When Cowboys Fly: The 51st Annual Busch Light Cowboy Downhill Returns to Steamboat Springs
There are few events in the American West where tradition, grit, humor, and adrenaline collide quite like this.
Once a year, at the base of the mountains in Steamboat Springs, real cowboys trade saddles for skis, hats for helmets (sometimes), and gravity takes over. No gates. No style points. Just full-send energy, Western spirit, and a crowd that knows exactly what they’re watching.
Welcome back to the 51st Annual Cowboy Downhill. Best part about the Cowboy Downhill is that it is a FREE EVENT!
A Steamboat Tradition That Refuses to Be Tamed
The Cowboy Downhill isn’t just a ski race. It’s a rite of passage.
Born in Steamboat more than five decades ago, this event has become one of the most recognizable and beloved winter traditions in the West. Ranchers, rodeo hands, skiers, spectators, families, and lifelong locals all gather for one reason:
To watch cowboys do what cowboys do best… send it!
Every year, the rules stay simple:
- Staying upright is optional
- Western attire encouraged
- Fastest time wins
Powered by Busch Light, Fueled by Tradition
In 2026, the Cowboy Downhill charges into its 51st year with Busch Light stepping in as the official presenting sponsor, a natural fit for an event rooted in authenticity, grit, and good times.
Cold snow. Cold beer. Warm laughs.
It doesn’t get more on-brand than that.
The Stampede: Where Chaos Meets Community
The highlight of the day?
The Cowboy Downhill Stampede.
This isn’t about precision skiing. It’s about momentum, mayhem, and moments you can’t script. Riders tumble. Skis fly. Hats disappear. And somehow, everyone crosses the finish line smiling.
It’s loud. It’s unpredictable. And it’s exactly why people line the course year after year.
Why This Event Still Matters
In a world full of polished productions and controlled experiences, the Cowboy Downhill remains refreshingly real.
It hasn’t been sanitized.
It hasn’t been commercialized beyond recognition.
And it definitely hasn’t lost its sense of humor.
That’s why it works.
It’s Steamboat being Steamboat. Welcoming, wild, and unapologetically Western.
Schedule of Events (Courtesy of Steamboat.com)
Sunday, January 18th
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 51 incredible years of the Busch 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 19th
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Western Festivities in Gondola Square
The 51st Annual Busch 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 51st Anniversary logo wear and keepsakes to remember the day.
1:00 PM: The 51st Annual Busch 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.): Busch Light Free Concert on the Steamboat Stage 🎶
The excitement continues with a high-energy live performances. Dance, sing, and celebrate as the music fills the air, wrapping up an unforgettable day of Western-inspired fun.
A CLN Tradition, Too
For more than a decade, Cowboy Lifestyle Network has been there. Capturing the crashes, the cheers, the camaraderie, and the culture that makes the Cowboy Downhill special.
We’ve watched generations return.
We’ve seen first-timers become annuals.
And every year, this event still delivers something new.
That’s the magic.
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
Mark Your Calendar
The 51st Annual Busch Light Cowboy Downhill is set to take over Steamboat Resort once again, bringing together locals and visitors for one of winter’s most uniquely Western spectacles.
If you’ve never seen it in person, this is your sign.
If you’ve been before, you already know why you’ll be back.
👉 Follow along at CowboyLifestyleNetwork.com for event coverage, photos, and everything you need to experience Steamboat’s most legendary downhill tradition.
See y’all at the Cowboy Downhill at Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs!
Cowboy Downhill Photo Gallery
Last Updated on 12/31/2025 by Aaron Kuhl
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