Experience the Thrill of Leadville Ski Joring
GIDDY UP!
March 1-2, 2025
Every winter, Leadville transforms into a high-octane winter wonderland with the annual Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend. This two-day event is packed with adrenaline-pumping sports, winter races, and community fun. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a thrill-seeker, or simply looking for a unique winter experience, Leadville is the place to be!
This weekend always draws a crowd!
Book a place to stay today.
Photo by Keela McCleneghan
What is Ski Joring?
Ski joring is a heart-pounding sport that combines skiing with the raw power of horseback riding. A skier holds onto a rope while being pulled by a galloping horse down snow-packed Harrison Avenue in historic downtown Leadville. As the horse races down the street, the skier soars over jumps and spears rings along the course. It's a spectacle like no other and an absolute must-see!
Want a sneak peek? The
New York Times has even covered this thrilling event in
The Wild West, On Skis—be sure to check out what they had to say.
Photo by Keela McCleneghan
How to Get Involved
- Participate in the Calcutta auction, where you can bid on a competing team.
- Line up along Harrison Avenue to watch the high-flying action. And enjoy the ski joring fashion!
- Let the kids get in on the fun by trying ski joring behind a snowmobile! Saturday around 3pm.
- Ride your horse or ski in the competition.
- Registration takes place at the Elks Lodge, 123 W 5th Street, on Friday night, February 28th (starting approximately at 6:00 pm) for Saturday's event and on Saturday night, March 1st (directly following the awards ceremony) for Sunday's event. No pre-registration is available for the 2025 event. Questions or to express your intent to participate, contact Duffy Counsell at 970-471-5535 or reach out on Facebook.
Photo by Keela McCleneghan
Photo by Howie Stern
Watch Ski Joring Live!
This action-packed event is free to watch, but for safety reasons,
dogs and drones are not allowed. Be sure to check the official website,
leadvilleskijoring.com, closer to the event for the most up-to-date schedule.
Ski Joring Event Schedule:
Saturday, March 1, and Sunday, March 2:
- 9:00 a.m.: Calcutta Auction at 6th & Harrison Ave.
- Noon – 3:00 ish p.m.: Featuring the National anthem at 11:45am, followed by the Open division, Sport division, and Snowmobile division. The awards ceremony immediately follows at the Elks Club (123 W. 5th St.)
- Kids also have the opportunity to experience the thrill of Ski Joring behind a snowmobile on Saturday after the main racing concludes.
Photo by Howie Stern
More Winter Fun: Crystal Carnival Weekend Events
Beyond the thrills of ski joring,
Crystal Carnival Weekend offers a lineup of exciting winter races and festivities that bring the community together in celebration of Leadville’s snowy season.
Best Places and Events to Enjoy During the Weekend
- Elks Club – Open to the public
- Pancake breakfast served Saturday & Sunday starting at 8am to 12pm (or until they are out of food) $10 adults, $5 children
- Enjoy a post-race celebration at this historic venue and live music from Union Gray on Saturday night!
- Pastime Saloon – A great place to grab a drink and soak in the western atmosphere. The saloon will be hosting live music all weekend long! There is no cover, and the bar will be open from 2PM-2AM.
- Friday, February 28: Horizon Line at 9PM
- Saturday, March 1: Smelted Hearts at 3PM; Cig Pope & the Holy Smokes at 9PM
- Sunday, March 2: DJ 10 Strip at 10PM
- Scarlet Tavern - Get a drink, play some pool and catch live music ski joring weekend! All events are 21+, no cover charge.
- Friday, February 28: Climax Crows at 9PM
- Saturday, March 1: Four bands! One Show! See punk bands - Fragile City, Battle Sights, Kobra Thighs and Addie Tonic at 9PM
- Sunday, March 2: Jonathan Ross from 12PM to 4PM
- Eagles Lodge -
- Friday, February 28 Smelted Hearts is playing a free show at Eagles Lodge from 7PM to Midnight!
