“The first Winter Carnival took place in 1914 on Woodchuck Hill, which is now home to Colorado Mountain College,” says artist RC Dieckhoff, who designed this year’s Winter Carnival poster. “Marjorie Perry, of Perry-Mansfield, originally invited Carl Howelsen to Steamboat Springs after seeing him jump in Hot Sulphur Springs, Colorado.

Howelsen went on to found both the Steamboat Springs Winter Sports Club and the Winter Carnival. Winter sports have become the town’s heartbeat, with Carl Howelsen sparking a lasting passion for winter recreation – a legacy that continues to thrive at the Winter Carnival today.

For RC, this year’s poster is a tribute to 1914, blending minimalist influences with a focus on key events and figures in Steamboat’s history, particularly Carl Howelsen.

“The longer you’re here in Steamboat, the more you come to understand the essence of the town,” RC says. “I want to capture our local history to help others appreciate what makes this community so special. Our traditions are rooted in that history.”

RC says that Woodchuck Hill played a significant role in inspiring his design process. He collaborated with local geologists and Colorado Mountain College’s original Dean of Students, George Bagwell, walking the hill to get a sense of the site’s perspective. This exploration helped him envision what the first Winter Carnival might have looked like and shaped the overall feel of the poster.

As RC’s poster captures the essence of Steamboat’s storied past, it serves as a reminder that the Winter Carnival is more than just a celebration – it’s a connection to the history and traditions that define this community. From the original ski jumps at Woodchuck Hill to the thrilling street events, the carnival has withstood the test of time, thanks to the dedication of locals and the spirit of recreation and fun ignited by pioneers like Carl Howelsen.

 As Steamboat continues to grow and evolve, it’s essential that we remember and honor the roots of this town. Whether through art, history, or the joyful chaos of the carnival itself, the Winter Carnival reminds us all of the importance of preserving the landmarks and traditions that make Steamboat Springs a truly unique place – a place where history and fun continue to intertwine, year after year.