1. On February 8, 1877, the first train arrived in Leadville, Colorado, bringing with it an economic boom for the town. The train allowed for easier transportation of precious metals like gold and silver, which had been discovered in the area.

2. In 1904, the inaugural Winter Carnival was held in Steamboat Springs, Colorado on February 8th. The event, which still takes place annually, features skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports, as well as a parade and other festivities.

3. On February 8, 1960, the Winter Olympics officially opened in Squaw Valley, California. However, Colorado played a significant role in the games; many of the athletes and coaches trained in the state, and some of the events, including the men's and women's downhill skiing competitions, took place at nearby resorts.

4. In 2003, on February 8th, the Colorado Avalanche played its first game at the Pepsi Center in Denver. The arena, which opened in 1999, is home to both the Avalanche and the NBA's Denver Nuggets.

5. On February 8th, 2014, a record-breaking snowstorm hit the state, dumping up to 24 inches of snow in some areas. The storm caused widespread power outages, road closures, and flight cancellations, and resulted in several deaths. Despite the chaos, many Coloradans took advantage of the fresh snow for skiing and other winter activities.