This winter season in Steamboat is shaping up to be fun and entertaining – and full of memorable experiences. Below, find the schedule of a variety of winter activities for the season in addition to some great info & resources.
Local’s Tip: Please feel free to use and reference this tentative events calendar to help plan your trip to Steamboat. See you in the ‘Boat!
SANTA SADDLES UP
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024 | 1:00 PM — 4:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (see on map)
See Santa Saddle Up, Steamboat is excited to bring back the tradition of the Santa Horseback Procession. Santa will ride into the resort from the Torian Plum Area right down the slopes into the heart of Steamboat Square escorted by legendary locals Bob Dapper and Dean Vogelaar. This happens promptly at 1:00 pm and takes just a few minutes so be sure to be here early not to miss it. Immediately following the ride Santa will be available on the Steamboat Stage to visit with guests and take pictures. Complimentary hot chocolate and cupcakes will be available. Skeeters ice rink will also be open for skating.
Full schedule of events coming soon.
This is a FREE event!
HOLIDAY DRONE SHOW
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024 | 5:30 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (see on map)
Join us at Steamboat Resort for an unforgettable evening of magic and wonder! As the sun sets on the sky will come alive around 5:30 PM with a mesmerizing drone show that captures the heart of Steamboat’s spirit and the festive holiday season. Watch as lights dance through the air, creating dazzling formations that will leave you in awe. Bring your friends and family to experience this one-of-a-kind celebration—it’s a night of spectacular sights and unforgettable memories you won’t want to miss!
Holiday Drone Show- 5:30-6:00pm
Holiday Skate Party – 6:00- 7:30pm
Open for Night Skiing 6:00- 8:30pm
IMPORTANT: Please note, drone shows and all events are weather dependent and for safety reasons will be cancelled in the event of heavy snowfall and or wind.
This is a FREE event!
HOLIDAY SKATE PARTY
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024 | 6:00 PM — 7:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (see on map)
Join us for a festive Holiday Skate Party at Skeeter’s Rink, located right at the base of the resort. Delight in the sheer exuberance of the season as you skate beneath the stars. The scene promises to be one of enchantment and fun, making it a must-attend event for all ages. You’ll groove to your favorite holiday tunes, and we’ve got a magical display of lights to amp up the atmosphere.
This is a FREE event!
HOLIDAY BALLOON GLOW
Date & Time
Dec. 14, 2024 | 5:30 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (see on map)
Get prepared for an evening of sensory delight. View the beauty of four magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village from 5:30-6:30pm. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery. Enjoy night skiing and swing by Timber & Torch or The Range Food and Beverage Hall to warm up and enjoy dinner and drinks. Get ready for the Holiday Balloon Glow Celebration to kick-off the holidays!
This is a FREE event!
HANUKKAH MOUNTAIN CELEBRATION
Date & Time
Dec. 28, 2024 | 3:00 PM — 3:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Square
2305 Mt. Werner Circle, Steamboat Springs, CO 80487 (see on map)
Join Rabbi Kolby Morris-Dahary of The Jewish Community of Steamboat on the Steamboat Stage at the base of the mountain in a celebration of the Festival of Light. Whether you are local or visiting, Jewish or not, you are invited to celebrate with us in song, treats (jelly donuts), and the ritual of lighting a Hanukkah menorah! Happy Hanukkah from the Jewish Community of Steamboat!
This is a FREE event!
NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS AND LIGHT UP SNOW CAT PARADE
Date & Time
Dec. 31, 2024 | 5:30 PM — 6:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
Get ready for an unforgettable New Year’s celebration! The night kicks off with five snowcats, decked out in thousands of twinkling lights, leading the way down the mountain. Following this radiant procession, Steamboat Snow Sports Instructors will glide down the slopes, performing synchronized skiing, illuminated only by glowing torches. This magical parade sets the stage for a stunning fireworks display, lighting up the sky to welcome 2025 in dazzling style. Don’t miss out on this incredible celebration!
This is a FREE event!
MUSICFEST 2025
Date & Time
Jan. 6, 2025 — Jan. 11, 2025 | All day
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
The largest group ski trip of its kind in the nation, the MusicFest brings the finest Texas and Americana music to the world-class ski resort of Steamboat, Colorado for a week full of sport and song. The festival boasts a stunning roster that includes both legends and rising talents alike.
Local’s Tip: Learn more about MusicFest 2025 HERE!
COWBOY UP DRONE GLOW
Date & Time
Jan. 19, 2025 | 5:30 PM — 6:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
Get ready for a night of pure excitement at Steamboat Resort! As the sun sets, the skies will come alive around 5:30 PM with a jaw-dropping drone show that captures the spirit of Steamboat and celebrates the 50th Anniversary of the legendary Bud Light Cowboy Downhill. This dazzling display of lights and motion will leave you in awe as it paints the sky with unforgettable visuals. It’s a must-see celebration that combines cutting-edge technology with Steamboat’s iconic Western flair!
