46th Annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs

Snow, Chaps & Cowboy Hats

The new year is here, which means that the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, the WESA Denver Market, and last but not least, the Cowboy Downhill, is right around the corner!

The Cowboy Downhill Race

The 46th Annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs is on the top of the 2020 Live Event list for Cowboy Lifestyle Network (CLN).

As always, the CLN Team is always honored to attend this one-of-a-kind event, all in thanks to Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler (Wrangler Network) and Traci Allen of Steamboat Ski Resort.

There’s nothing like when some of the best rodeo athletes come together to ski and snowboard, it brews up an indescribable amount of excitement that drives the mind, body, and soul into an amazing vibe.

It’s even better when the snow has been dumping like crazy… and so far this year, it’s been dumping.

If there is one word that could sum up this amazing Winter trip, it would have to be the word — epic.

The GoPro Bombsquad

The big day will kick off with the fearless GoPro Bombsquad, dropping out of a helicopter with their ski’s landing onto the course to ramp up the crowd lined up on both sides of the course.

Located in northern Colorado’s Yampa Valley, Steamboat Springs is full of amazing things to do, including a thriving downtown with amazing restaurants, as well as some world-famous hot-springs.

There is no place quite like Steamboat Springs, as it is an Olympic ski town with some of the most beautiful scenery in the world.

There’s even a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo that takes place throughout the summer months right next to the world-famous Howelsen Hill ski area directly across from the Steamboat ski resort.

Post-NFR, the attention will again be re-focused on the synergy between various current and former legendary PRCA ProRodeo cowboys. But instead of the rodeo arena, the focus will be shifted to the white powdery slopes of Steamboat Resort.

Olympic Legend Billy Kidd, Steamboat’s Director of Skiing

“It all began 46 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 ProRodeo 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

The event begins at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, January 20, 2020, as pairs of rodeo competitors ski or snowboard while navigating through the blue and red-flagged course, stop and lasso a lady, saddle a horse and then race to the finish line.

The legendary Ted Nuce, World Champion Bull Rider

Following the first timed event, all of the athletes race the downhill slalom simultaneously during the Stampede Event.

The first cowboy or cowgirl to cross the finish line wins. Considering many of the PRCA Pro Rodeo competitors come from states that never see snow, let along enjoy winter sports, the Cowboy Downhill makes for a humorous and entertaining spectator sport.

EVENT SCHEDULE

SUNDAY, JANUARY 19, 2020

ALL DAY

Check-in and get ready to party at Bear River Deck with live music and great people.

MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 2020

8:30-10:30 AM

Race Registration in Competition Services Office in Gondola Square

11:00-12:45 PM

Cowboy/VIP BBQ on the Timber & Torch Terrace

12:45 PM

Head up the chairlift. It’s race time!

1:00 PM

46th Annual Steamboat Cowboy Downhill Timed Slalom Event & Stampede

Immediately Following

Free Concert FRUITION in Gondola Square

7:00 PM

Cowboy Downhill Awards and Banquet at the top of the Gondola

9:00 PM

Party continues with entertainment & live music from the band Banks & Shane

Artwork of Boomer Reeves launching off the jump at the Cowboy Downhill – Art, Photos, and Writing by Aaron Kuhl

Last Updated on 01/19/2020 by Aaron Kuhl

About the Author:

Aaron Kuhl

Biography:

Aaron Kuhl is a passionate advocate for the western lifestyle, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as Chief Operations 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.

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