48th Annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

Mark your calendars for the 48th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill at Steamboat Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, on Monday, January 16, 2023. Throughout the years, the CLN Team has been honored to be invited to attend and capture this legendary event. Special thanks to Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler (Kontoor Brands) and Traci Allen of Steamboat Ski Resort (Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp).

The world-renowned Steamboat Resort is located on Mount Werner in the northwestern part of Colorado. This ski resort has been formed by its rich history and Olympian heritage, including the one-and-only Billy Kidd. The picturesque setting in Steamboat Springs is breathtaking during the winter. Exploring Steamboat with family and friends is one of the best things you can put on your bucket list. Furthermore, this year is a special one rolling into 2023, as Steamboat celebrates 60 years!

“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 16^th, 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 giveaways, live music, as well as food and refreshments at Timber & Torch Grill.

Throughout the years, our extremely fearless and talented friends, GoPro Bomb Squad, kick off the event off by jumping out of a helicopter circling above and then parachuting down to the Cowboy Downhill course 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 finishes, there is a FREE Bud Light Concert featuring live music in Steamboat Square.

See the full schedule of events below (via Steamboat.com):

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS – MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023

The CLN Team can’t encourage you enough to put this Cowboy Downhill event and Steamboat Resort trip on your bucket list. You must see it with your own eyes and enjoy all the Cowboy Downhill festivities have to offer. Remember, it only comes around once a year. We hope to see you there!

Last Updated on 12/30/2024 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 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.

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