Ullr Fest (Dec. 7-8): Ullr is the Norse god of snow. He is the subject of praise in this two-day celebration appropriately timed in the early part of ski season, when hopes are high for snow. A parade shuts down Breckenridge's Main Street, a world record shotski is attempted and a bonfire caps things off.
Ouray Ice Festival (Jan. 18-21): You don't have to be an ice climber to enjoy the event that launched in 1996. You'll be mesmerized watching the international bunch of athletes ascend the set of frozen curtains draping the Uncompahgre Gorge close to town. The festival is usually accompanied by film screenings, gear expos and parties.
Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan. 22-26): Maybe you've seen ice carving. But have you seen snow carving? The art of teams from around the world truly must be seen to be believed. Blocks of snow weighing 25 tons are transformed by hand over the span of five days. Sculptures stay up through Jan. 31.
Snowdown (Jan. 26-Feb. 4): Durango is set for the 45th edition of the festival. The story is similar to that of the Steamboat Winter Carnival: In 1979, it came time to break cabin fever. How? With a list of shenanigans. Examples from recent years include beer plunges, outhouse stuffings, beard contests and the typical parade of lights.
Steamboat Winter Carnival (Feb. 7-11): The five-day affair dates to 1914, when local ranchers decided it was time to stop grumbling about winter. They decided to embrace it. Generations have carried on several traditions, including the Lighted Man, who skis downhill in a suit of Roman candles, rockets and a flashing football helmet.
Frozen Dead Guy Days (typically March): In 2023, Nederland said so long to "Grandpa," as the frozen corpse has been known for decades. It was hello to Estes Park, the town that picked up Colorado's weirdest festival. Frozen Dead Guy Days had outgrown tiny Ned. The party went on in Grandpa's honor — coffin races, costumes and all.
(0) comments
Welcome to the discussion.
Log In
Keep it Clean. Please avoid obscene, vulgar, lewd, racist or sexually-oriented language.
PLEASE TURN OFF YOUR CAPS LOCK.
Don't Threaten. Threats of harming another person will not be tolerated.
Be Truthful. Don't knowingly lie about anyone or anything.
Be Nice. No racism, sexism or any sort of -ism that is degrading to another person.
Be Proactive. Use the 'Report' link on each comment to let us know of abusive posts.
Share with Us. We'd love to hear eyewitness accounts, the history behind an article.