Winterfest, brought to you by the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, stretches across three days — torrow, Friday January 16 through Sunday, January 18 — with events centered at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds and uptown. The festival blends classic mountain-town traditions with newer attractions to create a family-friendly celebration of the coldest season.
The festivities start Friday evening with a community bonfire and live music at the Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
Battle of the Soups and More
A new ‘Battle of the Soups’ invites local restaurants and home cooks to ladle up their best recipes as visitors sample, vote and warm their hands beside the flames. For $10.00 you receive six 4 oz. samples of some of the best soups in Pagosa Springs.
- Bonfire and live music: 5–8pm, Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
- Battle of The Soups Winners announced at 7:00pm
Balloons, Penguin Plunge, Nordic Fun
On Saturday and Sunday mornings, residents and visitors are encouraged to “look to the skies” as a mass hot air balloon ascension lifts off from the Pagosa Lakes area, filling the winter sky with color above the snow-covered peaks. Viewing begins around 8:30am. (NOTE: Spectators are asked not to park along U.S. 160.)
But the Saturday fun has only begun.
The BB Gun Biathlon will be held at Alberta Park at the Wolf Creek Ski Area. Registration will be 8:20 – 10:15am at the very rear of the Tranquility parking lot. Race times begin at 10:00am. While not a requirement, costumes for this race are highly encouraged… and prizes will be given for the best costumes. Start planning your outfit now. For more information go to pagosanordic.com/bb-gun-biathlon/
The costumed Barkus Parade turns Town Park and the Riverwalk into a runway for dressed-up dogs from 9:30 – 11:30am, presented by Rugby’s Rescue House.
In the afternoon, the Penguin Plunge at the Visitors Center begins at 1:00pm. Registration begins at noon. This event challenges hardy locals and non-profit fundraising teams to dive into the icy San Juan River while onlookers’ cheer from the Riverwalk.
Sunday morning continues the balloon spectacle uptown, beginning around 8:30am. (NOTE: Spectators are asked not to park along U.S. 160.)
The hot air balloon ascensions are free to attend both Saturday and Sunday.
For a full schedule, tickets and volunteer opportunities, please reach out to the Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce, at 970-264-2360 or online at pagosachamber.com
Whether plunging into the San Juan, or simply sipping cocoa under a sky of balloons, Winterfest is an event no one wants to miss.