Horsing around in iconic ski town is part of the adventure

By Joe Ross

Everyone knows about the fabled skiing at Steamboat Ski Resort – the larger-than-it-looks mountain, beautiful runs through trees and knee-deep powder. But don’t limit yourself. Steamboat can be experienced in many ways.

One of the best ways to experience the mountain-town charm is to attend the Winter Carnival, happening Feb. 8-12. The streets of Steamboat will be filled with enough entertainment to tire out the youngsters and put a smile on the face of their parents.

Steamboat’s carnival got rolling more than a century ago. It was launched to relieve residents of cabin fever during long winters, said Maren McCutchan, public relations manager at the Steamboat Springs Chamber. “It’s Steamboat’s Western heritage shining through. It’s part of why people like living here. The carnival is not only special for visitors, but locals as well.”

The 104th carnival promises a great -- and at times unusual -- experience. Visitors will see people on skis (ski joring) and on snow shovels being pulled down the snow-covered street by horses.

Dozens of young athletes take part in contests and exhibitions to demonstrate the extreme nature of boarding and skiing. The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club trains the young athletes to compete at every level. The club has produced more winter Olympians than any other town in North America, McCutchan said.

Steamboat Springs High School students compete in a snow sculpture competition, and the high school band straps on skis and performs for the crowds.

Attendees should expect less athletic entertainment as well. Don’t be alarmed if you run into the Lighted Man. Jon Banks will ski around Steamboat’s famed Howelsen Hill wearing 32 Roman candles, 12 sky rockets and a metal cylinder mounted on a football helmet studded with flashing lights. The tradition started with Banks’ dad in 1936.

A thunderous fireworks show will also echo down the valley during the Winter Carnival celebration.

For those who can’t attend the carnival and need something to do besides skiing or boarding, read on. The Steamboat area is loaded with choices. Here are a few:

• Ice fishing at Steamboat Lake

• Snowmobiling on Rabbit Ears Pass

• Snowshoeing on Howelsen Hill

• Soaking in the local hot springs

• Ice skating at Howelsen Ice Arena

• Ice climbing at Fish Creek Falls

Wrapping up an afternoon of fun at one of the local breweries should help round out a perfect day. Stop by Mahogany Ridge Brewery & Grill, where you can get a meal, craft beer and have access to a full bar. Mountain Tap Brewery also serves food, including wood-fired pizza. Or, bring your own food to Butcherknife Brewing or Storm Peak Brewing Co. With a seven-barrel system, Storm Peak brewers will throw some choices your way that will range from straightforward IPAs to a few barrel-aged specialties. Wherever you choose to dine, ask for locally made beers.