Discover Your Inner Viking In Breckenridge At Ullr Fest
Date: January 8-14, 2012
Hours:Click here for a complete schedule.
Every January, Breckenridge, Colo. welcomes the Norse God of Winter to the annual Ullr Fest. Taking place since 1963, the wacky winter fun with Ullr (pronounced Ooh-ler) includes Viking helmets, frying pan flinging and the occasional ski jump in the middle of main street.
From the Ullympic Games to a family ice-skating party with the frosty Viking himself, the winter festival is a wonderful way to enjoy the mountains. Bundle up to head west and sound your horn, the fun is about to begin.
According to Norse Mythology, Ullr is responsible for covering the globe with snow every year. Creating the sport of skiing, the lifeblood of Breckenridge and other resort towns, Ullr is often depicted with skis and bow. The stepson of the well-known Thor, God of Thunder, the comedic renditions of the Norse mythological character can be seen throughout the mountain town during the celebration. A few Ullr comrades and look-a-likes are sure to be seen during the festival enjoying everything from an old ski bonfire to hot tubs gliding down main street behind floats in a celebration that is Viking worthy while the god is in town.
More than 12,000 participants are expected to enjoy the Ullr Fest. They will gather to thank the god of winter for some of the finest snow in the country. Make sure to bring your drinking horn, as the pub crawls down famous main street are a must during the festival. From flinging frying pans to four-person snow trudging, the laughter is certainly not in short supply as the ridiculous post-holiday festivities echo off the surrounding mountains. Every year, the Ullr King and Queen adorn their horned royal helmets during the annual coronation, grinning from ear to ear.
The Body Art Competition and laugh-out-loud dating games will further the spectacle and humor that is Ullr Fest. A main street parade with more than 30 floats will showcase everything from Norse Gods to ski bunnies in one of Colorado's little-known celebrations. Fun for the whole family or a mountain getaway with your friends, Breckenridge Ski Resort is proud to pay homage to Ullr, in all his winter glory.
Ullr Skating Party
Date: January 8th 2012
Hours: 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Price: $5 skate rentals
Partake in a classic winter pastime at the Ullr Skating Party Sunday night. You'll get to meet Ullr himself, sip on hot chocolate and enjoy the cozy feeling that comes with philanthropy, as all proceeds benefit the Al Chaffee Memorial Scholarship fund for high school seniors.
Ullr Nordic Party and Bonfire
Date: January 9th 2012
Hours: 5:30p.m - 9:30 p.m.
This blazing party introduces onlookers to the King and Queen of Ullr in a ceremonial crowning. Enjoy free appetizers and a cash bar while warming up by the fire and mingling with royalty.
Ullympics
Date: January 10th 2012
Hours: 6 p.m.- 8 p.m.
Price: Free
Watch as co-ed teams compete for prizes at the Ullympics in Carter Park. Past events have included a frying pan toss and group ski races. If you're brave enough to participate in this crazy tradition, email the Breckenridge Resort Chamber at events@gobreck.com. It's free and a great way to find unique ways to play in the snow.
Ullr The Dating Game
Date: January 11th 2012
Hours: 8 p.m. - 11.p.m.
Price: Free
If you're single and looking for a snow bunny to cling to while enjoying the rest of the festival, attend Ullr's Dating Game on Wednesday. Local radio station KSMT "The Mountain" will host this event for festival-goers ages 21 and up. If you're an interested bachelor or bachelorette, call (970) 453.2234 ext. 20 or go to www.ksmtradio.com to apply for a spot on the show.
Ullr Parade
Date: January 12th 2012
Hours: 4:30 p.m.- 6:30 p.m.
Price: Free
No festival is complete without a parade, and this year will mark the 49th one to march down the streets of North Main Street. The best part is that both attendance and participation are free. If you're interested in riding down the streets in your own float, you can register by emailing events@gobreck.com.
Ullr Comedy Night
Date: January 13th 2012
Hours: 7 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Laughter is second only to hot chocolate when looking for a way to beat the cold. Enjoy a night of comedy, appetizers and drinks with friends at Ullr's Comedy Night on Friday.
Chilly Chili Cook Off
Date: January 14th 2012
Hours: 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Price: $15 pre-sales; $20 at the door
The Breckenridge Mountain Rotary Club will be hosting their annual chili cook off at the Riverwalk Center on Saturday. Warm up with a spicy bowl of chili made by locals and world-renowned chefs.
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Chad is an avid globetrotter and brings the best of travel secrets and expert insights to his readership. A Denver-based travel writer and photographer, Chad's travels have taken him to five of the seven continents in a passionate love affair with the world of travel and the outdoors. His work can be found at Examiner.com.
