STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO–February 2, 2021-The 108th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival rides into the Yampa Valley this week and the City of Steamboat Springs is preparing for the festivities as part of a redefined event due to the pandemic. The city will be closing roads, providing free skiing at historic Howelsen Hill and implementing additional services to accommodate the event.
Lincoln Avenue – February 3 2021
Beginning around 10am on Wed, Feb. 3, a one-lane closure will occur on westbound Lincoln Ave around the Routt County Courthouse as city crews haul and setup snow sculpture frames. The rolling closure is expected to last until about 2pm. Delays should be expected if traveling this route.
Ski FREE at Howelsen Hill – Feb 3-6, 2021
Your 108th Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival button or buff provides a free lift ticket to ski at Howelsen Hill during Winter Carnival from February 3-6. One ticket per button/buff per day from the ticket window. While a button/buff is not needed to enjoy Ski Free Sunday, Feb. 7, reservations are required and can be made by visiting steamboatsprings.net/skifree.
Howelsen Hill Closure, Traffic & Parking – Feb 4-6, 2021
Howelsen Hill Ski Area will close early at 6pm on Thursday and Friday, February 4 & 5, for course preparation for the World Pro Ski Tour on The Face. The ski area will see normal operating hours (10am-4pm) on Saturday, Feb 6, but skiers and riders should understand that the Poma lift and The Face will be closed the entire day for the event.
Saturday evening, guests will have until 5pm to depart the ski area and surrounding Howelsen Hill Park. After 5pm, the ski area and surrounding area will be closed to all access. The outdoor ice rinks, community sledding hill, Sombrero Stables, uphill access and all ski trails will also close for the evening.
Howelsen Parkway will close to traffic from the 5th Street Bridge to Howelsen Hill with the outbound lane available for egress only. The Rodeo parking lot will be closed that evening and parking is not permitted along Howelsen Parkway or River Road. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed. The Yampa River Core Trail will remain open for use, but access to Howelsen Hill is restricted.
World Pro Ski Tour – Feb 6 & 8, 2021
The World Pro Ski Tour, a nationwide tour of events featuring the popular “dual” format of Alpine ski racing, is coming to Howelsen Hill. Featuring a side-by-side race format, TV viewers will be able to consume the most exciting Alpine ski racing of the season. No spectators allowed on site at Howelsen Hill during the event, but the races will be livestreamed so everyone in the community can view their favorite athlete from their desktop or mobile device.
Fireworks – Feb 6, 2021
The 108th Winter Carnival Night will feature a view-from-home licensed firework display at the conclusion of the World Pro Tour on Saturday, Feb. 6. Steamboat’s pyrotechnic experts are at it again, and the fireworks display is brought to the community by Yampa Valley Bank, Tim Borden and Native Excavating. People are invited to watch the winter fireworks show from their deck, their street, or their home. Howelsen Parkway will be closed. There is no need to have your own personal fireworks show.
Remember, fireworks that leave the ground, explode or fragment, and similar more powerful fireworks are illegal in Colorado. Please leave the fireworks to the professionals - your neighbor will thank you and so does the City of Steamboat Springs. Please Respect Vets, Pets & Neighbors.
SST Service
Steamboat Springs Transit will be running normal operations over the Winter Carnival weekend. SST buses are running at reduced capacity and masks are required to ride. Physical distancing is in place on vehicles and loading and unloading is through the rear door. Please understand that a bus may have reached capacity limits and passengers will need to wait for next bus.
Pets
With loud noises, the shelter receives several stray animals. To ensure your pet is reunited quickly, the Routt County Humane Society suggests the following:
- Take your pet for long walk during the morning/early afternoon. It helps them get exercise, tires them out and they take care of business. That evening, they can remain indoors where it’s calm and quiet.
- It’s best to leave you pet at home, especially during loud, crowded events.
- DO NOT leave pets in vehicles or unattended in town.
- Never use fireworks around your pets
- Ensure your pet is wearing an identification collar with current contact details. Many pets also get a microchip as an added step.
- Report Animal Issues
- An animal complaint or animal emergency, contact Steamboat Springs Animal Control at 970.879.1144.
- For a lost or missing animal, call the Routt County Humane Society Animal Shelter at 970.879.7247 with a description of your pet, their name and your contact information.
The City of Steamboat Springs would like to thank residents and guests in advance for their cooperation during these closures and wishes everyone a safe and wonderful winter carnival celebration.
-WeServeTheCity-
Contacts
Michael Lane, City of Steamboat Springs, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email
Emily Hines, City of Steamboat Springs, Marketing & Events Coordinator, 970.871.7031 or email
Rory Clow, Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club, Marketing Director, 970.879.0695 or email