Celebrate 55 Years of Ullr Fest In Breckenridge, Colorado!

Celebrate 55 Years of Ullr Fest In Breckenridge, Colorado!

It all started back in January of 1963 when a small group of Breckenridge locals were lounging around, enthusiastically reliving their EPIC powder day and arguing over whose run down the mountain was the MOST insane that day. This tight-knit crew of mountain dwelling ski-techs and snowplow drivers didn’t know it at the time, but this night would inspire a tradition that would become an annual highlight of the Breckenridge ski season. As the night progressed, the conversation turned to crazy storms that had been pounding Breckenridge with endless amounts of that glorious Rocky Mountain Champagne Powder. The decision was made that night to pay tribute, give thanks and celebrate Ullr, the legendary Norse God of Snow!

Who is Ullr? And how do you pronounce it?

The legend of Ullr originated from Norse mythology. The son of Thor, Ullr (pronounced ool-er, but don’t worry I didn’t know how to say it either at my first Ullr Fest) is often depicted with his signature skis or snowshoes while carrying his trusty shield and hunting bow to give him his warrior-like appearance. Complete with a Viking Horn helmet, Ullr is responsible for blessing mountain towns around the world with ample snow and incredible ski seasons year after year.

Photo: Jessie Unruh GoBreck.com

Ullr Fest Schedule

Saturday | January 6, 2018

Ullr Bike Race
Time | TBD
The annual Ullr Bike Race kicks off at the Gold Run Nordic Center as the first event of the 2018 Ullr Fest. Racers compete on Fat Bikes, specially equipped bicycles with large tires designed for use in wintery and snowy conditions. 70 racers competed last year and with the quickly growing interest in Fat Bikes, an even larger turnout is expected this year!  Registration Coming Soon!

Wednesday | January 10, 2018

Breck’s Got Talent
Time | 6:00 PM
Local Breckenridge radio station “Always Mountain Time hosts a completely free town-wide talent show. Performers from all walks of life jump on stage to entertain, mesmerize, and captivate a crowd full of Ullr lookalikes. Breckenridge’s top musicians, artists, and performers put on a night full of family-friendly fun for all to enjoy, completely free!Gates open at 6:00 PM and the show starts at 6:30. Contact Miranda@alwaysmountaintime.com for additional information or to register as a performer!

Crowning of the Ullr King and Queen
Time | 6:30 PM
For 55 years and counting, Breckenridge has named 2 local residents to represent the town as the Ullr King and Queen. Candidates are nominated based on their community contributions throughout the past year. This annual Ullr Fest event takes place at the Riverwalk Center right before Breck’s Got Talent.

Thursday | January 11

Ullr Shot Ski
Time | 4:00 PM
One of the most anticipated Ullr Fest events each year is the Ullr Shot Ski. Until recently, Breckenridge’s Ullr Fest held the record for the worlds longest shot ski with last year’s spanning 1,250 feet down Main Street with over 1,234 participants! The annual event put on by Breckenridge Distillery is even more important this year as Park City claimed the world record in October of 2017. Now the pressure is on for Breckenridge to reclaim the record! Participants must be 21 years of age or older with valid ID. Registration costs $10 and all proceeds benefit the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary.

Have an old pair of skis you can’t seem to get rid of? Donate your skis to the Ullr Shot Shi at the Breckenridge Distillery located at 1925 Airport Rd, Breckenridge.

Ullr Fest Parade
Time | 4:30 PM
Easily one of the most exciting events during Ullr Fest, the Ullr Parade is truly a sight to be seen. Cash prizes are offered for the most creative float, and trust me, some competitors know no limits in terms of creativity. Spectators line the sidewalks of Main Street to gather as much candy and beads as possible. The event is open to all ages and concludes at the South Gondola lot for the Ullr Fest Town Bonfire.

Ullr Bonfire
Time | 5:00 PM  7:00 PM
Head on over to the South Gondola parking lot immediately after the parade for the annual Ullr Bonfire for one of the largest bonfires you’ll ever see! Hundreds of visitors and locals supply their Christmas Trees for this bonfire as a sacrifice to Ullr, the Norse God of Snow. There’s nothing quite like seeing an enormous pile of Christmas Trees ignite in front of a festive crowd, dancing and celebrating Winter in their favorite Viking Horn helmets.

Friday | January 12

Ullr Fest Hangover Breakfast
Time | 10:00 AM  12:00 PM
While nobody WANTS to wake up with a hangover, Ullr Fest can have a tendency to get the best of you. Shake that hangover and get another epic day started with a delicious meal from Quandary Grill located at 505 S. Main Street.

Ullr Ice Plunge
Time | 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
The Norse God of Snow, Ullr, is known for his love of winter and cold weather. Breaking through the ice of a pond for a refreshing swim is no big deal for Ullr, but are YOU up for the challenge? Music, food, and drinks are provided for those brave enough to plunge into the frozen Maggie Pond. A competition will be held for the Best Ullr Ice Plunge Costume. The winner is awarded their own decorated Ullr Helmet, so don’t forget to don your most elaborate threads! A heated changing room is available to anyone brave (or insane) enough to participate. A hot tub to warm you back up is also provided by Affordable Mountain Hot Tubs. The Ullr Ice Plunge takes place at Main Street Station Plaza, located at 501 S. Main Street.

Comedy Night
Time | 7:00 PM
The Breckenridge Riverwalk Center will be hosting a Comedy Night at 150 West Adams Avenue. End your day with hilarity and laughter for the entire family. Tickets are $25 each, or 10 for $225 and can be purchased online at BreckCreate.org, or in person at the Riverwalk Center Box Office or The Carriage House. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts promptly at 8.

Saturday | January 13

Ice Skating Party
Time | 11:00 AM 12:45 PM
Bring the kids to decorate their own free Ullr helmet and go ice skating at the Steven C. West Ice Arena located at 189 Boreas Pass Rd. Hosted by the Breckenridge Ambassadors, the Ullr Fest Ice Skating Party is the perfect daytime activity for families!

Family Snow Day
Time | 2:00 PM 4:00 PM
Spend the afternoon with your family at Carter Park for Fun Ullr Fest crafts and art projects, snacks, and warm drinks. Don’t forget your sled because Carter Park features Breckenridge’s most popular sledding hill! Build a snowman, have a snowball fight, and make a few more Ullr Fest memories that will last a lifetime. Carter Park is located at 300 South High Street, Breckenridge.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival
Time | 6:00 PM
Explore the natural and human world with environmental activists, filmmakers and celebrities from around the world at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival. Featured films take you on adventures to the world’s highest peaks, and across some of the most remote landscapes in the far corners of the globe. Learn about current movements and issues facing today’s society while inspiring solutions to improve our planet and human communities.

Wild and Scenic Film Festival tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 or at the door for $25.

Cover Photo | Carl Scofield | GoBreck.com