Steamboat Springs Celebrates the 50th Annual Cowboy Downhill!

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Cowboy Downhill Stampede – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Howdy, Rodeo Fans!

Welcome back to the wild, wild West of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where the spirit of the cowboy is more alive than ever! This year marks the 50th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill, and let me tell ya, it’s shaping up to be a spectacular celebration of Western heritage and high-flying cowboy antics!

Bud Light Cowboy Downhill – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Having had the pleasure of attending every Cowboy Downhill since 2014, I’ve watched this event grow and evolve, but its heart and soul remain unchanged. The blend of professional rodeo athletes and breathtaking Rocky Mountain scenery never fails to stir the soul. It’s my all-time favorite event of the year, hands down.

Bud Light Free Concert on the Steamboat Stage – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Also, don’t forget that this is a FREE event, so join us at 1 PM on Monday, January 20th, to catch all the action! If you can’t make it to Steamboat, be sure to Click On’ and Hang On’ with us on our CLN Social Media Channels like Facebook and Instagram to watch as the event unfolds.

Kris Newman – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Each year, Steamboat Springs transforms into a snow-dusted stage where cowboys and cowgirls from around the country showcase their skills in a thrilling mix of skiing/snowboarding, roping, and racing down Mount Werner. It’s a unique blend of rodeo and winter sports that you won’t find anywhere else.

Bob Feist, Jim Helzer and OD with Rodeo Queens – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Let me take you through the schedule of events at the Cowboy Downhill, a cherished tradition that I’ve been part of for over a decade now. It begins with a gathering of celebrities, rodeo athletes, rodeo legends, and rodeo queens rolling into Steamboat Springs.

Mo Brings Plenty – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Schedule of Events (Courtesy of Steamboat.com)

Sunday, January 19th

Steamboat Resort is kicking off the Cowboy Downhill festivities with a breathtaking drone show. Starting around 5:30 PM, the skies will light up in a dazzling display of choreography and color, celebrating 50 incredible years of the Bud Light Cowboy Downhill 🤠. This one-of-a-kind experience blends high-tech wonder with Steamboat’s authentic Western spirit. Bring your friends and family—this is a show you’ll be talking about for years to come!

Monday, January 20th

11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Western Festivities in Gondola Square
The 50th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill is more than a ski competition—it’s a celebration of all things Western! Join us in Steamboat Square for an unforgettable experience, including:

• 4-H Farm Animals 🐮 – Meet and greet some furry friends.
• Food and Refreshments 🍔 – Enjoy delicious eats at Timber & Torch Grill.
• Learn-to-Rope Clinic 🤠 – Perfect your cowboy (or cowgirl) skills.
• Denver Broncos Cheerleaders – Catch special appearances and photo opportunities.
• Commemorative Souvenirs – Grab exclusive 50th Anniversary logo wear and keepsakes to remember the day.

1:00 PM: The 50th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill ⛷️❄️
Cheer on the cowboys and cowgirls as they race down the slopes in a thrilling Timed Dual Slalom, showcasing speed, spills, and a whole lot of fun! Don’t miss the adrenaline-pumping Stampede right after the main race. First Cowboy or Cowgirl to the bottom wins it all.

2:30 PM (Approx.): Bud Light Free Concert on the Steamboat Stage 🎶
The excitement continues with a high-energy live performance by Karl Denson’s Tiny Universe. Dance, sing, and celebrate as the music fills the air, wrapping up an unforgettable day of Western-inspired fun.

Billy Kidd – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

The event also serves as a reminder of the rich history and the enduring charm of Steamboat Springs. Legends like American professional rodeo cowboy Larry Mahan, who kicked this legendary event off with no other than Billy Kidd, with his Olympian grace, have left an indelible mark on this community, intertwining ski culture with cowboy bravado.

Stampede during the Cowboy Downhill – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

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. – Steamboat.com

Cowboy Downhill Announcers Bob Feist and John Shipley – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

So, if you’re thinking of a unique way to kick off your new year, make your way to Steamboat. Whether you’re cheering from the sidelines or skiing down the slopes yourself, the Cowboy Downhill is a spectacle that’s not just seen, but felt. And as someone who’s been part of this amazing tradition for years, I can say it’s an experience that truly captures the heart of the West.

Billy Kidd interacting with spectators – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

As we gear up for this monumental 50th celebration, come join us in Steamboat Springs. Bring your hats, your cheers, and your love for all things cowboy. Trust me, it’s a winter party you won’t want to miss!

Billy Kidd & PRCA Pro Rodeo Queens – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

See y’all at the Downhill at Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs!

Bob Feist and Rick Foster – Photo by Aaron Kuhl // Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN)

Cowboy Downhill Photo Gallery

Aaron Kuhl

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN). Growing up as an Arizona native, with a mother who worked for Wrangler Western for over 30 years, Aaron was immersed in the cowboy culture from a young age. Aaron and his sister Heather grew up watching rodeos, as their grandfather and uncle were PRCA ProRodeo cardholders. This early exposure has given him a profound understanding and appreciation for the western way of life. Aaron went to Corona del Sol High School in Tempe, AZ, then to the University of Arizona in Tucson, AZ, where he received a Bachelor of Science after creating his own major. This unique course of study wove together Business Marketing, Geography, Sociology, Philosophy, and Religion. After graduating from the University of Arizona, Aaron joined CLN in its nascent stages, contributing to its growth and development over the past decade. As COO, Aaron manages operations, using AI to streamline processes and analyze data, ensuring CLN remains a leading voice. With expertise in business development, he innovates and cultivates client relationships, supporting CLN’s exponential growth. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Aaron values his faith, family, and friends, which are the cornerstones of his life. This personal foundation, combined with his professional expertise, makes him a trusted and authoritative voice in the western lifestyle community. Aaron’s commitment to philanthropy is the bedrock of his personal ethos. He actively supports local Arizona organizations such as the Boys & Girls Club, Chandler Compadres, Horses Help, Harris Brothers Charity Foundation, and the American Heart Association (among others), reflecting his dedication to giving back and strengthening the community he calls home. Through his work, Aaron aims to preserve and promote the traditions of the west, ensuring that the spirit of the cowboy lives on for future generations.