Dec 31, 2025

Ring in the new year with Steamboat's spectacular mountain celebration. The evening begins around 5:30 PM with the Torchlight Parade, where Steamboat Snowsports Instructors perform a synchronized ski down the mountain, illuminated only by the flares they carry. This is immediately followed by a dazzling display of fireworks that light up the sky over the resort base, creating a memorable backdrop for welcoming the new year. The event provides a thrilling close to the year and a celebratory gathering for all visitors.

Jan 5 - Jan 10, 2026

The MusicFest at Steamboat is a massive annual event that merges a world-class ski vacation with the finest Texas and Americana music. Over a full week, the festival hosts dozens of bands across multiple stages, turning the mountain base and surrounding venues into a non-stop concert series. Concerts generally start in the afternoon and run into the night. It is known as the largest group ski trip in the USA and draws a dedicated crowd for its unique blend of winter sports and live performances, featuring both music legends and rising stars in the genre.

Jan 19, 2026

Billed as part ski race, part rodeo, and part train wreck, the Cowboy Downhill is one of Steamboat's most unique and entertaining competitions. Over 100 professional rodeo cowboys and cowgirls trade their boots for ski boots to navigate a hilarious dual slalom course, which starts around 1:00 PM. The course challenges them to clear a jump, lasso a person, and saddle a horse before crossing the finish line in a frenzy of mayhem and laughter. This highly-attended event is a pure celebration of Steamboat's authentic Western heritage and Ski Town U.S.A. spirit.

Feb 3 - Feb 8, 2026

As the oldest continuous Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi, this multi-day event is a deep celebration of Steamboat's unique heritage. Highlights include street events where children on skis are pulled behind horses down a snow-covered Lincoln Avenue (Saturday and Sunday mornings) and the famous ski jöring races. The carnival culminates in the spectacular Night Extravaganza at Howelsen Hill on Saturday night, with the show typically starting around 7:30 PM, featuring the legendary Lighted Man and massive fireworks.

Feb 14, 2026

Steamboats Light up the Night Celebration is a dazzling Valentines Day event held at the resort base area. The sensory delight begins with a magnificent Balloon Glow around 5:30 PM, featuring tethered hot air balloons illuminating the mountain village until approximately 6:30 PM. Spectators can stroll among the balloons or watch from warm slope-side eateries. The grand finale of the evening is the combined Fireworks and Torchlight Parade, making for a spectacular evening of light, color, and high-altitude fun.

Feb 27 - Mar 1, 2026

The WinterWonderGrass Festival is a highly popular bluegrass and craft beer event that brings vibrant energy to the Steamboat base area. The festival features over twenty bands on multiple stages, focusing on authentic bluegrass, roots, and Americana music. Music typically kicks off in the mid-afternoon each day and continues into the evening. It also includes daily craft brew and cider samplings from local and regional breweries. It’s a community-focused gathering that combines great live music, mountain scenery, and a genuine love for Colorado's craft beverage culture.

Apr 11, 2026

This legendary Steamboat tradition is a wild and hilarious downhill race featuring homemade sleds made almost entirely from cardboard, glue, and duct tape. The day begins with check-in from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, followed by the Cardboard D'Elegance judging. The main race begins promptly at 11:30 AM on the Stampede run. Spectators can expect crashes, wild costumes, and incredible creativity as teams launch their fragile crafts down the snow to a hysterical finish.

Apr 12, 2026

The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championship is the ultimate celebration of spring skiing, wrapping up the season with rowdy fun. Participants in their best retro gear and wildest costumes attempt to skim across an icy pond at the base area. Check-in for participants starts at 9:30 AM, and the action officially begins at 1:00 PM. Whether they make it across or make a massive splash, competitors are judged on costume, distance, style, and crowd response in this highly popular closing day spectacle.