Your Guide to the 49th Annual Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs!

Howdy, Rodeo Fans!

Welcome to the wild, wild West of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, where the air crackles with anticipation and the spirit of the cowboy rides high! Hold onto your hats ’cause we’re fixin’ to wrangle up the excitement for the 49th Annual Cowboy Downhill, a legendary event that’s as steeped in tradition as the Rockies themselves.

Steamboat Springs sets the stage for this rip-roaring cowboy extravaganza that embodies Western heritage. Picture snow-capped peaks, rolling valleys, and a town steeped in the kind of history that’d make even the most weathered cowboy tip his hat in respect.

But this ain’t just any old hoedown; it’s the Cowboy Downhill – a celebration of grit, glory, and the timeless traditions of the West. It’s a place where cowboys ain’t just characters in stories; they’re the heart and soul of the community, carrying on the heritage that makes this a one-of-a-kind event during the winter.

So saddle up, partners! Get ready to ride the waves of history, sunshine, rain, or snow, and embrace the spirit of the West as we dive into the thrill of the 49th Annual Bud Light Cowboy Downhill in Steamboat Springs. It’s a journey back in time, a celebration of tradition, and an adventure you won’t want to miss!

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. Exploring Steamboat Resort with family and friends is one of the best things you can put on your bucket list.

“It all began 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 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. Other rodeo athletes who may not be competing in Colorado at the time, travel from around North America, along with many of the “legends” who are retired from PRCA competition.

The event itself kicks off on Monday, January 15^th, which is also Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and National Hat Day. Cowboy Downhill contestants will make their way to Steamboat’s legendary mountain the day before getting checked in, settled in, and looking forward to the unforgettable memories that are about to be made.

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 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 of going up and down the course in an innertube entertaining the audience while talking with the legendary announcers Bob Feist and John Shipley.

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

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

Sunday, January 14, 2024

5:00 pm – 6:00 pm – Cowboy Up Balloon Glow, at the base of the mountain. Hot Air Balloons inflate for a sensory delight.

Monday, January 15, 2024

11:00 – 1:00 pm– Festivities for the 49th 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 – 49th Annual Steamboat Cowboy Downhill, brought to you by Bud Light Immediately Following the Stampede (approx. 2:30 pm) – Big Sam’s Funky Nation Concert on the Steamboat Stage.

After the incredible Cowboy Downhill Stampede Event finishes, there will be a FREE Bud Light Concert featuring live music in Steamboat Square.

The CLN Team can’t encourage you enough to attend this year’s Cowboy Downhill event at Steamboat Resort. 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!