Steamboat's Legendary Cowboy Downhill
Published January 2025
Each winter around Martin Luther King Day, Steamboat Resort hosts one of its most iconic traditions: the Busch Light Cowboy Downhill. Since 1974, professional rodeo cowboys have traded saddles for skis to compete in what’s widely known as the most unique ski rodeo in the country. Rooted deeply in Steamboat’s Western heritage, the Cowboy Downhill remains one of the season’s most anticipated and celebrated events.
From the very beginning, the Cowboy Downhill has been a natural fit for Steamboat. As longtime Ski Ambassador Barb Shipley—who has been involved since the event’s earliest days—has shared, the event perfectly reflects the resort’s Western hospitality and welcoming spirit. The idea took shape when world-champion skier and Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, Billy Kidd, teamed up with six-time world-champion cowboy Larry Mahan to invite professional rodeo athletes to Steamboat for a day on skis.
The cowboys loved it. And just like that, the country’s first ski rodeo was born.
In the early years, Frontier Airlines—once the official airline of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association—flew competitors from Denver to Hayden for the event. Most of the cowboys had never skied before, but their balance, athleticism, and fearlessness made the transition surprisingly natural. Upon arrival, cowboy boots were swapped for ski boots and lessons began almost immediately.
Mornings were spent learning the basics with Steamboat instructors, including Lois Werner and other early ski school pioneers. By afternoon, cowboys were racing each other in a dual slalom. Prizes leaned fully into the fun and Western humor, ranging from light-hearted gag awards to bottles of tequila for top finishers. Steamboat ski legend Jim “Moose” Barrows, then Director of Special Events, helped shape the competition with a skier’s perspective and a deep appreciation for the sport.
To qualify for the Cowboy Downhill, participants must be competing in the National Western Stock Show in Denver—ski experience optional. The competition features two events: a timed dual slalom and the always-entertaining stampede. In the dual slalom, cowboys navigate gates, launch off a tabletop jump, grab a rope to lasso a hostess, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. The stampede is a free-for-all from start to finish, with a jump as the only obstacle. The result is pure chaos—in the best possible way—and a crowd-pleasing blend of athleticism, humor, and Western flair.
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Each winter around Martin Luther King Day, Steamboat Resort hosts one of its most iconic traditions: the Busch Light Cowboy Downhill. Since 1974, professional rodeo cowboys have traded saddles for skis to compete in what’s widely known as the most unique ski rodeo in the country. Rooted deeply in Steamboat’s Western heritage, the Cowboy Downhill remains one of the season’s most anticipated and celebrated events.
From the very beginning, the Cowboy Downhill has been a natural fit for Steamboat. As longtime Ski Ambassador Barb Shipley—who has been involved since the event’s earliest days—has shared, the event perfectly reflects the resort’s Western hospitality and welcoming spirit. The idea took shape when world-champion skier and Steamboat’s Director of Skiing, Billy Kidd, teamed up with six-time world-champion cowboy Larry Mahan to invite professional rodeo athletes to Steamboat for a day on skis.
The cowboys loved it. And just like that, the country’s first ski rodeo was born.
In the early years, Frontier Airlines—once the official airline of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association—flew competitors from Denver to Hayden for the event. Most of the cowboys had never skied before, but their balance, athleticism, and fearlessness made the transition surprisingly natural. Upon arrival, cowboy boots were swapped for ski boots and lessons began almost immediately.
Mornings were spent learning the basics with Steamboat instructors, including Lois Werner and other early ski school pioneers. By afternoon, cowboys were racing each other in a dual slalom. Prizes leaned fully into the fun and Western humor, ranging from light-hearted gag awards to bottles of tequila for top finishers. Steamboat ski legend Jim “Moose” Barrows, then Director of Special Events, helped shape the competition with a skier’s perspective and a deep appreciation for the sport.
To qualify for the Cowboy Downhill, participants must be competing in the National Western Stock Show in Denver—ski experience optional. The competition features two events: a timed dual slalom and the always-entertaining stampede. In the dual slalom, cowboys navigate gates, launch off a tabletop jump, grab a rope to lasso a hostess, saddle a horse, and cross the finish line. The stampede is a free-for-all from start to finish, with a jump as the only obstacle. The result is pure chaos—in the best possible way—and a crowd-pleasing blend of athleticism, humor, and Western flair.
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Over the years, the Cowboy Downhill has evolved, including the addition of a Legends and Founders Division for retired cowboys who still want to join the fun. While they may no longer compete for overall glory, their presence keeps the event’s history front and center. One standout is Jed Moore, who first competed in 1999 and hasn’t missed a Cowboy Downhill since. A six-time winner, Jed now participates as a VIP and competitor in the Legends and Founders Division, praising Steamboat for hosting an event that’s as meaningful as it is memorable.
While the Cowboy Downhill has become more polished since 1974, its heart remains the same. Legendary rodeo announcer Bob Feist has called the event since the beginning, joined by longtime co-announcer John Shipley since 1989. Barb Shipley and a dedicated group of Steamboat locals continue to steward the event, ensuring its traditions live on. Even today, invitations to compete are still handed out in person at the National Western Stock Show—a nod to the authenticity that defines the Cowboy Downhill.
Rooted in tradition, powered by community, and unlike anything else on snow, the Busch Light Cowboy Downhill remains one of the most beloved events in Steamboat Springs—celebrating Western heritage, ski-town spirit, and a whole lot of fun.
rich-text, responsive-table
While the Cowboy Downhill has become more polished since 1974, its heart remains the same. Legendary rodeo announcer Bob Feist has called the event since the beginning, joined by longtime co-announcer John Shipley since 1989. Barb Shipley and a dedicated group of Steamboat locals continue to steward the event, ensuring its traditions live on. Even today, invitations to compete are still handed out in person at the National Western Stock Show—a nod to the authenticity that defines the Cowboy Downhill.
Rooted in tradition, powered by community, and unlike anything else on snow, the Busch Light Cowboy Downhill remains one of the most beloved events in Steamboat Springs—celebrating Western heritage, ski-town spirit, and a whole lot of fun.
rich-text, responsive-table