Your 2024-25 Guide to Winter Festivals in Colorado

In Things to do
by Abigail Bliss
December 10, 2024

While some destinations go into hibernation during the winter months, our state is quite the opposite. Many ski towns revel in the season with sporting events, ice and snow sculpting, polar plunges and more. Other celebrations spotlight craft breweries, live music performances and local icons — including giant flocks of birds and a famous frozen dead guy.

Mark your calendars and plan to attend these fun winter festivals in Colorado.

Breckenridge Ullr Fest — December 12-14

Revelry echoes through downtown Breckenridge during Ullr Fest, a celebration honoring the Norse god of snow. Attendees in Viking helmets praise him with a festive parade, a massive Christmas tree bonfire and a record-breaking shotski event which this year, will involve 1,401 drinkers. An ice skating show, live music and more merriment kick off the winter season.

Wintersköl — December 12-15

This year, Wintersköl will open with its inaugural Icebreaker Bash, an après party featuring seasonal cocktails, tasty bites and a live DJ set in downtown Aspen. The four-day affair continues with a curling tournament, kids’ snow sculpting, a retro ski outfit competition, snow sport film screenings, a local holiday market, a beer festival and more. Don’t miss Saturday evening’s signature event where skiers and snowboarders bearing lit torches will shred down Aspen Mountain. Fireworks will follow and further light up the iconic slopes.

Courtesy of Aspen Chamber Resort Association

Pagosa Springs Winterfest — January 17-19

Winterfest in Pagosa Springs is packed with family-friendly activities. Toss your brittle Christmas tree into its giant bonfire, join the annual “penguin plunge” into the frigid San Juan River and watch colorful hot air balloons rise above the mountain town. Skijoring, sled races and cross-country ski clinics add reasons to plan a winter road trip.

Courtesy of Pagosa Springs Area Chamber of Commerce

International Snow Sculpture Championships — January 20-29

Teams from around the world will participate in this year’s International Snow Sculpture Championships, an event hosted annually in Breckenridge. From January 20 to 24, competitors will use only hand tools to carve larger-than-life works of art. Attend the awards ceremony, cast your vote for the people’s choice winner and enjoy viewing the finished sculptures through January 29.

Snowdown — January 24 – February 2

Snowdown is a rowdy 10-day celebration that stirs up local pride throughout Durango. Since its inaugural event in 1979, every year has had a theme and 2025 will spotlight board games. Characters like Colonel Mustard and Mr. Monopoly are sure to make an appearance during the downtown light parade, live performances, the annual fashion show and costumed mini golf bar crawl. A chili cook-off, Bloody Mary contest and more fun festivities will round out the schedule.

Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival — February 5-9

Come February, Steamboat Springs will host its 112th annual Winter Carnival. This long-standing tradition highlights the town’s snow sport heritage through ski jumping competitions, freestyle jam sessions, skijoring down Lincoln Avenue and fireworks over historic Howelsen Hill. “Let your light shine” is this year’s theme and sure to play a role in the soon-to-be-released programming.

High Plains Snow Goose Festival — February 6-9

Since 2002, the southeast town of Lamar has celebrated its winged visitors with the High Plains Snow Goose Festival. Migrating flocks of these bright white waterfowl number in the tens of thousands. Guided tours during the festival take visitors to the best viewing areas, and also spotlight local attractions like the Wild Animal Refuge and Amache National Historic Site.

Courtesy of High Plains Snow Goose Festival

Leadville Ski Joring & Crystal Carnival — February 28 – March 2

During Leadville Ski Joring, the country’s highest incorporated city puts on an incredible show. Watch riders on horseback gallop along downtown’s snowy Harrison Avenue with a daring skier in tow. Jumps and other obstacles make the showcase even more exciting. An awards show, an after-dark fat tire bike ride, Nordic skiing and other community activities add to the itinerary.

WinterWonderGrass — February 28 – March 2

Start the day skiing down Steamboat’s slopes, then make your way to WinterWonderGrass. This year, Trampled by Turtles and other performers including The California Honeydrops, Leftover Salmon and Yonder Mountain String Band will headline the outdoor bluegrass music festival. Dance away the cold and enjoy trips to its heated tents serving craft beer, hot whiskey cocktails and more.

Monte Vista Crane Festival — March 7-9

During the Monte Vista Crane Festival, thousands of sandhill cranes and other migratory birds will descend on the scenic San Luis Valley. Join guided bus tours to the national wildlife refuge, the Blanca Wetlands and other viewing locations. Wildlife photographers and nature enthusiasts won’t want to miss this event, which also includes engaging educational talks, art exhibits and hands-on workshops.

Courtesy of Monte Vista Crane Festival/Patrick Myers

BrewSki — March 8

Wear your silliest, most creative costume to BrewSki, an outdoor beer festival at the Frisco Nordic Center. Tents stationed along the groomed paths will serve tastings from local breweries like Outer Range, New Belgium, Highside and more. Sip as you cross-country ski or snowshoe, then join its live music dance party — and maybe even win one of its “best dressed” prizes!

Frozen Dead Guy Days — March 15

Though he died in 1989, Grandpa Bredo isn’t six feet under. Rather, his body has remained frozen for more than three decades. In recent years, he was moved from a Nederland shed to the old ice house at the Stanley Hotel. The man’s unusual fate brought about Frozen Dead Guy Days, an annual festival featuring coffin races, a costumed bar crawl through Estes Park, live music — which this year, will star electronic jam band Lotus — and more wild activities.