Colorado knows how to celebrate winter. Even if you're not hitting up some of the best slopes in the country, you're in the right place to be for all the winter fun. There's nothing like the estimated 25 million pounds of ice used to make huge ice castles right in Dillon or the live ice sculpting in Alamosa to make all of winter feel like a holiday. Bundle up, sip that hot cocoa, and check out this frosty fun!
When: January 25th-27th, 2019
Where: Alamosa, CO
With a pirate theme this year, the Rio Frio Ice Fest has all the winter entertainment in one weekend. If you're going for the ice sculpting, you can watch it live as professional sculptors carve pirate parodies. While you're there, you can't miss the 5k on ice, polar plunge, ice carousel, Nordic skiing, icy bonfire (you have to see it to believe it), and more!
When: Thursday-Monday from January-March, 2019 with some exceptions.
Where: Dillon, CO
An estimated 25 million pounds will be used to create the awe-inspiring ice castles, towers, tunnels, fountains, and slides that attract tens of thousands of viewers every year. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance before you put on your boots and admired the over 40ft towers around you!
When: Sculpting/Competition January 21st-25th, 2019 & Viewing January 25th-30th, 2019
Where: Breckenridge, CO
The Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships are the real deal when it comes to spectacular snow creations. Sixteen teams from all over the world are given 20-ton blocks of snow and hands tools only (no electric power tools!), and the rest is up to the artists' imaginations! Check out the amazing sculptures from last year, and you'll be anxious to go this year.
When: February 8th-17th, 2019
Where: Cripple Creek, CO
Join Cripple Creek Ice Festival as they celebrate their 12th year of amazing ice sculptures! Using chain saws with great skill, this year's artists will be carving super heros in ice - the theme for this year's festival.