Pagosa Springs Chamber of Commerce

Winterfest - A Pagosa Chamber Event - Jan. 17-19th


Winterfest 2025 

Winterfest is brought to you by The Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce. This is an activity-packed weekend for the whole family here in Pagosa! The Hot-Air Balloon Mass Ascensions, Bonfire, Penguin Plunge, BB Gun Biathlon, Cross Country Ski Clinic, and Sled Races keep the family busy for days with even time left to enjoy the hot springs, restaurants, shops and snow-covered hills and mountains.

2025 Bonfire

Bonfire is January 17th , 5-8 pm at the Fairgrounds
 
Winterfest bonfire
Come enjoy live music, 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! Live Christmas trees can be dropped off at the Fairgrounds starting Thursday, December 26. The tree drop is just inside the entrance from Hwy 84. Look for signs.
 

Hot Air Balloon Mass Ascensions

Uptown in the Pagosa Lakes Area

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!

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

2025 Pilot Application online application

2025 Pilot Application Downloadable application

 

 

14th Annual Penguin Plunge

Application form

Penguin Plunge Winterfest

Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce

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!

 

Other Community Events during Winterfest

Skijoring Returning in 2025

Skijor Pagosa is 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.
 
Saturday, January 18, 2025
10:00 AM | Opening Ceremony
10:15 AM | Races Begin
6:00 PM | Awards & Calcutta
8:00 PM | Live Band

Sunday, January 19, 2025
Contestant Costume Contest
10:00 AM | Opening Ceremony
10:15 AM | Races Begin
4:00 PM | Awards
 
Tickets: $10 per day or $15 for a Weekend Pass
For more info or to purchase tickets, Learn More
 
 

Pagosa Nordic Club

Pagosa Nordic Club BB Gun Biathlon 

BB Gun Biathlon & Costume Contest (optional)
Saturday, January 18th, 2025 - 9:15 AM to ~11:45 AM - Yamaguchi Park
A unique, super-fun freestyle ski event in which participants can either classic or skate ski while target shooting with Red Ryder BB guns provided by the Pagosa Nordic Club. 10 seconds added for each shot missed during the race but no gun or shooting experience is needed. Parents can help the young ones cock and shoot. Kids really love this race!
Prizes for the top finishers and best costumes along with participant drawing giveaways. Great fun for all ages!
While not a requirement, costumes for this race are highly encouraged! Prizes will be given for the best costumes.  Start planning your outfit now!
 

Learn to Cross Country Ski Clinic 

Learn To Ski
Sunday, January 19th - Part of Pagosa WinterFest! Check-in at 9:45 AM, Cloman Park
These great introductory clinics for adults are held throughout the season. Skate ski and classic cross country ski basics will be shared by some of Pagosa Springs’ best Nordic skiers.
For adult never-evers, beginners and intermediates. Learn how to make these outdoor winter activities even more enjoyable!
 

Sledz on Rez

Build It. Ride It. Win It.

Reservoir Hill - downtown Pagosa Springs