Routt County history unfold on the Saturday and Sunday of Winter Carnival.
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