Winterfest 2026 in Pagosa Springs Colorado

Get ready to embrace the chill! Pagosa Springs Winterfest 2026 is just around the corner, bringing three days of high-flying balloons, mountain-town traditions, and the high-octane thrills of skijoring to our corner of the San Juan Mountains.

Whether you’re looking to dive into the freezing San Juan River or just want to enjoy the view with a cup of cocoa, here is your complete guide to the 2026 festivities.

Our coverage for past events can be viewed: Winterfest 2022 | Winterfest 2023

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Winterfest 2026 Schedule of Events

Friday, January 16: The Grand Kickoff

• 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Community Bonfire & Live Music
  • Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
  • Overview: Warm up by the massive community bonfire. This year features live music by Wonder Bread, local food vendors, and a festive atmosphere to start the weekend right.
• 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Inaugural “Battle of the Soups”
  • Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds (CSU Extension Building).
  • Overview: A brand-new event for 2026! Local restaurants and home cooks go “ladle-to-ladle” to win the Golden Ladle Award.

Saturday, January 17: The Big Day

• 8:30 AM: Mass Hot Air Balloon Ascension
  • Location: Uptown Pagosa Lakes Area.
  • Overview: Watch dozens of colorful balloons rise over the snow-capped peaks. (Pro tip: Parking is not allowed on Hwy 160; find a spot in the Pagosa Lakes business area).
• 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM: BB Gun Biathlon
  • Location: Yamaguchi Park. NOW at Alberta Park, Wolf Creek Ski Area
  • Overview: A quirky Pagosa classic where cross-country skiing meets target practice with Red Ryder BB guns.
• 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: 9th Annual Barkus Parade
  • Location: Town Park / Riverwalk.
  • Overview: A costumed pet parade benefiting Rugby’s Rescue House.
• 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM: Skijor Pagosa (Day 1) (Now Cancelled)
  • Tickets Required – SkiAndSaddles.com
  • Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
  • Overview: The main event! Opening ceremonies begin at 10:00 AM, with races following immediately.
• 1:00 PM: 16th Annual Penguin Plunge
  • Location: San Juan River (behind the Visitor Center).
  • Overview: Brave “penguins” jump into the icy river to raise money for local non-profits.
• 2:30 PM: Sledz on Rez (Now Cancelled)
  • Location: Reservoir Hill.
  • Overview: Homemade sled races. Expect creativity, speed, and the occasional (safe) wipeout.
• 8:00 PM: Winterfest Concert
  • Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
  • Overview: Keep the energy high with a live performance by Float Like a Buffalo. Tickets for sale ($10) here.

Sunday, January 18: The Finale

• 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM: Winterfest Breakfast Ride
  • Location: Buckaroos Rides.
  • Overview: A horse-drawn ride with a full breakfast spread and views of the morning balloon ascension.
• 8:30 AM: Mass Hot Air Balloon Ascension
  • Location: Uptown Pagosa Lakes Area.
• 10:00 AM: Learn to XC Ski Clinic
  • Registration Required – No walk ups – Clinic by Pagosa Nordic Club
  • Location: Cloman Park
  • Overview: Free introductory clinic for all ages provided by the Pagosa Nordic Club.
• 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM: Skijor Pagosa (Day 2)(Now Cancelled)
  • Location: Archuleta County Fairgrounds.
  • Overview: Finals and awards for the weekend’s skijoring competitors.

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Event Highlights & Details

Concert Tickets – Float like a Buffalo

Tickets are required and can be purchased online for $10 – buy tickets

Skijor Pagosa – Cancelled

This is the “fast and furious” highlight of the weekend. Skijoring combines Pagosa’s deep skiing heritage with its cowboy roots. A horse and rider pull a skier or snowboarder through a specialized track featuring jumps, gates, and rings at speeds of up to 40mph.

• Spectator Fee: $10 per person (Ages 12 and under are FREE) or $15 per person for the whole weekend. Tickets can be purchased online at SkisAndSaddles.com.
• Registration: If you’re looking to compete, visit SkisAndSaddles.com for entry fees and divisions.

Battle of the Soups (NEW!)

This inaugural event lets the public be the judge. Your ticket allows you to sample some of the best soups in the region.

• Cost: $10 (includes six 4-ounce samples and voting tokens).

The Penguin Plunge

It wouldn’t be Winterfest without a dip in the San Juan. While it’s free to watch, plungers are encouraged to register and raise funds for their favorite local charity.

To register – follow this link from the chamber.

• Bonus: All plungers receive a pass to soak in the Healing Waters hot springs afterward!

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Ticket Summary

Event	Price	Note
Balloon Ascension	FREE	Public viewing from Pagosa Lakes
Battle of the Soups	$10	Includes 6 – 4oz samples
Float like a Buffalo Concert	$10 Online	Price goes up at gate – tix
Barkus Parade	$10	Suggested donation per pet
XC Ski Clinic	FREE	Registration required via PagosaNordic.com