- Saturday, March 1 Diego Medina playing live country music 7PM to 11PM - $10 admission at the door
- Learn more about Leadville's History with a visit to one of our many museums:
- The National Mining Hall of Fame & Museum (pay what you can weekend!) open 10am to 4pm Saturday, 10AM to 3PM Sunday
- Temple Israel (free to visit!) Open 10AM to 5PM
- Tabor Opera House stop by their warming station to get a hot drink and relax in the historic theater watching the Ice Cowboys documentary (free to visit) Open 11AM to 4PM
- Marvel at the newly renovated hotel lobby and bar at the historic Delaware Hotel. Ask them about their haunted rooms!
- Businesses along Harrison Avenue – Browse shops, warm up with a tasty meal or hot beverage, and enjoy the festive atmosphere of Leadville’s charming main street.
- Patios & Specials!
- Treeline Kitchen's patio rooftop part from 11am -3pm
- High Mountain Pie's patio is cleared of snow and ready for sunshine and mountain views
- Bask in the sun while enjoying Cuban coffee and a panini sandwich on Buchi Cubano Cafe's large patio
- The Famous is celebrating their 1 year anniversary with specials, a DJ and dance party!
- Leadville Ice Palace book launch will be held at Two Dog Market on Saturday from 1pm to 4pm. Come meet the author and learn more about Leadville's Ice Palace!
- Iris Moon Emporium offers a way to step away from the action at their relaxation station complete with charis and rockers, restrooms, baby changing station, cranial sacral massages and the Lil Smokey's BBQ food truck
- Ski Joring Fashion – Want to join the ski joring fashion community? Browse vintage furs, boots, hats, and other retail gems at Leadville Exchange, Community Threads, Aspen Traders, and Western Hardware Antiques.
Photo @allingoodlight
Winter Mountain Bike Series
After the races conclude on Saturday, join Cloud City Wheeler’s Winter Mountain Bike Series - Mineral Belt Mayhem. Start and finish on Harrison Ave. in front of Cycles of Life. Participants will travel clockwise around the 11.6 mile Mineral Belt Trail with a little singletrack thrown in for giggles. Saturday, March 1st at 6:15pm.
Even More Winter Sports in Leadville
Looking for more ways to enjoy the snow? At 10,152', Leadville is the
highest incorporated city in the U.S., offering endless winter adventure opportunities.
- Downhill Skiing: Ski Cooper offers all-natural snow, short lift lines, and affordable full-day lift tickets for a fun, family-friendly experience. There’s now a free shuttle that runs between Ski Cooper and downtown Leadville every 30 minutes.
- Fatbiking, Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Snowmobiling: With nearly 60 miles of groomed winter trails, you can explore the stunning landscape around Leadville and Tennessee Pass Nordic Center.
- Explore the Dutch Henry sledding hill or tubing hill at the Tennessee Pass Nordic Center, bring your own or rent tubes at Dutch Henry on weekends or from Bill's Rentals 7 days a week. Nordic Center provides free tubes on hill.
Photo Credit: Brian Feddema
Plan Your Trip to Leadville
Whether you're coming for the ski joring, the races, or just to soak in the historic charm of Leadville, this event promises an unforgettable winter weekend. Mark your calendar for March 1st - 2nd, 2025, and get ready for an adventure in the heart of the Rockies!
Shops, Snacks & Small-Town Charm in the Heart of Leadville
IT'S MUD SEASON Spring in Leadville and Twin Lakes means longer days, melting snow, and the start of a new adventure season. But before wildflowers bloom and alpine trails open, we enter a unique time of year locals affectionately call mud season . While this in-between season may be quieter, it’s also a critical time for caring for our trails and outdoor spaces.
Saying Farewell to Ski Season in Leadville
You can now visit the Leadville Irish Miners’ Memorial , which speaks to the hopes and dreams of immigrants across the world. This new memorial honors Leadville residents whose names had been lost to time.
