Ask A Local: Best 2020-21 Winter Festivals and Activities in the Surrounding Areas of Vail

1) Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, CO 

Ullr Fest: https://gobreck.com/event/ullr-fest/

Dates: December 9th – 19th, 2020

Breckenridge Ullr Fest is scheduled for December 9th-19th, 2020. Every year – for the last fifty-seven years – Breckenridge has celebrated the Norse god of snow – Ullr. Due to COVID-19, they have canceled large gathering events of the festival – such as the Ullr Fest Parade and Ullr Bonfire. However, the Ullr Fest Parade floats will be stationary and on display at various locations around town.  

For fans of the Amazing Race, there is a town-wide scavenger hunt race –  known as the Quest for Ullr. This scavenger hunt has more than twenty challenges. The challenges include solving puzzles and exploring town landmarks. With your family or group of friends, galavant around Breckenridge while being guided by your smartphone. 

There are also activities for little kids. There is an Ullr Ice Skating Party at featuring ice skating and free Ullr helmet decorating. After, celebrate the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen!

2) Ice Castles in Dillon, CO 

Dates: Late December 2020 – Early March 2021

Travel to Dillon to admire the winter wonderland of the Ice Castles. It is an award-winning attraction located in only four cities in the United States. We are lucky enough to have one located nearby. Experience LED-lit sculptures, ice thrones, ice tunnels, slides, and fountains made by professional ice artists. Although it is colder at night, the ice castles are prettiest when viewed under the starts and illuminated by colored lights. The perfect family outing – your little ones will feel like they are in the Disney movie, Frozen

3) 2021 Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Invitational in Breckenridge, CO 

International Snow Sculpture Championship: https://gobreck.com/event/international-snow-sculpture-championships/

Dates: January 26th – February 7th, 2021

The 2021 Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Invitational is scheduled for January 26th – February 7th. Walk around Breckenridge and view the intricate snow sculptures that will be created by internationally acclaimed sculptors. After all, the snow sculptures are a thirty year tradition in Breckenridge!

4) Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend in Leadville, CO 

Leadville Ski Joring: https://www.leadvilletwinlakes.com/things-to-do-detail/leadville-ski-joring-crystal-carnival-weekend/

Dates: March 5th – 7th, 2021

Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival Weekend is scheduled for March 5th-7th, 2021. It is a fun-filled weekend along the main street of a historic, mining mountain town. The Crystal Carnival includes a variety of activities. There is the Harrison Nordic Knockout Sprints (Friday at 7pm) – where you can Nordic ski down Leadville’s main street. There is also the Leadville Winter Mountain Bike Series (Saturday at 6pm) – a fat tire bike ride after dark on the 11-mile Mineral Belt trail. Combine Nordic skiing and paintball during the Leadville Nordic Paintball Biathlon (Sunday at 10am).

Ski joring will take place this year on Saturday and Sunday from 12-3pm. Watch a horse and rider race down Harrison Avenue while pulling a skier behind with a rope. The skier bounds over man-made snow jumps while collecting as many rings as he can along the course. Grab a hot chocolate or apple cider and watch the skiers as they fly by! It is a unique experience for sure!

Rates:

Packages
Regular
1-3 Days (20% off)
4-5 Days (25% off)
6+ Days (30% off)

Demo Ski or SNB Package

$68.00

$54.50

$51.00

$47.50

Demo Ski or SNB

$64.00

$51.25

$48.00

$44.75

Sport Ski Package

$52.00

$41.50

$39.00

$36.50

Kids Ski Package

$35.00

$28.00

$26.25

$24.50

Clothing

$45.00

$36.00

$33.75

$31.50

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