How Breckenridge’s “Ullr Fest” Kicks Off Ski Season

Colorado’s ski towns don’t just like snow; they cherish it. Snowfall means beloved powder days on the slopes for skiers and snowboarders, increased business for the resorts, and a feeling of seasonal authenticity in small towns nestled between towering Rocky Mountain peaks. In Breckenridge, Colorado, a top ski destination located about 80 miles west of Denver, residents and tourists alike come together each year in mid-December to commemorate the start of ski/snowboard season, calling on a deity steeped in ancient mythology to bring about a winter full of fluffy flakes in a celebration dubbed “Ullr Fest.”

Ullr is the Norse god of snow who is also known for his archery and skiing prowess. While it is documented that he is the son of the prominent goddess Sif and the stepson of Thor, much of the ancient writings and stories about Ullr have been lost over time, and therefore little is known about him today compared to other Norse mythological figures. Regardless, Breckenridge has adopted Ullr as their own pseudo-mascot and hosts this yearly festival bearing his name, while also displaying his likeness with a 25-foot tall statue at the base of Peak 8. 

Breckenridge's ski base sculpture depicts Ullr aiming a bow with a snowflake-tipped arrow at the summit of Peak 8 in hopes that he will bring snow and a great ski/snowboard season. It’s certainly worth stopping to see  after riding up the free gondola.  

While Ullr Fest, now over 60 years old, is multiple days long and features a myriad of events, the main celebration occurs on the second or third Thursday of December every year, which is the focus of this article. 

The festivities start early, with viking helmet decorating beginning at 11 AM. You can either bring your own helmet or pay for one at Ready, Paint, Fire! on South Ridge Street. This is a good activity for kids who only want to ski/snowboard for a half-day or aren’t interested in hitting the slopes at all, as well as artistically-inclined adults. Many of the tourist-oriented retail shops along Main Street will sell cheap (but overpriced) plastic viking helmets for you to wear during Ullr Fest. Some locals will even crochet or knit wool hats with viking horns that they don while on the slopes throughout the day before they make their way into town for the evening’s events. 

A parade float devoted to Ullr, featuring a massive viking helmet and his name in tinsel.

At 3 PM, the Ullr king and queen are crowned at the Blue River Plaza. This honor is typically awarded to a couple who have made notable positive community impacts during the prior year.

At 3:30 PM, Breckenridge visitors and locals team up to break the unofficial shotski world record. If you aren’t familiar with a “shotski”, it’s a tool for alcohol consumption commonly used by college students and aprés skiers. Effectively, multiple shot glasses are fused in a line down the length of the ski and filled with hard alcohol. Drinkers line up and lift the ski before simultaneously tipping it so that they all take a shot at the same time. Each year, Breckenridge sets a new unofficial record for having the most people drink from shotskis at the same time, only to be beaten by Park City, Utah, later in the winter at one of their festivals. In 2024, Breckenridge enlisted 1,401 people across 503 skis, totaling nearly 2,500 feet in length, to hit the new high mark. It costs $20 to participate in the Main Street-based event. For those ages 21 and up, Ullr Fest is known to be a more drinking-centric festival than some of the others throughout the winter (see this article on the Lighting of Breckenridge), and many people start the partying with the shotski record. 

Ullr Fest's shotski location and parade route. Image courtesy of gobreck.com.

It is important to note here that Breckenridge sits close to two miles above sea level, and high altitude enhances the effects of alcohol. This is for two reasons, according to my research. One, there is less oxygen in the air at higher elevations, so your body has less fuel to absorb and break down the alcohol molecules after they enter your bloodstream. As a result, the effects of drinking hit harder because your body isn’t operating at its optimal capacity to clear the alcohol from your system. Two, high climates tend to be dry climates, which can lead to dehydration. Being dehydrated when drinking causes your body to absorb alcohol faster, which makes you feel drunk quicker. Science aside, be smart when drinking in any high-elevation location; make sure to consume lots of water and always listen to your body. Being hungover on a beautiful ski/snowboard day or having to get medical treatment because you’re sick from alcohol consumption can ruin an otherwise amazing vacation.

The Ullr Fest floats are made by local residents, many of whom who go all-out to promote their business or brand.

At 4 PM, the Ullr Parade begins, with local businesses, clubs, and sports teams driving down Main Street wearing viking regalia on judged floats while cheering for a winter of good snowfall. Some of the paraders distribute candy to little kids, while business representatives hand out coupons and promotional items to those lined up to watch. My personal favorite float was a giant weightlifting crab with a full DJ set that placed 2nd in the 2024 float judging, as seen in the image here. There were also trucks with giant viking helmets, and the Breckenridge Vipers (the local semi-pro hockey team) players and mascot made an appearance as well.

The Breckenridge Vipers play their home games at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena on the south end of town.

The night finishes off with a giant bonfire in the East Sawmill Parking Lot. Using Christmas trees recycled from the previous year, a glowing flame erupts 40+ feet into the night sky as people gather around, talk and drink, and enjoy the spectacle before making their way back to Main Street to enjoy the rest of their evenings at the local restaurants and bars. Make sure to dress warmly – barriers prevent viewers from getting too close to the fire, so you won’t get much warmth from the blaze. If the temperature is sub-20º Fahrenheit (-6º Celsius), I recommend wearing a base layer of snug-fitting long underwear beneath your clothing and jacket to help conserve emitted body heat. Heated clothing is also ideal – I have heated gloves that are tremendously effective, and many people also opt for heated socks.

The Ullr Fest bonfire closes out the day's events.

Ullr Fest is an exciting and unique celebration that you can only find in Breckenridge, a town that thrives on snow. There’s something for everyone as part of this event, from kids who love arts and crafts to young folks looking to get involved in the party scene to older participants that want to be involved in a fun community tradition. Enjoy the celebrations!

Raucous Ullr Fest celebrators ride on a parade float in their viking attire.