While much of Colorado welcomes the budding warmth of spring, here in North America’s highest city, winter likes to linger a little (or a lot) longer. At 10,152 feet, Leadville isn’t quite ready to trade snowflakes for sunshine just yet. But that’s part of the magic—our long winters mean more time to enjoy roaring fireplaces, warm drinks, and cozy mountain vibes. So, whether you’re fresh off the ski trails, wrapping up a day of exploring, or just looking for a snug spot to soak in Leadville’s charm, here are the best places in town to warm up by the fire.
No matter when you visit Leadville and Twin Lakes, you’ll find yourself two miles above sea level (ok, technically 1.9 miles, but who’s counting?). When you visit in March, you’ll be even closer to the glorious Colorado sun because by this time of year, Leadville and Twin Lakes have typically received around two meters of snow! Yes, meters. Here are some great ways you can enjoy the abundant snow and sun! 1) HIT THE SLOPES AT SKI COOPER Like to ski or ride? Check out Ski Cooper for affordable access to uncrowded slopes. Cooper is open seven days a week through Sunday, April 13, 2025. To learn to ski or board or to improve your skills, sign up for lessons for the whole family. 2) RIDE THE TRAIN Hop aboard the Leadville Railroad Winter Express for a 2-hour train ride through some of the area’s most spectacular scenery. The Winter Express runs until April 13th, departing Thursdays through Saturdays at 1:00 p.m plus daily at 1:00pm during spring break from March 9th through March 29th. This is a popular attraction and reservations are required! Book your seats here . 3) GO SNOWMOBILING Snowmobile and ATV tours are a great way to explore Leadville’s historic East Side Mining District, Turquoise Lake Recreation Area and the surrounding hills. A variety of tour styles are available with options for experienced adventure seekers to beginners and families. Vroom, vroom! Local outfitters include: Leadville ATV , Leadville Offroad Adventures and White Mountain Snowmobiles 4) GO DOGSLEDDING Want a spring break story that’ll make your friends jealous? Hop on a sled and let a team of energetic, tail-wagging huskies whisk you across the snow! You'll glide through stunning mountain scenery with your new four-legged crew leading the way. Dogsledding is a thrilling, unforgettable adventure—and fun for the whole family! 5) GO SNOW ZIPPING Have you ever wanted to zipline in the winter? Now’s your chance! Experience the thrill of our 2-hour Winter Mountain Zip Line Tour , where you’ll descend not one but six exhilarating zip lines, spanning over 8,000 feet of fun. Extend your adventure with the Zip Line and Snowmobile Combo Tour . Get the full scoop on rates, reservations, and restrictions here !
If you love deep snow, bluebird skies, and zero lift lines, then March in Leadville and Twin Lakes are calling your name. While other Colorado ski towns are packed this time of year, this high-altitude haven stays refreshingly quiet—meaning more powder, more solitude, and more space to explore safely. Whether you’re carving fresh turns at Ski Cooper, venturing into the pristine backcountry, or enjoying a peaceful après-ski with no wait at the bar, this is your chance to experience winter without the chaos. But with all that extra room comes extra responsibility—so before you head into the untouched snow, let’s talk backcountry safety tips.
In Leadville and Twin Lakes, we want to help you fall head over heels (hopefully not literally) with winter in the mountains. Whether you’re exploring solo, surrounded by family and friends, or with your special someone, come to Leadville-Twin Lakes to spark or rekindle your love of winter.
Ah, February. That special time of year when you can’t remember what it feels like to be warm outdoors and spring is still oh so far away. It’s the worst, right? At Leadville and Twin Lakes, we invite you to turn that February frown upside down and experience how amazing winter in Colorado can be (yes, even in February).
Fun in the Snow at Ski Cooper If you're searching for an authentic mountain experience filled with fun in the snow, Ski Cooper near Leadville, Colorado, is your perfect winter destination. Here's why this hidden gem stands out among Colorado's ski areas.
