In January 2026, The MusicFest at Steamboat will celebrate an incredible milestone—40 years of music, mountains, and memories. What began as a humble gathering of friends and musicians in 1986 has grown into one of the most iconic and beloved music festivals in the country and the largest group ski trip in the USA. As fans and artists prepare to return once again to the snow-covered peaks of Steamboat Springs, Colorado, there’s never been a better time to reflect on the journey of “the festival that started it all.”
Built on Tradition, Made for Today
The MusicFest was founded by John Dickson as a way to bring together music lovers for a ski trip with a soundtrack. That simple idea—combining world-class skiing with the soul of Texas and Americana music—sparked a movement, the first of it’s kind. Each January, thousands now travel from all 50 states (and beyond) to take part in a unique experience that’s become more than a festival. It’s a tradition, a reunion, and a place where music and the mountains meet.
From those early days to today’s five-day celebration with over 200 hours of live music, the heart of MusicFest has never changed. It’s still about authenticity, artistry, and adventure. In a world where trends come and go, The MusicFest is “Down Home, Up High.”
The Soundtrack of a Generation (or Two)
Part of what makes The MusicFest so enduring is its ability to balance honoring legends with launching new voices. Over the years, the lineup has included trailblazers like Guy Clark, Billy Joe Shaver, and Ray Wylie Hubbard—artists who laid the foundation for the Texas/Red Dirt music movement. At the same time, MusicFest has helped shape the careers of a new generation: Cody Johnson, Turnpike Troubadours, Cross Canadian Ragweed, Wade Bowen, Shane Smith, Pat Green, and so many others.
This commitment to musical evolution is why the festival has never stayed stagnant. It’s “40 years making history—all focused on the future.” Whether you’re listening to a late-night acoustic set in a cozy lounge or dancing to a high-energy show in the Grand Ballroom, every performance feels personal, every moment meaningful. You can say “you heard it here first!”
More Than a Festival
Of course, MusicFest is about more than just the music. It’s about the community, from first timers to the fans who return year after year, it’s always a reunion of friends new and old. It’s about the setting—breathtaking views, legendary powder, and cozy tavern après-ski moments. And it’s about the experiences—hot springs, snowmobiling, champagne powder, incredible dining, mountain shopping, and the joy of watching your favorite songwriter play as snow gently falls outside the window.
That rare blend of scenery, song, and soul is what makes The MusicFest what it is. “Always Genuine. Just a little more brand-new.”
Looking Ahead
As The MusicFest prepares for its 40th anniversary celebration from January 5–10, 2026, one thing is certain: it’s going to be unforgettable and like nothing else. While details are still unfolding, fans can expect the same incredible heart, soul, and magic they’ve always found in Steamboat—plus a few surprises worthy of such a historic year.
For those who’ve been part of the journey, and for those just discovering it, there’s never been a better time to join in. Because “built on tradition, made for today” isn’t just a slogan—it’s what we are known for, PROVEN! And as the festival that started it all hits this landmark moment, one truth rings loud and clear:
DOWN HOME, UP HIGH with NO Artificial ingredients… or people.
Here’s to 40 years—and the next 40 to come.