8 quintessential winter events to check out in Colorado this season
When the temperatures drop, Colorado’s party fever rises.
Yes, we love our winters. Where the cold and snow once froze activity in the early days of our historic mountain towns, activity now ramps up with much more than skiing.
Here are eight bucket list events across the state:
International Snow Sculpture Championships
Breckenridge, Jan. 20-29
Artistic carvers from across the globe come to Breckenridge to showcase their finest work from 25-ton blocks of snow. They’ll spend the week of Jan. 20 sculpting their masterpieces for the judges. The week of Jan. 24 is for viewing; Jan. 26-Jan. 29 is encouraged, when reservations are not required.
Ouray Ice Festival
Ouray, Jan. 23-26
Colorado’s ultimate ice climbing showcase returns for a 30th year. And if you didn’t know by now, you don’t have to be an ice climber to enjoy. It’s a sight to see: athletes from around the world converging upon the little town known as the “Switzerland of America” for the gorge draped in icy walls. The fest comes with gear expos, clinics and afterparties.
Snowdown
Durango, Jan. 24-Feb. 2
Reads the history maintained by the festival: “A long time ago back in 1979, the Land of Durango was covered in winter’s darkness and the People and Commerce were depressed.” No longer. The town comes alive for two weekends of themed shenanigans, including a parade, chili cookoff, Bloody Mary contest and performances. This year’s theme: board game characters.
UllrGrass
Golden, Jan. 31-Feb. 2
“Ullr” refers to the Norse god of winter. “Grass” refers to the music — bluegrass is the main calling card for audiences who flock in Viking regalia and raise a glass of some of Colorado’s finest craft brew. A beer fest coincides with the music fest, all happening in downtown Golden’s Parfet Park.
Steamboat Winter Carnival
Steamboat Springs, Feb. 5-9
The event calls itself the oldest winter event of its kind west of the Mississippi River, with a history dating 111 years. The carnival rose to bring together the town’s ranching and skiing demographics, and traditions have spanned generations: the opening celebration’s queen and little princesses; the ski jumping and snow sculpting; the s’mores party; the Mountain Soiree; and the downhill ski of the Lighted Man.
Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Cripple Creek, Feb. 15-Feb. 23
While Breckenridge is for the snow carvers, Cripple Creek is for artisans transforming massive blocks of ice. The ice festival is a favorite among families, who delight in the fantastical displays and interactive fun starting President’s Day weekend. A bonus returning this year: Ice Castles, the separate and equally beloved affair that ran through February last season.
Leadville Ski Joring
Leadville, March 1-2
It’s the sport embodying Colorado’s iconic past and thriving present: horseback riders pulling skiers who navigate a series of jumps and obstacles. And there’s no better place to witness the spectacle than on the main street of Leadville, one of the state’s highest, most historic towns. The tradition here dates to 1949.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Estes Park, March 14-16
From its longtime home in Nederland, Frozen Dead Guy Days will celebrate a second year in Estes Park — where also the festival’s namesake corpse was moved. Bredo Morstol can be visited at The Stanley Hotel’s International Cryogenics Museum. Maybe schedule a visit between the costumed bar crawl, coffin races, the Royal Blue Ball and the polar plunge.
8 quintessential winter events to check out in Colorado this season
When the temperatures drop, Colorado’s party fever rises.
Yes, we love our winters. Where the cold and snow once froze activity in the early days of our historic mountain towns, activity now ramps up with much more than skiing.
Here are eight bucket list events across the state:
International Snow Sculpture Championships
Breckenridge, Jan. 20-29
Artistic carvers from across the globe come to Breckenridge to showcase their finest work from 25-ton blocks of snow. They’ll spend the week of Jan. 20 sculpting their masterpieces for the judges. The week of Jan. 24 is for viewing; Jan. 26-Jan. 29 is encouraged, when reservations are not required.
Ouray Ice Festival
Ouray, Jan. 23-26
Colorado’s ultimate ice climbing showcase returns for a 30th year. And if you didn’t know by now, you don’t have to be an ice climber to enjoy. It’s a sight to see: athletes from around the world converging upon the little town known as the “Switzerland of America” for the gorge draped in icy walls. The fest comes with gear expos, clinics and afterparties.
Snowdown
Durango, Jan. 24-Feb. 2
Reads the history maintained by the festival: “A long time ago back in 1979, the Land of Durango was covered in winter’s darkness and the People and Commerce were depressed.” No longer. The town comes alive for two weekends of themed shenanigans, including a parade, chili cookoff, Bloody Mary contest and performances. This year’s theme: board game characters.
UllrGrass
Golden, Jan. 31-Feb. 2
“Ullr” refers to the Norse god of winter. “Grass” refers to the music — bluegrass is the main calling card for audiences who flock in Viking regalia and raise a glass of some of Colorado’s finest craft brew. A beer fest coincides with the music fest, all happening in downtown Golden’s Parfet Park.
Steamboat Winter Carnival
Steamboat Springs, Feb. 5-9
The event calls itself the oldest winter event of its kind west of the Mississippi River, with a history dating 111 years. The carnival rose to bring together the town’s ranching and skiing demographics, and traditions have spanned generations: the opening celebration’s queen and little princesses; the ski jumping and snow sculpting; the s’mores party; the Mountain Soiree; and the downhill ski of the Lighted Man.
Cripple Creek Ice Festival
Cripple Creek, Feb. 15-Feb. 23
While Breckenridge is for the snow carvers, Cripple Creek is for artisans transforming massive blocks of ice. The ice festival is a favorite among families, who delight in the fantastical displays and interactive fun starting President’s Day weekend. A bonus returning this year: Ice Castles, the separate and equally beloved affair that ran through February last season.
Leadville Ski Joring
Leadville, March 1-2
It’s the sport embodying Colorado’s iconic past and thriving present: horseback riders pulling skiers who navigate a series of jumps and obstacles. And there’s no better place to witness the spectacle than on the main street of Leadville, one of the state’s highest, most historic towns. The tradition here dates to 1949.
Frozen Dead Guy Days
Estes Park, March 14-16
From its longtime home in Nederland, Frozen Dead Guy Days will celebrate a second year in Estes Park — where also the festival’s namesake corpse was moved. Bredo Morstol can be visited at The Stanley Hotel’s International Cryogenics Museum. Maybe schedule a visit between the costumed bar crawl, coffin races, the Royal Blue Ball and the polar plunge.