Have you ever driven through Hot Sulphur Springs and wondered what “First in Winter Carnivals” means on the town’s highway signs?

Historian and fifth-generation Hot Sulphur Springs resident Don Dailey was instrumental inhaving the signs installed along both entrances to the town to commemorate the 100th year anniversary of the Grand Winter Sports Carnival.

It’s hard to imagine now, but in the early 1910s, Hot Sulphur Springs was the center of the burgeoning ski industry in Colorado.

In 1911, talks began about Hot Sulphur Springs hosting a carnival to celebrate winter sports. John Peyer became the carnival committee chairman and the town hosted its Carnival Day in December 1911. Norwegian immigrant Carl Howelsen built Colorado’s first ski jump – crowds watched in awe as skiers soared through the air during the carnival’s signature event.

Although other areas in Colorado participated in winter sports, the Hot Sulphur carnival was the first winter event centered around tourism. Peyer was excited to draw people from around Colorado to this
inaugural event. He marketed the event as the “first winter sports carnival west of the Mississippi.” 

Denver news reporters also traveled over the pass to the picturesque mountain town’s spectacle. Guests and locals alike could enjoy Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, bobsledding and more.

The event was such a success that just six weeks later, in February 1912, the town would host its first official Hot Sulphur Springs Winter Sports Carnival, and skiing exploded in popularity in Grand County.