Chill Vibes Only: Exploring the Enchanting Ice Castles in Colorado
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Grab your snow gear and round up the crew because we're diving headfirst into the ultimate frosty escapade in Colorado! First up on our chilly adventure is the renowned Ice Sculpture Colorado event in Breckenridge, where winter transforms into a masterpiece. The town becomes a gallery of frozen magic, answering the question, where is Ice Castles in Colorado?
Forget the usual skiing or snowshoeing routine – this is all about embracing the chill with a touch of ice, ice baby!
Block of Ice at Breckenridge - circa 2007
As we embark on this magical journey, I can't help but get a bit sentimental. It feels like just yesterday when our now-adult kids were little, wide-eyed and amazed at the intricate Breckenridge ice sculptures. This magical winter town, known for skiing, has been hosting the International Snow Sculptures Championships every January, giving families a winter wonderland of fun and creating memories that have become the heart of our family folklore. We attend regularly, and Breckenridge has become our home away from home, a place we love in all seasons.
RELATED LINK: Hiking in Breckenridge is an all year activity. Strap on snowshoes for winter fun or head out with extra water and snacks for those stunning Colorado mountain hikes.
Want to add skiing in Colorado to the fun? Check out our guide for beginner skiing in Colorado.
Breckenridge ice sculptures circa 2009
What are the Ice Castles in Colorado?
Situated in the heart of Colorado, just 90 minutes from Colorado Springs, the Ice Castles of Cripple Creek rise majestically, turning the surroundings into a frosty dreamscape. Found in Cripple Creek, these enchanting structures showcase the artistic wonders that winter can bring. Colorado ice sculptures stand as a testament to the imaginative spirit evoked by the winter season.
Did you know? Each Ice Castle is meticulously crafted by hand, with frozen water droplets joining forces to create a stunning icy labyrinth. Marvel at the tunnels, archways, and caverns that make each visit a unique adventure.
Just up the road in Breckenridge showcases incredible ice sculptures, granting you free access to icy creativity throughout the final weeks of January.
Where can I see ice sculptures in Colorado?
Venture into the whimsical wonders of Cripple Creek's Ice Castles—a snowy playground adding a mischievous twist to Colorado winter activities. And that's not all! Breckenridge, just a breezy 3-hour drive from Colorado Springs, is another delightful town where you can witness enchanting ice sculptures.
The International Snow Sculpture Championships are an annual event in Breckenridge, Colorado. For 2024, the event ended January 31. Cripple Creek ice festival is February 17-26, 2024. Throughout the months of January and February book tickets to see the Cripple Creek ice sculptures.
It’s chilly at the Ice Castles Cripple Creek - boots really help keep your feet warm!
What should I wear to see Ice Castles in Colorado?
Colorado winter activities are a blast, but they can be a mixed bag of weather. Dress in layers – that's the key to savoring winter in Colorado. When heading to the ice castles in Colorado, keep in mind you'll be outdoors the entire time. Here are a few tips to ensure you make the most of your frosty fun.
Venustas heated gloves worked great for the girls hands!
Heated winter gear keeps you toasty warm while sliding down blocks of ice, walking through huge ice sculptures and enjoying night light shows.
Pack hot drinks in insulated water bottles. We brought hot chocolate to sip and savor while wandering the ice castles Colorado hosts annually.
Make sure to wear warm winter boots and wool socks. Bring along spikes or traction for a true slip free experience.
If attending Cripple Creek ice castles at night, expect to be cold. Hand warmers last several hours, keeping your digits toasty warm.
Snow pants are optional but a good call for sliding down ice at the Cripple Creek Ice Castles. Nighttime? Definitely grab snow pants to stay warm.
Parents, bring a little sled for your kiddos at the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Not Elsa's castle, but big enough for slippery fun.
Most important: pack a positive attitude! Winter storm? No problem. Drive slow, expect parking lot waits, and embrace the mud trudge to the entrance.
Breckenridge Ice Sculptures 2024 - photo cred Gina Scheper
Breckenridge Ice Sculptures
You can experience the perfect blend of Breckenridge's artistic marvels and the enchanting Ice Castles in Cripple Creek. This snow-kissed family escapade guarantees more than sculptures – expect a frosty playground and a snowy masterpiece that will have you exclaiming, "Ice, ice baby – we're loving every minute of it!
Picture 25-ton blocks of snow transformed into massive, intricate works of art – all without a single power tool. It's not just a chilly masterpiece; it's a winter wonderland of sculpting magic.
Wondering how they do it? Teams sculpt their hearts out for a whopping 94 hours over five days during Sculpting Week in January. It's like a frozen marathon of artistry, resulting in an enchanting outdoor gallery right in historic downtown Breckenridge. And guess what? This snowy spectacle happens annually, so mark your calendar for more frozen fun next year!
