Winter Warms New Year Festivities in Colorado

2006-09-19

Alpine Traditions, Navajo Creations and Good Fortune Embrace 2007

• ULLR FEST, Jan. 5 – 12, 2007: During its annual winter celebration, Breckenridge gives thanks for snow to Ullr, the mythical God of snow. A parade, live entertainment, a night of comedy, and an ice skating party are planned during this week-long celebration. Nordic events take place on the slopes of Breckenridge Ski Resort and the almighty Ullympics test the stamina of willing participants. Don’t miss the crowning of Ullr King and Queen followed by a bonfire. www.gobreck.com
  
• FESTIVAL FRIDAYS, Jan. 5, 12, 19, 26, 2007: Heat things up in Pueblo every Friday night at the Sangre de Cristo Arts and Conference Center. Catch musical tunes from a variety of genres including progressive rock, R&B, Tejano and Tex-Mex; sample concoctions of fine wines, spirits and wells and join in the community jubilee. 719-295-7200
  
• 12th ANNUAL GREAT FRUITCAKE TOSS, Jan. 6, 2007: Toss, hurl, sling or lob your unwanted holiday fruitcake with residents in Manitou Springs during a unique post-holiday competition. Judges will be on-site to name the winners of the greatest distance, most creative use of the holiday cake, the most beautiful and the ugliest cakes during this fruitful event. www.manitousprings.org
  
• WINTER TRAILS DAY CELEBRATION, Jan. 6, 2007: Join park rangers and patrons of the Bear Creek Nature Center in Colorado Springs for a day of discovery and mastering new winter skills. Increase your snowshoe knowledge and cross country skiing IQ as you learn about proper equipment, exercise benefits, Colorado's winter trails and how to get started with these cool winter sports. 719-520-6387
  
• 11th ANNUAL OURAY ICE FESTIVAL, Jan. 10 – 14, 2007: “Break the ice” in Ouray, at the Ouray Ice Park, the world's first ice park. Beckoning climbers of all levels, the park elevates this extreme sport with challenging winter climbing routes and ever-expanding terrain. This year, festival highlights include climbing clinics for beginners and advanced, test runs of the latest gear and equipment and a chance to mingle with the world’s premier climbing athletes. www.ourayicefestival.com; 970-325-4288
  
• WINTERSKOL, Jan. 11 – 14, 2007: In Aspen, join the celebration of the town’s alpine lifestyle that dates back to 1951. There’s never a moment to chill with activities including, a 48-hour snow sculpture and carving competition, a fireworks extravaganza, a parade through historic downtown, a wild and wacky Canine Fashion Show, entertainment, and Taste of Wintersköl a culinary melting pot featuring cuisine from more than 20 local restaurants. The area’s four ski resorts – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk and Snowmass – toast the occasion with on-slope activities including après ski parties and downhill races. www.aspenchamber.org; 800-670-0792
  
• TELLURIDE SNOWFEST 2007, Jan. 12 – 15, 2007: Join skiers, boarders and winter thrill-seekers as they take to the snow in Telluride for this weekend-long festival. Festivities get underway Friday evening with the Snowmobile Stunt Show, Torchlight Parade and fireworks display in the Mountain Village. During the weekend, on-slope and in town adventures, include: the Telluride Ski Patrol's K-9 Presentation, an evening Snowshoe Race, the Night Jibfest and après ski parties. Vote for your favorite snow sculpture on display around town. www.tellurideskiresort.com
  
• 33rd ANNUAL BUDLIGHT COWBOY DOWNHILL, Jan. 16, 2007: Cowboys and cowgirls, grab your hats, spurs, ski and boots as Steamboat Springs, known as “Ski Country U.S.A,” ropes in this Western-themed event for one day only. Drawing over 100 professional rodeo cowboys, this spectacle is the most unique ski rodeo in the country. www.steamboat.com; 970-879-6111
  
• INDIAN MARKET, Jan. 19 – 21, 2007: During this annual event, Denver hosts a colossal display of Navajo blankets, turquoise jewelry and native pottery, western décor and southwest fashions, paintings and sculptures. Visit with more than 300 artists, designers, sculptures and crafters who will be on site selling their work. Activities also are planned for children, with world-class entertainment and special appearances. www.denver.org
  
• 8th ANNUAL SNOCROSS, Jan. 27 – 28, 2007: This heart-pumping event is back in Crested Butte for another year as racers from the western United States take to the snow on snowmobiles competing for prizes and cash. Sponsored by the Mountain States Snowmobile Racing (MSSR), winter enthusiasts are invited to gather around for more than 50 races including the popular high-flying aerial and short-track displays. Bring your snowmobile and get in on the excitement with any of MSSR’s racing classes. www.mssrracing.com

Other JANUARY Events Across the State

All events are weather permitting and subject to change. For a listing of additional Colorado events and travel information, logon to www.colorado.com or call 800-COLORADO.

For complete information on planning your vacation to Colorado, including lodging, attractions, and activities, logon to www.colorado.com or call 800-COLORADO for a free official state vacation guide.

For more information, contact Greg Morton at 303-689-0704 or Stefanie Dalgar at 303-892-3885.

WWW.COLORADO.COM or call 800-COLORADO.

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