Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce

970.264.2360 info@pagosachamber.com

Winterfest 

A Pagosa Chamber Event - Jan. 16-18th, 2026

Celebrate the season at WinterFest 2026!

Kick things off Friday night with a cozy bonfire, music, Battle of the Soups, Penguin Plunge, Cross Country ski activities, Sledz on Rez. and local food vendors. On Saturday and Sunday mornings, look to the skies for breathtaking hot air balloon ascensions. It’s a weekend full of warmth, flavor, and festive fun for all ages!

POSTER

 

Battle of the Soups

January 16, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (MST)

 Online Application

Printable application

SOUP TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE 

Time

Judging announced at 7pm on main stage.

Tickets

6 - 4oz. tickets for $10

Location

Archuleta Fairgrounds

Archuleta County Fairgrounds inside the extension building
 

Volunteer for Winterfest - CLICK HERE

Bonfire presented by Pagosa Chamber

Winterfest bonfire
Come enjoy live music by Wonder Bread, food trucks, hot and cold drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and of course, the giant bonfire! Need to get rid of your Christmas tree? Drop it off to be burned in the bonfire! 
 
Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds
Time: 5-8 PM
Date: Friday night, Jan. 16th
 

Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions

Uptown in the Pagosa Lakes Area - Saturday & Sunday

winterfest hot air balloons

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. See the balloons fill the winter sky over the Pagosa Lakes area. Grab a cup of coffee or cocoa, and come enjoy the spectacular view! Viewing starts at 8:30 am.

Parking is NOT permitted on Hwy 160 to view the balloons.

Pilot registration for WinterFest is now closed. We have reached the maximum number of hot air balloons we can safely accommodate.

16th Annual Penguin Plunge

Penguin Plunge Winterfest

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce

Time: Saturday 1 PM at the Visitors Center. Registration at noon. 

Support your favorite non-profits by raising money and plunging into the freezing cold San Juan River, or enjoy the view from the San Juan River Walk. These brave souls don’t just jump in and get out, we make them REALLY plunge into the river!
As a plunger enjoy a free soaking pass to one of Pagosa’s hot mineral spa facilities along with other participant goodies and prizes.
Registration to plunge required along with raising money for a community non-profit organization.

We also have a SPECIAL GUEST at this event! Your kids will love it!

2026 Application

 

Other Community Events during Winterfest

Skijoring Returning in 2026 by Skis & Saddles

Skijor Pagosa presents an exhilarating adventure competition where horse and rider team up to pull a skier or snowboarder at high speeds through an obstacle course packed with jumps, gates, and rings. This thrilling event blends Pagosa Country's rich skiing heritage with its cowboy roots, creating a fast-paced spectacle that’s sure to captivate the crowd. Competitors race for cash prizes, with winners determined by the quickest times.
 
Location: Fairgrounds
Time: 10-6 PM
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17th 10-6 PM & Live Band 8 PM
Sunday, Jan. 18th
Time: 10-4 PM
 
 

Pagosa Nordic Club presents BB Gun Biathlon 

Location: Yamaguchi Park
Time: 9-12 PM
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17th
 

Learn to Cross Country Ski Clinic   

Presented by Pagosa Nordic Club

Location: Cloman Park
Time: 10 AM
Date: Sunday, Jan. 18th
 

9th Annual Barkus Parade

Presented by Rugbys Rescue House 

Location: Town Park
Time: 9:30-11:30 AM
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17th
Dress your pet and let's boogie down the riverwalk. 
 

Sledz on Rez 

Presented by Build Pagosa

Location: Reservoir Hill
Time: 2:30 PM
Date: Saturday, Jan. 17th
Registration at 1 PM *Weather contingent