While it’s known as a haven for year-round outdoor activities, things definitely amp up in Colorado as soon as winter and the promise of snow approaches. If dreams of strapping on your skis or into your snowboard fill your head, check out some of these awesome winter festivals taking place this winter in Colorado, and maybe learn a new skill while you’re at it! (Skijoring anyone?)
1. Vail Snowdays: Dec 12-15, 2019
Begin snowboard and ski season with a trip to Vail for Vail Snowdays. Warm up by the bonfire at the ‘Pray for Snow Kick-Off Party’ on Thursday, and check out free concerts by Modest Mouse on Friday, Dec. 13th, and The Head and the Heart on Dec. 14th. Enjoy apres and after-dark parties in Lionshead, and an expo village in Vail Village. Don’t forget to take advantage of in-town and on-mountain early season specials! Bonus: All concerts and events are free to attend, VIP upgrades are available.
Learn more at: https://www.vailsnowdays.com/
2.Breckenridge Ullr Fest: Dec 11-15, 2019
Pull out your Viking horns, and get ready to hail Ullr, god of winter! Breckenridge Ullr Fest, celebrating 57 years this winter, is four days of awesome activities including a huge bonfire, an Ullr parade, a town-wide talent show, the Ullr ice plunge, ice skating, and fat bike racing. Did we mention that you get to dress like a Viking? Oh, and we can’t forget about The World’s Longest Shot Ski. Sign up to help Breckenridge win back the unofficial world record for longest shotski! (Be sure to sign up for this one fast, spots sell out quickly)
Tip: Make sure you pronounce Ullr right. It rhymes with “ruler.” Ullr is the Norse god of snow.
(They must be doing something right, Breckenridge is one of the snowiest places in America!)
Learn more at: https://www.gobreck.com/event/ullr-fest/#
3. X Games Aspen: Jan 23-26th, 2020
Arguably the best action sports, music, and festival event in the world, the X Games, is returning to Buttermilk Mountain for its 19th year in Aspen this winter. The best part? All of the sports competitions are free and open to the public. Check out over 200 elite action sport athletes as
they are pushed to the limit and compete for medals and prize money. To enhance the experience, X Games Aspen boasts acclaimed musical artists like Alesso and Bazzi that will perform during events. Upgrades are available to purchase and include access to two days of skiing and riding on the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass during X Games, as well as general admission to all four concerts.
Tip: Don’t forget to stop by the lower gondola plaza at Aspen Mountain. Open from 9am-4pm, January 23-26th, there will be a vendor village set up where numerous brands will be handing out samples and doing product demos. Be sure to stop by in between live action at Buttermilk Mountain and pick up some swag!
Learn more at: https://www.aspensnowmass.com/while-you-are-here/events/x-games-aspen
