The Bud Light Cowboy Downhill 2022 in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is one of Cowboy Lifestyle Network’s favorite events of the season. Throughout the past decade, the CLN Team has been honored to be invited to attend this spectacular event, all thanks to Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler (Kontoor Brands) and Traci Allen of Steamboat Ski Resort (Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp).
Steamboat Springs and the world-renowned Steamboat Resort located on Mount Werner in the northwestern part of Colorado has been formed by its rich history and Olympian heritage, including the one-and-only, Billy Kidd. The picturesque setting is breathtaking during the winter. Exploring Steamboat with family and friends is one of the best things you can put on your bucket list, hands down.
“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
There is something special about Steamboat for all of us cowboys and cowgirls. There is a serious small-town Western vibe that resonates throughout the whole area. Especially when the top Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) athletes and Rodeo Queens make their way from the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo (NWSSR) at the Denver Coliseum after their performances.
Leading up to the Cowboy Downhill event on Monday, January 17th, contestants make their way to Steamboat’s magnificent mountain the day prior to getting checked in, settled in, and ready for the unforgettable experience ahead.
Starting bright and early at 11 AM, the festivities kick off in Steamboat Square at the base of the mountain with a full-fledged western celebration. There will be 4H farm animals, appearances by the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, Bud Light Cowboy Downhill give-a-ways, live music, as well as food and refreshments at Timber & Torch Grill.
In years past, we have been graced by our extremely fearless and talented friends in the GoPro Bomb Squad as they kick the event off by jumping out of a helicopter circling above and then parachuting in with precision with thousands of spectators.
Around 1 PM, the Cowboy Downhill race commences with PRCA cowboys and cowgirls start heading down the slopes competing in a dual slalom course that leads to a giant jump. They then grab a rope and lasso a person, then proceed to saddle a horse and sprint to the finish line.
As the cowboys and cowgirls finish the slalom race, the athletes, sponsors, and legends make their way back up the mountain to gear up for the big Stampede Event. In the meantime, Rodeo Clown J.W. Winklepleck typically continues his tradition going up and down the course in an innertube entertaining the audience while talking with Rodeo Announcers Bob Feist and John Shipley.
After the incredible Cowboy Downhill Stampede Event spectacle, there is a FREE Bud Light Concert featuring the band, The Lil Smokies in Steamboat Square.
See the full schedule of events below (via Steamboat.com):
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
MONDAY, JANUARY 17, 2022
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM: FESTIVITIES KICK-OFF IN STEAMBOAT SQUARE
Festivities for the 47th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill include a western celebration in Gondola Square featuring: 4H farm animals, food, and refreshments at Timber & Torch Grill, a learn-to-rope clinic, appearances by the Denver Broncos Cheerleaders, as well as commemorative Bud Light Cowboy Downhill logo wear and souvenirs.
1:00 PM:47TH ANNUAL BUD LIGHT COWBOY DOWNHILL – TIMED DUAL SLALOM FOLLOWED BY THE STAMPEDE EVENT
When the race kicks off at 1 pm, cowboys and cowgirls will ski down a dual slalom course, go over a jump, lasso a person, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. The dual slalom is followed by the Stampede Event, which is a mass start; the first cowboy to the bottom wins.
2:30 PM: FREE BUD LIGHT CONCERT FEATURING THE LIL SMOKIES
At approximately 2:30 pm, immediately following the stampede, will be a Free Bud Light Concert featuring Lil Smokies in Steamboat Square
There are no words to explain how amazing this event is, you must see it with your own eyes. We hope to see you there!
CLN Community & Event Sponsor
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