FREE EVENT! Full Schedule of Events Coming Soon…
IMPORTANT: Please note, drone shows and all events are weather dependent and for safety reasons will be cancelled in the event of heavy snowfall and or wind.
BUD LIGHT COWBOY DOWNHILL
Date & Time
Jan. 20, 2025 | 11:00 AM — 4:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Cir (see on map)
Mark your calendars for the 50th annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill event. It all began 50 years ago when Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s director of skiing, and Larry Mahan, six-time all-around World Champion cowboy, decided to invite a few of the Pro Rodeo stars to Steamboat for a day of skiing. The cowboys had such a great time that the downhill has become the most popular event of the season with over 100 of the best professional rodeo cowboys competing in the most unique ski rodeo in the country.
When the race kicks off at 1pm Cowboys & Cowgirls will ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. The dual slalom is followed by the Stampede Event, which is a mass start; first cowboy/cowgirl to the bottom wins.
Schedule of Events Coming Soon!
This is a FREE event!
112TH STEAMBOAT WINTER CARNIVAL
Date & Time
Feb. 7, 2025 — Feb. 9, 2025 | All day
The Steamboat Winter Carnival is a celebration of Steamboat’s Western Heritage. The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the U.S., hosts the 112th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival, the oldest continuing winter carnival west of the Mississippi.
For several days, the entire town is given over to racing, ski jumping, a parade featuring Steamboat’s skiing high school band (the only one in the U.S.), ski jöring events down snow packed Lincoln Avenue and the spectacular night show featuring the legendary Lighted Man and a fireworks display.
LIGHT UP THE NIGHT CELEBRATION
Date & Time
Feb. 15, 2025 | 5:30 PM — 6:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Ski Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
Join in on the fun for the Steamboat Light the Night Celebration. This evening of sensory delight features four magnificent hot air balloons that will illuminate the Mountain Village from 5:30-6:30pm. The celebration culminates with fireworks and a Torchlight Parade. Spectators can stroll among the standing balloons or watch from the warmth of a slope side eatery. Timber & Torch and The Range Food & Drink Hall will be open to warm up and enjoy dinner and drinks. The merriment doesn’t end there—continue the fun with night skiing or take a twirl on Skeeter’s Ice Rink.
IMPORTANT: Please note, balloon glows are weather dependent and for safety reasons will be cancelled or modified in the event of heavy snowfall and or wind.
This is a FREE event!
WINTERWONDERGRASS 2025
Date & Time
Feb. 28, 2024 — Mar. 2, 2025 | All day
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Cir (see on map)
WinterWonderGrass Festival will return to Steamboat Resort February 28 – March 2, 2025! Since 2013, WinterWonderGrass has been a grassroots mountainside gathering celebrating all things natural: bluegrass, roots & craft brew! This year, WinterWonderGrass Festival keeps that spirit alive bringing together authentic bluegrass music and Colorado craft beer for one of the best music festivals of the season. The festival features over 20 Colorado craft breweries with complimentary beer tasting from 2:00pm – 4:00pm and more than 25 bands during this three day event.
Each year WinterWonderGrass supports local non-profits – with a focus on environmental protection, sustainability, musical education, community initiatives, and disaster relief. One dollar for every ticket sold is donated to local non-profits. The festival boasts a strong sustainability program diverting over 85% of festival waste from landfills. Also, a commemorative festival mug is included with each three-day festival ticket – and ZERO single-use plastics are used on-site.
BUD LIGHT ROCKS THE BOAT FREE CONCERT
Date & Time
Mar. 8, 2025 – Apr. 12, 2025 | 3:30 PM — 5:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Cir (see on map)
The Bud Light Rocks the Boat Free series is the perfect way to get your concert fix in this spring. The annual series is set to start March 8th and will run through April 12th. All concerts are free to the public and take place on the Steamboat Stage in Steamboat Square.
Local’s Tip: Stay Tuned! Bands to be announced soon.
This is a FREE event!
SPRINGALICIOUS
Date & Time
Apr. 1, 2025 — Apr. 20, 2025
All day
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
Incredible Colorado bluebird sunny days, hilarious and fun events and a boatload of snow mean spring will shine a whole lot brighter in Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.®. Steamboat celebrates the close of the winter season with a weeklong festival, including Springalicious festivities, fun events such as the Cardboard Classic and Splashdown Pond Skim and FREE music concerts.
Schedule of Events Coming Soon…
43RD ANNUAL CARDBOARD CLASSIC
Date & Time
Apr. 12, 2025 | 11:30 AM — 1:00 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
Local’s Tip: Craft registration will open in late March 2025.
