We need to unpack how awesome the Cowboy Downhill is

STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, Colo. — The National Western Stock Show is very Colorado. Skiing is also very Colorado, but in a different way.

And, similar to the plot of a 1990s teen romantic comedy, these two same but different things came together Monday to create something that’s perfect.

We’re talking about the Cowboy Downhill, a tradition that’s been going on in Steamboat Springs for 49 years.

Here’s how it works: cowboys and cowgirls compete in a timed slalom, and have to do tricks with ropes at the end of it.

Here's one video of the event: 

Check out a photo gallery below: 

Part-rodeo, part-livestock show and part-fair, the National Western Stock Show brings hundreds of thousands of people to the National Western Complex in Denver each year for a celebration of Colorado's agricultural heritage.

Now in its 118th year, the National Western Stock Show has one of the world’s richest regular-season professional rodeos, one of the country’s largest horse shows and Colorado’s largest agricultural trade show. The Stock Show welcomes attendees from 48 states and 32 countries and will drive an estimated $171 million in economic impact to Colorado.

The National Western Stock Show runs through Sunday, Jan. 21.

Tickets to the National Western Stock Show and a full schedule of events can be found at NationalWestern.com.

9NEWS is a corporate partner of the National Western Stock Show.

MORE WAYS TO GET 9NEWS

Subscribe to our daily 9NEWSLETTER

Download the 9NEWS APP
iTunes: http://on9news.tv/itunes
Google Play: http://on9news.tv/1lWnC5n 

ADD THE 9NEWS+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE

ROKU: add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KUSA.

For both Apple TV and Fire TV, search for "9news" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.