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95th annual Winter Carnival

Feb. 6 to 10

Most events are along Lincoln Avenue or at Howelsen Hill

Cost: The Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club sells buttons for $7; buttons provide admission to all events and raise money for the youth club.

Winter Carnival has a special place in the history of the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club. For the 95th year, the Winter Sports Club will transform Steamboat into a winter wonderland complete with street events, evening parties and athletic competitions on Howelsen Hill. With the Steamboat Springs High School skiing band, children being pulled by horses and Winter Carnival daredevils riding shovels down Lincoln Avenue, this is an event the entire family will enjoy. It truly separates Steamboat from every other ski town you've visited.

34th annual Bud Light

Cowboy Downhill

Jan. 22 at Steamboat Ski Area

If nothing else, go for the cowboy carnage. Real cowboys on skis - Cowboy Downhill competitors must be entered at the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo in Denver and be members of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association or the Professional Bull Riders - race down the beginning ski trails at the base, weaving through gates, clearing a large jump in the middle of the course, lassoing a real or inanimate object (last year, it was one of the four guest Denver Broncos cheerleaders), mounting a saddle on a horse and crossing the finish line. Can you think of anything better to do on a Saturday?

Bud Light Rocks the 'Boat Free Concert Series

All winter in Gondola Square; times and dates to be announced

Although the concerts are yet to be announced, count on some good shows. Past bands have included Sister Hazel, Gin Blossoms and Big Head Todd and the Monsters. The concerts typically begin at about 3 p.m. - after skiers have had their fill of the mountain. Come down to the base area for free tunes and a hot chocolate or cold beer. Besides, it's always fun to try to dance in your ski boots.

North Routt Coureur des Bois

March 15; visit www.steamboatxcski.org for details

For athletes in need of a winter endurance challenge, the Coureur des Bois is for you. The 45k and 90k marathon and ultra-marathon cross-country ski race is held in March and takes racers from Steamboat Lake to the Wyoming border and back.

Steamboat Ski Area

closing day

April 6; visit www.steamboat.com for details

The final day of the ski season brings together locals and tourists for a final fun-filled salute to skiing and riding. Don your favorite outrageous costume and meet up with friends and strangers at various locations on the mountain to catch up and enjoy impromptu "parties." The last day to ski is bittersweet - winter is over, but Steamboat's amazing summer is just around the corner.

Family Development Center's Casino Night Fundraiser

7:30 to 11 p.m. April 11 at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel

Cost: $30 in advance and $40 at the door (ticket price gives you $300 in chips and eligibility for door prizes. Tickets are available at Discovery Learning Center or by calling (970) 879-5973.

Visit www.familydevelopmentcenter.org for details

The Family Development Center's annual Island Casino Night Fundraiser, benefiting the Newborn Network, Childcare Network and Discovery Learning Center, features casino-style gaming with the second annual POKER tournament. A cash bar, silent auction and light appetizers are available. Funds raised at Casino Night impact the lives of more than 450 families in Routt County each year. Help a good cause. And, hey, it's a lot closer (and cheaper) than Vegas.