SCHEDULE
10:00am – 11:00am: Registration & Check-In (Participants must check in at the Steamboat Tent in Steamboat Square)
11:00am – 11:30am: Cardboard D’Elegance/Judging
11:30am: 17 & under race begins followed by 18+ race
Award Ceremony will follow the end of race
Event registration and check-in is at the Steamboat Tent in Steamboat Square from 10:00 – 11:00am. There is no entry fee for this event. Once you and your group members have all signed waivers, you will receive your craft number. Participants 17 and under will need to have a parent or guardian sign their waiver form. If you are an Ikon passholder the waiver that you need has already been signed. There will also be a link to digitally sign the waiver on the registration form ahead of time if you are not an Ikon passholder.
The 17 and under competition starts promptly after judging at 11:30am on lower Stampede. The 18+ competition will immediately follow. Participants will compete on a first come, first serve basis.
CATEGORIES
Crafts will be judged during the Cardboard D’Elegance from 11:00am – 11:30am on Stampede. Awards will be presented for best representation of the following categories:
- Coca-Cola Classic
- Most Creative
- Best Individual Craft
- Best Reproduction
- Judge’s Choice
- Best Costumes
- Crowd Favorite
- Best Engineering
RULES
Only items allowed for the cardboard crafts include: glue, string, cardboard, water-based paint, duct tape, masking tape, packing tape, balloons, and other decorations.
- No more than 6 people per craft.
- No children under 4 years of age allowed in crafts.
- No pets allowed in crafts.
- An adult must accompany children 4-10 years old.
- Parent/or guardian must sign release forms for children 17 & under.
- All event participants must obtain their bib/credential before judging begins in order to be eligible to participate.
- No alcoholic beverages within the race arena – disqualification will be immediate.
Local’s Tip: Tips for building your craft:
- Weight equals speed.
- There are different types of cardboard – the kind with plastic coating on the outside tends to slide better and not get soggy as quickly.
- Sled-shaped crafts (long and narrow) tend to pick up the most momentum.
- Duct tape can be used on the bottom of your craft to reduce friction with the snow and increase momentum down the hill.
- Remember weight distribution matters – the heaviest part of the craft (where the people are seated) will automatically want to slide down first. This means that rear-weighted vessels tend to rotate 180 degrees once in motion, sending the craft down the slope backwards.
- Adding rudders to the bottom of your craft can increase your speed by reducing the overall surface friction with the snow.
SPLASHDOWN POND SKIM
Date & Time
Apr. 13, 2025 | 1:00 PM — 2:30 PM
Location
Steamboat Resort
2305 Mt. Werner Circle (see on map)
The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championships Hits Steamboat once again on Sunday, April 13! Celebrating another fantastic season at Steamboat, this event has antics like you wouldn’t believe. The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championships brings brave (and slightly crazy) skiers and riders in costume with a dream – of crossing the icy pond successfully – and, if they’re lucky, with style!
SCHEDULE
9:30am – 11:30am: Participants must check in at the Steamboat tent in Steamboat Square or their spot will be released.
1:00pm: Pond Skim begins, first come, first serve basis
Award Ceremony will be shortly after the conclusion of the skim on the Steamboat Stage
ELIGIBILITY
Open, Event Capacity is limited to 75 skimmers. No refunds or transfers once an entry is accepted.
Check-In & Entry Fee
Entry fee is $20 cash, participants MUST check in on the day of the event between 9:30-11:30am and pay their entry fee or their spot will be forfeited to those on the waiting list. Steamboat employees will be eligible for complimentary event entry.
Rules
- You must bring your own skis or board depending on your watercraft preference.
- Costumes are mandatory, private body parts must be fully and securely covered.
- Any length of ski or board permitted, no Snow Bikes.
- ABSOLUTELY no poles allowed on course.
- You must be at least 9 years or older to participate.
- No alcoholic beverages within the race arena – disqualification will be immediate.
- No inversions. Disqualification will be immediate, and you will also be banned from future Pond Skims.
JUDGING
There is only one division in The Splashdown Pond Skimming Championships. You must outdo all skiers and riders, men and women, children and the elderly if you are to be crowned the champion. Overall scores will be based on the following criteria:
- Costume: 10-point scale
- Distance: 1 points for every 5 feet crossed & 10 points for all the way
- Style: 10-point scale
- Crowd Response: 10-point scale based on the noise meter and overall crowd reaction
- Air: 10-point scale
LOOKING FOR SOME WINTER FUN IN STEAMBOAT THIS YEAR?
Call us at Steamboat Lodging Company, we are your local boots on the ground lodging company providing top notch accommodations and assistance with all things Steamboat 970-457-4785
