His name is Ullr (ULL-er) and he is the charismatic god of snow and all things fun to do in winter, specifically skiing, skating, and hunting. While he was revered in ancient times by the Nordic people, today he is called upon by those of us who take up these activities to keep bringing the snow. And when he bestows our mountains with soft blankets of white powder, we should all drink a toast in his honor. That’s why for the past 53 years, Breckenridge, CO, has celebrated Ullr Fest.
 

This year Ullr Fest is Wednesday through Saturday, January 13–16, and the town of Breckenridge is going over the top with festivities. It will also include a bit of drinking, so the old Norse gods would most definitely approve.
 

The festival kicks off with a ski race on Wednesday, January 13. If you’ve got what it takes, hike up and ski down Breckenridge’s legendary Peak 8. Sign up online. At 6:30 PM, the town will crown the festival’s King and Queen. Also at 6:30 PM, Always Mountain Time Radio will host Breck’s Got Talent at the Riverwalk Center, 150 W. Adams Street. Entry is free, and if you’re old enough, get your first Bud Light free as well.

Thursday, January 14, is when the outdoor winter fun really gets going. The Fat Bike Eliminator race begins at 2:30 PM with riders on bikes with really fat tires racing up and down Main Street. Then grab your Viking hat and hot toddy or a cold beer for the famous Ullr Fest Parade. It begins at 4:30 PM also on Main Street.
 

In between these events is the truly spectacular Ullr Fest World’s Longest Shot Ski. Sponsored by Breckenridge Distillery, participants will line up on Main Street in an attempt to beat last year’s World Record, which held 777 people. While the folks at Guinness don’t sanction alcoholic records (with good reason), the Ullr Fest Shot Ski will span 1,250 feet and anyone of age can participate. Participants can sign up starting at noon at the Riverwalk Center. Registration is $5, which will benefit the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary and the shot attempt will take place at 4:15 PM. Breckenridge Distillery is also accepting donations of old skis, which they bolt together to make the shot ski. Drop off old skis at the distillery at 1925 Airport Road. The day will end with the Ullr Bonfire Party from 5 to 7 PM.
 

Kick off Friday, January 15, with a Hangover Breakfast hosted by Quandary Grill in the Main Street Station Plaza from 10 AM to 12 PM. At 2:30 PM, things get crazy at the Ullr Ice Plunge at Maggie Pond, an event that is new to the fest this year. Anyone who dares take the dive into ice cold water will receive a free hot lunch also by Quandary Grill and a blanket to wrap up in. There will also be a heated changing room and hot tub for those who take the plunge. Head to Main Street Station Plaza at 501 S. Main Street to take part.

More fat bike racing will happen at 5 PM at Gold Run Nordic Center. The Breckenridge Bucks hockey team will take on the Colorado Thunderbirds at Steven C West Ice Area at 189 Boreas Pass Road at 7:50 PM. Evening entertainment will feature Comedy Night with B.T. and Aaron Urist at the Riverwalk Center. Tickets are $25 per person and doors open at 7 PM, show at 8 PM.

Saturday, January 16, is winter sports day starting with ice skating at 1 PM at the Steven C West Ice Arena. Then the Ullympics begin at 3 PM at Carter Park. Teams of four compete in feats of physical exertion such as the Frying Pan Toss, Group Ski Racing, and Ski Boot Relay. Sign up a team for free online for a chance to earn first, second, and third place prizes as well as best costume. It says on the rules page to enjoy a drink or two and have fun during the competition.
 

For this and other Ullr Fest events, hotel information, or to register, visit GoBreck.com. So don’t sit at home sulking with cabin fever, get out and celebrate winter fun in Breckenridge. Ullr would be proud.

Photos by Breckenridge Tourism Office