97th Annual Winter Carnival

Steamboat Springs – February 3-7, 2010

The oldest continuing Winter Carnival west of the Mississippi River kicks off Wednesday, February 3, 2010. The 97th annual festival runs through Sunday the 7th. Started in 1914 to relieve residents of mid-winter cabin fever the five days of competition and frivolity is organized by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. The group is one of the largest and oldest winter sports clubs in the U.S.

Events highlight Steamboat’s winter sport traditions with ski  jumping competitions, cross-country obstacle race, telemark challenge, snowboarding jam session, soda pop slalom, dual slalom bicycle race and tubing party. Saturday evening all eyes focus on Howelsen Hill for Night Extravaganza featuring a winter sports exhibition, torchlight parades, fiery hoop jumpers, the legionary Lighted Man and elaborate fireworks.

On Sunday the Diamond Hitch Parade down Lincoln Avenue includes the only ski marching high school band in the country. The Steamboat Springs High School Band has been participating since 1935 with their unique propulsion.

Kids from infant to 14-years-old compete in the street events when snow covers Lincoln Avenue and spectators line the street to watch 3-legged races- on skis of course, obstacle courses and Dog and Dad Dashes. Children five and younger are pulled on a sled or toboggan by the family dog or dad on all fours. Horse events – ring and box, ski joring, street slalom and donkey jump – mark Steamboat’s western heritage. Adults get in the act with shovel races. Positioned in shovels contestants race down the street pulled by a horse, falling off the shovel is immediate disqualification. The horses used in the competitions are highly trained and specially shodded with cleats for traction in the snow. For three generations a number of Routt County families have served as skilled riders.

Spectators and event participants are encouraged to purchase ($7) and wear an official Winter Carnival button. Proceeds support the SSWSC and its athletes, seventy of whom have excel to Olympic competition level. Join the citizens of Ski Town USA for the community’s Olympian Send-off Friday (Feb. 5, 2010) at 6:30pm on the lawn of the downtown Courthouse.

When You Go: Information on Winter Carnival events from Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. 

With more than a three foot base, daytime highs hovering around the freezing mark and snow forecasted for three of the next five days the skiing is great. With the Breakaway Package you’re save at least 20% on lodging, lift tickets and ski rentals. For more information on planning your visit contact the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association.

Related Post – Steamboat Springs Olympian Send-Off