Rodeo News

48th Annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs, Colorado

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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).

Cowboy Downhill & Legendary Rodeo Announcer Bob Feist with Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler (Kontoor Brands)

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!

Billy Kidd kicking off the Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill at Steamboat Resort

“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

Steamboat celebrates 60 years as a resort rich in history and steeped in western heritage. We toast to Steamboat’s warm roots and welcoming spirit that will hold a special place for generations to come. Here’s to the next 60! Steamboat.com
Video Slideshow of the 47th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill

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 16th, 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.

Justin Hathaway launching off the main jump during the Annual Cowboy Downhill
Denver Broncos Cheerleaders at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
Bud Light Knight at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
ProRodeo Contestant at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
ProRodeo Contestant at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
Boomer Reeves at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
ProRodeo Contestants at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
Announcer Bob Feist with Jeff Chadwick of Wrangler (Kontoor Brands)
John and Barb Shipley with Jeff Chadwick at Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs
Jeff Boomer Reeves, Aaron Kuhl, Billy Kidd, OD and Tom Gardner

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.

Jesse Hall of GoPro Bomb Squad at the Annual Cowboy Downhill

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.

Bob Feist and John Shipley talking with Rodeo Clown J.W. Winklepleck at the Annual Cowboy Downhill

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 – COMING SOON
MONDAY, JANUARY 16, 2023

The Lil Smokies playing after the 2022 Cowboy Downhill at the Steamboat Square Main Stage in front of Timber & Torch

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!

Billy Kidd with PRCA Rodeo Queens, including Miss Rodeo America 2023, Kennadee Riggs (Far Right)
Aaron Kuhl

Hello, my name is Aaron Kuhl. I am an Arizona native from Tempe, Arizona. The Western way of life has been rooted in my foundation since day one, with my Mother working for Wrangler Western for over 30+ years growing up. I am proud to have been a part of Cowboy Lifestyle Network since the beginning days of the company after graduating from The University of Arizona. My Faith, Family & Friends are my whole world, and I am very blessed to live the life I live in the land of the free, the United States of America.

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