How does an area with 300 days of sunshine and average winter temperatures of 28 degrees get 350 inches of snowfall annually? You have to be on good terms with Ullr, of course! As the story goes, Ullr, the Norse God of snow loves Breckenridge. Way back in 1963 the town locals caught wind that Ullr was going to be making a stop through Breckenridge. Wanting to show their gratitude and appreciation for Ullr’s blessings on the town (big dumps of snow!), everyone got together and threw a week long festival in his honor, the rest is history…
Fast forward 52 years and the traditional still lives on in the form of Ullr Fest! Come join locals as they gather around town for a week of fun activities, competitions, and Ullr themed parties to honor and thank the Norse Winter God for giving Breckenridge some of the best snow in the country year in and year out. And with already more than 158” of snow reported by Breckenridge Resort (45% of annual snow fall!), we have a lot to be thankful for already as well as a lot more snow to look forward to!
Grab your viking helmets, or get some here and come to Breckenridge January 11th to the 17th and help in Celebrating everything Breck and honoring the almighty (I say that in hopes of more big dumps) Ullr! Join in on crazy competitions such as frying pan tosses and 8 legged ski races. Take part in the world’s largest shot ski. Watch as locals and snow lovers alike partake in the areas wildest and wackiest parade, then come warm up by the infamous Ullr Christmas Tree bonfire while enjoying a hot tottie or two!
If you are looking for an authentic, true representation of what Breckenridge is then this is definitively the week to come and embrace what mountain town living is all about!
Schedule of events:
Sunday, January 11
Ice Skating Party (1:30 pm. – 3:00 p.m.) – Bring the kids for an afternoon of ice skating and free kids Ullr helmet decorating. Steven C. West Ice Arena, located at 189 Boreas Pass Rd. Hosted by the Breckenridge Ambassadors
Monday, January 12
Crowning of the Ullr King and Queen: (5 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) at the Breckenridge Nordic Center – Free Bud Light to the first 100 attendees
Tuesday, January 13
Ullympics (7:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.) Partake in wild events such as the frying pan toss, group ski racing and ski boot relay. Email events@gobreck.com to register. Carter Park. FREE located at 300 South High Street, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Wednesday, January 14
Breck’s Got Talent (Doors open at 6:00 p.m., Show at 6:30 p.m.) – Join local radio station, Always Mountain Time, for a town-wide talent show. For more information or to register contact johnny@alwaysmountaintime.com. Riverwalk Center, located at 150 W. Adams St. Join us for an evening of free fun and if you are of age, your first Bud Light is on the house!
Thursday,January 15
Ullr Parade (4:30 p.m.) – The centerpiece of the week, the Ullr Fest parade showcases Breckenridge’s wild winter fun. Main Street Breckenridge. Don’t miss the 2015 Ullr Shot Ski Attempt at 4:00 just prior to the parade. ($5 donation to Breckenridge Rotary, must be 21, bring ID). Registration for the Shot Ski will be day of in the Riverwalk Center starting at 1:00pm. Register for the parade.
Have some skis you’d like to donate to the record breaking Ullr Shot Ski? The more we get, the longer it can be and you can be part of it by dropping your old skies off at the Breckenridge Distillery located at 1925 Airport Road, Breckenridge, CO
Ullr Bonfire (5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.) – Join us for the town bonfire. Christmas trees are welcome! South Gondola Parking Lot. FREE
Friday, January 16
Comedy Night (7:00 p.m. Doors Open, Show at 8:00 p.m.) – Comedy Works comics descend on Breckenridge for a night of big laughs. Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 150 West Adams Ave. Admission $25, tickets are available at the Welcome Center.
And…
ULLR BIKE, presented by Borealis Bikes – Friday evening January 16, race your Fat Bike at Gold Run Nordic Center in the first ever Ullr Bike festivities; multiple laps on a 3 mile figure 8 loop immediately adjacent to the Nordic Center Lodge. Enjoy food, drink and great camaraderie! Industry reps will be on hand with demos! Racing starts at 5:00 and 4 categories will be offered, Open Men, Open Women, Singlespeed Men, and Singlespeed Women. Headlamps or lighting system required. Event will be chip timed! Entry Fee is $30 and will include the beer, soup, and giveaways!
Also, ride your bike in the FREE parade down Main St. on Thursday January 15 at 4:30pm (optional but strongly encouraged)!
For all Event Details visit mavsports.com
Saturday, January 17
SYRCL Wild and Scenic Film (6:00 p.m – 9:00 p.m.) – High Country Conservation Center and Continental Divide Land Trust are partnering to bring the film festival to Breckenridge. HCCC and CDLT share complementary missions of resource and land conservation. We are excited to come together to bring the community thought-provoking and beautiful films to inspire involvement and action. Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, 150 West Adams Ave. $15.00 For more information and to buy tickets click here.