Dec 18 2006
Colorado Beckons You This WinterIt's not too late to plan a getaway to play in the famed Colorado snow. A combination of significant natural snowfall and full-capacity snowmaking made possible by an arctic cold front allowed the mountains of Colorado to open early this year. For those pining to play in the snow, Colorado is the perfect place for visitors to find one-of-a-kind festivals that celebrate the winter months.
Take the plunge. The adventurous traveler can take the Polar Bear Plunge in Boulder on Jan. 1. Visitors can brave the icy waters and plunge into the Boulder Reservoir in the annual celebration of the New Year. This event is free to the public. For more information or for registration fees for participants, visit www.bouldercoloradousa.com.
Toss it out. There is still time for travelers to plan a last-minute holiday getaway and bring in the New Year at the 12th Annual Great Fruitcake Toss on Jan. 6. Visitors toss, hurl, sling or lob unwanted holiday fruitcakes alongside residents in Manitou Springs or can become a spectator during this unique post-holiday competition. Judges will be onsite to name the winners of the greatest distance, most creative use of the holiday cake, the most beautiful and the ugliest cakes during this fruitful event. The event is free to the public. In lieu of an entry fee, participants are asked to provide a canned or non-perishable food item, which will be donated to a local food bank. For more information, visit www.manitousprings.org.
Give thanks. During Ullr Fest, Breckenridge's annual winter celebration Jan. 5-12, the community gives thanks for snow to Ullr, the mythical God of snow. A parade, live entertainment, a night of comedy, and an ice skating party are planned during this week-long celebration. Nordic events take place on the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort and the almighty Ullympics test the stamina of willing participants. The highlight of the event is the crowning of Ullr King and Queen followed by a bonfire. There is a $5 charge for the Sunday Ullr Ice Skating Party, and all public events are free. For more information, visit www.gobreck.com.
Learn new tricks. Travelers to Colorado can join park rangers and patrons of the Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs at the Winter Trails Day Celebration, Jan. 6, for a day of discovery and mastering new winter skills. Visitors are invited to increase their snowshoe knowledge and cross-country skiing IQ as they learn about proper equipment, exercise benefits, Colorado's winter trails and how to get started with these winter sports. This event is free. For more information, call 719-520-6387.
Break the ice. The 11th Annual Ouray Ice Festival, Jan. 10-14, takes place at the Ouray Ice Park, the world's first ice park. Beckoning climbers of all levels, the park elevates this extreme sport with challenging winter climbing routes and ever-expanding terrain. This year, festival highlights include climbing clinics for beginners and advanced, test runs of the latest gear and equipment and a chance to mingle with the world's premier climbing athletes. Clinics during the ice festival cost $20 each, and nightly events vary in price from $10 to $15. For more information, visit www.ourayicefestival.com or call 970-325-4288.
Get nostalgic. At Wintersköl (Jan. 11-14) in Aspen, visitors can enjoy the celebration of the town's alpine lifestyle that dates back to 1951. Activities include a 48-hour snow sculpture and carving competition, a fireworks extravaganza, a parade through historic downtown, a Canine Fashion Show, entertainment, and Taste of Wintersköl, a culinary melting pot featuring cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants. The area's four ski resorts - Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass - toast the occasion with on-slope activities including après ski parties and downhill races. Many events are free. For more information and prices for ticketed events, visit www.aspenchamber.org or call 800-670-0792.
Article Courtesy: Colorado Office of Tourism
