The beautiful town of Breckenridge, Colorado boasts incredible skiing and snowboarding, fly fishing, a lively nightlight and some of the Rockies best and most exciting events. Looking for the events you should plan to attend this winter? Read on for the best winter events in Breck.
Santa Race/Lighting of Breckenridge
Saturday, December 3rd
Each year on the first Saturday of December, Breckenridge plays host to a celebration to welcome the upcoming holiday season. Start off your Saturday with the Race of the Santas, a .75 mile race down historic Main Street of fully costumed Santa Clauses. Not a fan of running at 9,600 feet? No problem! Stick around for the Lighting of Breckenridge, with various events throughout the day including the Fat Bike Open, the Bernese Mountain Dog Parade, holiday carols from the “Jingle Singers” and the lighting of the Breckenridge Town Tree.
Dew Tour
Thursday – Sunday, December 8th – 11th
This epic ski and snowboard competition will return to Breckenridge the second weekend of December. Watch as the top ski and snowboard athletes from around the world take their skills to the Freeway Terrain Park. Keep an eye out for multi-year champions Danny Davis for snowboarding and Gus Kenworthy for skiing as they return to defend their titles. Don’t miss the Streetstyle Competition at Main Street and Washington Avenue! This event is sure to impress as skiiers and snowboarders take to the street for a rail-jam-esqe competition down Washington Avenue on Friday evening. After the Snowboard Men’s Finals and the Team Ski Finals, head to Breckenridge’s Riverwalk Center for a concert from Joey Bada$$, DJ A-Trak and D.R.A.M. at 8pm.
Ullr Fest
Wednesday – Saturday, January 11th – 14th, 2017
Easily my favorite winter event in Breckenridge, Ullr Fest is an annual (celebrating 54 years in 2017!) celebration of snow. Ullr, the norse god of snow, is the star of this 4-day event, with daily events and competitions to “thank” Ullr for the snow he has given. Wednesday will play host to the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen, two local residents chosen for their contributions to the community. Stick around for Breck’s Got Talent after the King and Queen are announced. Thursday marks one of the most popular days of Ullr Fest, starting with the annual World’s Longest ShotSki. Last year the ShotSki had 777 participants and spanned 1,250 feet down Main Street. Immediately after the ShotSki is the Ullr Parade, the highlight of Ullr Fest. You won’t want to miss the incredible floats by local residents and businesses! When the parade is over, don’t miss the Ullr Bonfire in the Gondola Lot. This bonfire is filled with Christmas trees, skis and snowboards and features the sounds of a live DJ.
Not feeling so great Friday morning? The Hangover Breakfast in Main Street Station and the Ullr Ice Plunge should fix that! After a great breakfast, plunge into frozen Maggie Pond. Don’t worry, there will be a heated changing room and a hot tub to help you warm up! Friday closes out with a comedy night at Riverwalk Center.
The final day of Ullr Fest will feature a kid-friendly Ice Skating Party at Steven C. West Ice Arena, a Family Snow Day in Carter Park, and will wrap up with the Wild and Scenic Film Festival at the Riverwalk Center.
International Snow Sculpture Championships
Sculpting Week: Tuesday – Saturday, January 24th – 28th, 2017
Viewing Week: Saturday – Sunday, January 28th – February 5th, 2017
This annual competition hosted by Budweiser brings some of the best snow sculpture artists from around the world. Teams of snow sculpture artists will be provide with a 12-foot-tall, 20+ ton block of snow. Artists stay up all night to sculpt an incredible, detailed snow creation. After they are complete and you’ve found your favorite (trust me, it’s harder than you think), make sure to support the best sculpture with the People’s Choice Vote.
