Now in it’s 61st year, Breckenridge, Colorado’s Ullr Fest was founded by locals to honor Ullr, Scandinavian god of winter and the patron saint of skiers. The idea was to call on Ullr to bring ample snowfall for the year’s ski season. Like Breck itself, the annual fest can be described as quirky, yet a blast, since you’re going to celebrate all things winter more than you are the honor Norse god of snow. It’s also a great excuse to break out your Viking hat, and you’ll see many along with various Viking attire during the parade down Main Street. The annual Shotski Challenge is when everyone lines up on Main Street in front of shot glasses filled with bourbon mounted on a ski, counts down and tips the spirit back in unison. (Breckenridge and Park City go back and forth on which city holds the unofficial world record for the longest shotski.) At, the end of it all, you, of course, can toss your Christmas tree into the Ullr Bonfire — a fir and spruce offering to the god of winter. In between there’s lots of skiiing, drinking and taking the magnificent scene.
The Specs
- About 12,000 people attended last year.
- Registration fee for the Shotski Challenge is $15 in 2024.
FAQs
What airport is closest to Breckenridge?
There are two airports to use if you’re going to Breckenridge. Denver International Airport (DIA) is located 95 miles from Breckenridge, and Eagle/Vail Regional Airport is located in Gypsum, about 60 miles west of I-70.
When does the annual Ullr Fest in Breckenridge take place this year?
December 12-14.
How far is the town of Breckenridge from Denver?
Denver is 80 miles east of Breckenridge.
How far is the town of Breckenridge from Colorado Springs?
Colorado Springs is 106 miles to the southeast.
How far is the town of Breckenridge from Park City, Utah?
Park City is 609 miles away.
When does the Ullr Festival’s Shotski take place?
The Shotski event is coordinated by the Breckenridge Distillery and the Breckenridge Mountain Rotary. They are trying to register 1,370 people in order to beat Park City’s record. It happens on Thursday, December 12, at 4:20pm on Main Street. You can register here.
When is the Ullr Fest Parade?
It happens on Thursday, December 12 from 4:30pm – 6:00pm. There are cash prizes for the most creative floats. Its free to attend and participate but you’ll need to register if you intend to enter a float. You can register here. Floats must be registered by 7:00pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023.
How do I nominate someone to be Ullr King and Queen?
The Breckenridge Tourism Office and the Ullr King and Queen Selection Committee are seeking nominations for this year’s royal court. It’s not a requirement that the King and Queen are connected with each other. Residents may nominate non-couples, individual kings and queens, or elect to shake up traditional king/ queen gender roles. Watch this page for noms to open.
When is the Breckenridge Ullr Fest’s Race for EveryBODY?
The Race for EveryBODY, a ski and snowboard race with adaptive athletes, December 13 on Breckenridge Ski Resort – Peak 9.
How much are lift tickets and ski passes at Breckenridge Ski Resort?
