Summit County Citizens Voice

This illustration from an 18th century Icelandic manuscript shows Ullr on his skis and with his bow.

Colorado town gears up for winter fun fest honoring the Norse god of snow

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — A good story about Ullr, the Norse god of snow, could win you a pair of free lift tickets to Breckenridge this winter. The contest is part the town’s preparations for the 48th annual Ullr Festival, celebrated each January with skating parties, bonfires, The zany Ullympics, culminating with the Ullr Parade down Main Street.

This year’s festivities run from Jan. 9 to Jan. 15, and leading up to the event, the Breckenridge Resort Chamber is asking people to submit their best Ullr stories from past festivals. If you’ve never been, no worries — you can download a pair of Ullr horns at the Breck Chamber website and submit an entry explaining why you deserve free tickets. Visit the Breckenridge Resort Chamber website’s contest page for details.

Here are some of the highlights to this year’s Ullr Festival:

Ullr Skating Party – Sunday, January 9: Skate with Ullr himself at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena. This is a family favorite and includes food, fun and the man about town – Ullr!

Ullr Fest Nordic Party and Bonfire – Monday, January 10: The Ullr Nordic party is complete with the crowning of the King and Queen of Ullr. The evening commences with a short cross-country ski or snowshoe to the Ullr Fest Bonfire.

The Ullympics – Tuesday, January 11: Watch as co-ed teams of four compete in wild events such as the frying pan toss and group ski racing. Awards and a party follow.

Breck Ascent – Wednesday, January 12: The first event in this uphill skinning/snowshoe series kicks off in conjunction with Ullr Fest.

Ullr Dating Game – Wednesday, January 12: Calling all bachelors and bachelorettes! Join local radio station KSMT and all the great singles in town for Breckenridge’s version of the Dating Game. Ullr himself will be on hand looking for love. Great times, great prizes and a great chance to meet your soul mate!

Ullr Fest Parade down Main Street – Thursday, January 14: Join the Breckenridge locals as they show off their fabulous floats in, unofficially, the world’s craziest parade, honoring the Norse god of snow – Ullr! More than 12,000 fill the streets for floats showcasing moving ski jumps, hot tubs and ski waxing stations.

Ullr Comedy Night – Friday, January 15: Laugh the night away and participate in a silent auction, all in the name of raising money for local child care. Appetizers and cash bar available.

Chilly Chili Cook-Off – Saturday, January 16: Warm up after a week of snow worship with the Mountain Rotary Club’s Chilly Chili Cook-Off. Enjoy samplings from local and world-famous chili chefs, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.

Filed under: Ski Resorts, Summit County Colorado Tagged: | Colorado, free Breckenridge lift tickets, skiing and riding, snow, Summit County Colorado, Summit County News, Ullr Fest