Photo courtesy of Unsplash under Creative Commons 0 license
Winter in Colorado has a reputation for being absolutely gorgeous, but even seasoned residents often find themselves staying within the comfort of their home. If you’re struggling with cabin fever and looking for a way to break out of your routine, check out Steamboat Springs’ annual Winter Carnival. Here, we share the details on this eccentric tradition.
What To Expect At The Event
If you have some time to spare for a mini road trip, it could be a blast to travel to the charming little town of Steamboat Springs. Located approximately 188 miles from Longmont, it should be a beautiful trek into the picturesque landscape. This tucked away part of Colorado receives plenty of snowfall during the winter months, making it the ideal location for exciting festivities. From February 7 to 11, the town welcomes visitors for a jam-packed schedule of events. Here’s a rundown of what to expect.
Wednesday, February 7
This annual get-together will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a ceremony of honor for the Winter Carnival Queen and her attendants. After the special grand opening at Olympian Hall, attendees have the opportunity to hit the slopes at Howelsen Hill.
Thursday, February 8
Festivities on February 8 include a cross-country obstacle race for experienced skiers and parent/child team races, among other winter-themed entertainment. After a full day of activities that are sure to get the adrenaline pumping, the evening will wind down with a party. At the after-party, guests can enjoy S’mores, a DJ, and an impressive fire show.
Friday, February 9
Friday, February 9 is dedicated to skiing and mountain biking. There’s something for everyone to enjoy, including races just for kids and demonstrations by professional athletes. If sports aren’t your style, no worries—stop by Lincoln Avenue to participate in snow sculpture judging. It’s even possible to build your own snow sculptures, so if you’re interested, submit your application online. Locations for events vary, so take a look at the full schedule to see which ones you’re most interested in.
Saturday, February 10
The Saturday agenda is packed with exciting activities. Events on the schedule include incredible demonstrations by the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and a hilarious race between kids pulled by horses through the snow. There’s no shortage of action-packed entertainment, and the evening concludes with a fireworks show at Howelsen Hill.
Sunday, February 11
The final day of Winter Carnival serves as an opportunity for attendees to catch up on any street events that they missed the previous day. In addition to fun competitions like donkey jump and adult shovel race, pro ski jumping finals are on the schedule. The conclusion of the festivities is bittersweet, but don’t worry, this get-together happens every year!
Colorado residents know how to have a great time and make the most of winter weather. If you’re looking for a new place to call home in our wonderful state, stop by for a tour of VerraWest. Our community offers an awesome array of features, and we’d love to answer any questions you may have.