Texas brings its people and its music to Colorado for a week in January and, trust me, you will not want to miss it.

The MusicFest at Steamboat is a weeklong festival that brings the best of red dirt music, fun people and all-around good vibes to Steamboat Springs, Colorado. What started as a college ski trip quickly turned into more than 40 years of music, memories and time spent on the mountain. We sat down with founder John Dickson to see how this amazing festival came to be.

How did the MusicFest at Steamboat get started?

I answered an ad in the university newspaper that offered a free ski trip if you get 15 people to sign up. My goal was to get enough friends and friends-to-be to enjoy a gathering on the slopes . . . and create unique memories for our college experience . . . ”you only do this once!”

I got approximately 600 people the first year (1986), and with the extra “free trips” I invited musicians and bands to entertain in exchange for a free ski vacation. Plus, with the unexpected number of attendees, I provided trips to friends to help with logistics onsite to assure a smooth, fun trip including an extensive activity schedule exclusive to those on the trip. It was the natural fun thing to do, and at the time no other group ski trips were doing this (music, activities, onsite staff…) to this degree.

Word got out about this “1st Annual” and colleges throughout Texas joined. I actively advertised in school papers and posted flyers at most colleges around the state, both large and small.

I had massive buying and bargaining power like no other to get the best deals and pass along to attendees. Providing a high-quality trip at reduced wholesale rates that included an extensive activity and music schedule launched “The MusicFest” into the iconic tradition and great value event it is today.

In the early years the trip was held at various ski resorts, sometimes moving due to the size of the ski trip and some resorts not being able to accommodate our group.

MusicFest quickly became the largest group ski trip in the USA and remains the largest today.

Country Music for Every Generation

The artists who once stepped onto MusicFest stages as young guys have since become legends in the Texas and Red Dirt music scene. With artists like Randy Rogers Band, Cody Canada and the Turnpike Troubadours taking the stage over the years, it comes as no surprise that MusicFest has become a place where fans can experience some of the best talent in the genre, sometimes before the rest of the world catches on.

What has it been like seeing artists like Randy Rogers, Cody Canada, Evan Felker and others blow up, knowing they played MusicFest early in their careers? Tell us about watching their careers take off.

One of the real (unexpected) joys of the MusicFest is that it provides a platform for new artists to showcase their music and songwriting to fans from across the USA and internationally (in ONE location!). No doubt, they bring their “A-GAME!” 

Witnessing firsthand many of the most popular artists of today performing at MusicFest — some starting in intimate MusicFest venues then each year seeing their popularity soar at The MusicFest — is beyond gratifying in knowing that this event made an impact on the music and artists we all enjoy and the wonderful times it provides to all across the USA.

It’s such an incredible honor that many return annually for legendary performances . . . and support launching careers of the new-to-the-scene artist. It’s beyond cool that some of these legendary artists depart Steamboat and their next big show is in an arena with 50,000+ people!

But the history of MusicFest is only part of what makes it special. One of the best things about the festival is that it truly is fun for everyone.

All the Best Artists in One Place

I had the opportunity to talk with three-time MusicFest artist Shelby Stone, and she put it perfectly. There are different generations of Red Dirt and Texas country artists, and MusicFest brings all of them together.

First, there is the era of Pat Green, Cory Morrow and Cross Canadian Ragweed. Then came the Parker McCollum and Koe Wetzel era. Now, artists like Slade Coulter, Parker Ryan and Shelby Stone herself are part of the next generation making a name for themselves.

At MusicFest, you get to see all of those eras in one place.

And sometimes, the artist you stumble upon in a ballroom or smaller venue might just be country music’s next big thing. Take Hudson Westbrook, for example. He performed at MusicFest in 2025 and has grown tremendously since then. This year, fans will have the chance to see him back in Steamboat once again.

That is part of the magic of MusicFest. You aren’t just buying a ticket to see the artists you already know and love. You are also giving yourself the opportunity to discover the artist you will be listening to for years to come.

Imagine skiing down the mountain, making your way back toward the base and suddenly realizing your favorite country singer is playing a show just a few feet away.

At MusicFest, that isn’t just a dream. It’s a reality.

Venues at the MusicFest

One of the greatest things about MusicFest is the variety of places to experience the music. There is something for every mood, every group and every kind of music fan. From the Big Tent to shows at the top of the mountain — including a show during a picture-perfect Colorado sunset — there is no wrong place to be.

You could spend the afternoon at an intimate acoustic show with Bruce Robison and then turn around and rock out in the ballroom with American Aquarium that night. You could spend the morning skiing, catch a show at lunch and end the evening dancing with thousands of other Texas country fans.

That is what makes MusicFest different from your average music festival. There isn’t one way to experience it.

You can make the week whatever you want it to be.

For some people, it is about skiing. For others, it is about discovering new music. For some, it is an annual reunion with friends who feel more like family. And for most people, it is all three.

What makes MusicFest different from other festivals? What keeps people coming back year after year?

Being in the majestic Rockies provides an incredible setting and experience to enjoy “our music” in a setting with ambiance like no other. Plus, the fans and musicians are on “vacation” which results in concerts (small and large) that tend to elevate the music and fun like no other. It’s especially fun when attendees get to visit with their favorite artists as they walk down the hotel hallway, take a ride on the gondola or catch an unplanned jam in a condo.

The package value is exceptional in that it provides lodging, lift tickets and a marathon of music in a world-class ski resort. There’s NO other package ski trip (and music) value that’s comparable. You don’t even need to be a skier to enjoy it to the fullest since there’s so much to do . . . endless activities, shopping, dining, friends and more.

MusicFest attracts an adventurous, like-minded community that tends to enjoy the outdoors, great music and beyond-friendly atmosphere.

Steamboat is a multi-generational ranch community and that character is part of what MusicFest embraces. No other ski resort is like this one!

Those are just a few points of the many that make this festival one of a kind.

No Sleep ’til Texas

There is also something uniquely Texas about bringing this community together in the middle of Colorado. For one week, Steamboat becomes a little slice of Texas, just with significantly more snow and a whole lot more elevation.

You can walk through town and see cowboy hats, ski goggles, boots and snow gear all mixed together. You can meet someone who has been coming to MusicFest for decades and someone experiencing it for the very first time. You can watch an artist you’ve followed for years and then discover someone you’ve never heard of before.

And by the end of the week, you understand why people keep coming back.

MusicFest isn’t just a week of concerts. It is a community built around music, mountains and the people who love both.

So, if you’ve ever thought about making the trip to Steamboat in January, consider this your sign. Grab your ski gear. Grab your friends. And maybe start brushing up on your Texas country playlist. We’ll see you on the mountain.

Reservations are open now and will sell out QUICK! Do not miss your chance at becoming part of this tradition. Book here.

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Cover Photo courtesy the MusicFest

Emily Hord is the Assistant Editor of Texas Lifestyle Magazine and a native Texan. She graduated from Texas A&M University, and in her free time she enjoys going to see live music and spending time with her friends and family.