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Celebrate Winter at Breckenridge's Ullr Fest
You probably don't need to hear anything other than the winter storm reports for Colorado to know this is the perfect time to head to Breckenridge for fabulous snow conditions, but just in case you need another incentive: One of the coolest winter festivals we've ever been to is Breckenridge's Ullr Fest, which is scheduled for Jan. 5–12, 2007.
The locals go absolutely wild during this celebration that pays homage to the mythical Norse god of snow, Ullr. The town is overrun with Ullr-look-alikes who know how to have more than just a good time. A week-long schedule of events range from the Ullympics and Ullr Bonfire to the famous and unofficial world's craziest Ullr Fest Parade down Main Street. For a day-by-day description of events, see the official Ullr Fest schedule.
You may wonder how Breckenridge first initiated Ullr Fest. It's really quite intriguing, since the townspeople are convinced that Ullr once resided in the surrounding mountains. Here's the town's version of the story:
In Norse mythology, Ullr was the winter god. He was the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor, the "God of Thunder." Ullr loved the cold, and delighted in traveling over the country on his skis or skates. He also delighted in the chase, and pursued his game through the Northern Forests.
He was so well skilled in the use of the bow and could go so fast on his skis that in these arts no one could best him. Each winter he covered the earth with snow to protect it from harm during the winter. It has been said that Ullr enjoyed the cold weather and loved traveling throughout the land, gliding along on his great skis, for pleasure and hunting.
One of his travels found him in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge seemed a likely place for Ullr to settle down, since he wasn't looking to return to Norway any time soon. Ullr fit right in and took to the mountains. And every year, Ullr blesses Breckenridge with some of the finest snow in the world.
To repay Ullr for his gift of snow, we here in Breckenridge hold a Festival to honor the God of Winter. We call this little celebration Ullr Festival. This fantastic party all started back in 1963 when a few of the locals heard that Ullr was in town. Well, they wanted to let him know how much Breck appreciated Ullr's gift of snow, so they went to the Town Council and lobbied to start..."Ullr Dag" (Ullr Day in English). The first few years of the event were hailed with locals honoring Ullr with gold coins, parties, skiing, parties, and oh—don't forget the parties.
As the years went on, traditions were formed such as the Ullr Ball, the Ullr Bonfire, the Ullr Parade, Snow Sculpting, Ullr King and Queen, the Ullympics and the dating game. Some traditions have stayed, such as snow sculpting, which has become its own event now called the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Other traditions have gone by the wayside.
From fake currency to burning old skis in the bonfire, Ullr Fest has always been about fun and partying...and Breckenridge knows how to hold a "killer party, dude." Just ask any of the locals.
For Ullr Fest lodging deals, visit www.breckenridge.com or www.gobreck.com.