Ready to witness this icy transformation? The action kicks off during Sculpting Week, but the real magic happens during Viewing Week from January 26-31, 2024.
How much does it cost to go to the Ice Castles in Breckenridge?
It’s not often we can say - IT’S FREE! There's no need for reservations from Sunday, Jan. 28 – Wednesday, Jan. 31 – just show up and soak in the snowy splendor!
Ice Castles Breckenridge Colorado VIP style
The weekend, especially Saturday, Jan. 27, is prime time for sculpture view. It's easy to sign up for a slot at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, or 2:00 pm.
Breckenridge Ice Sculptures 2024
Heads up! If you're reading this, you might have missed the farewell to the sculpture viewing area on January 31 at 5:00 pm. Mark your calendar for next year's edition because you won't want to miss the last glimpses of snowy splendor. And hey, Friday, Jan. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 28, has historically been peak sculpture-viewing time, so be sure to secure your spot and get ready to be wowed in 2025!
After checking out the cool Breckenridge ice sculptures, take a jaunt to Isak and snag a pic next to this cool dude in the woods. The walk is short, easy for everyone. Just start at the southeast corner of the Stephen C. West Ice Arena parking lot, close to the Illinois Gulch Trailhead. If you want a quieter time with Isak, head out early – he's a bit of a celebrity.
Don't let the frosty fun stop there! Explore the February charm of the Cripple Creek Ice Festival happening throughout the month. Immerse yourself in the frosty festivities, and don't forget to say hello to Rita the Troll! Rumor has it, her mischievous brother, Isak, also resides in Breckenridge, creating frosty family connections between the two spectacular events!
Where to Eat In Breckenridge
Breckenridge is a mecca of tasty eateries, fun food trucks, tiny crepe stands and coffee shops. There is always a happy hour happening, a fresh cookie to eat and a big ‘ole burger fest to dive into. As locals who’ve made Breckenridge our home away from home, check out our top favorite restaurants in Breckenridge.
Cripple Creek Ice Castle - view from top of the big slide
Cripple Creek Ice Castles and Festival
In the heart of Colorado, Cripple Creek plays host to two exciting winter activities. Mark your calendars for the 2024 Cripple Creek Ice Festival, taking place from February 17-25.
Every Saturday, talented carvers transform massive ice blocks into captivating creations. Join in on the festivities at this admission-free event and cast your vote for the most impressive ice sculpture—winners stand a chance to take home a rewarding $1000 prize! Additionally, don't miss the opportunity to experience Cripple Creek's inaugural Ice Castles throughout January and February, adding a touch of enchantment to the winter months in Colorado.
Enhance your Cripple Creek Ice Festival experience by adding an extra hour to visit Rita the Troll, a whimsical character. Embark on a short hike along a well-marked trail to encounter this larger-than-life lady, bringing an enchanting twist to your icy escapades near Cripple Creek.
Stay alert and keep your sense of humor ready, as Rita might just be around the corner, ready to delight you with her quirky antics. Explore our exclusive post, Going on a Troll Hike, for a trolltastic encounter during your Colorado winter activities.
FUN TIP! Rita the Troll, just a whimsical 4-mile journey from Cripple Creek, beckons you for a delightful detour. Add an extra 30 minutes to your plan, capture quirky pictures with Rita, and inject some spontaneous silliness into your road trip adventure!
Where is Ice Castles in Colorado?
Get your tickets now for the enchanting 2024 Ice Castles in Cripple Creek, Colorado, located at 339 Irene Avenue.
How much does it cost to go to the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek?
General admission is $27, and kids aged 4-11 can join the frosty fun for $22. The castles are closed on most Mondays and Tuesdays, excluding winter breaks. Enjoy convenient free parking on Irene Avenue and 4th Street south of Ice Castles for a magical winter experience.
How long does it take to walk through Ice Castles in Cripple Creek?
Tickets are available in convenient 30-minute increments, offering flexibility for your visit. Arrive at any point within your chosen time slot to start your leisurely walking tour. Plan approximately 30 minutes to fully experience the enchanting Ice Castles in Colorado. Immerse yourself in the interactive features, including thrilling ice slides, crawl tunnels, caverns, and archways, all complemented by the mesmerizing Cripple Creek ice sculptures.
NOTE! Once you exit the enchanting world of the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek, there's no turning back! An exception is made for bathroom breaks (find rows of porta-potties next to the entrance).
Our top pick for fun? The slides! Plenty of little ones had a blast getting pulled around on sleds. Unless you're on a quest to explore every nook and cranny of the castle, an hour is about the maximum time you could spend there!
This Colorado winter activity promises a unique adventure. For Elsa and Anna lovers, we spied both of them wandering the castles during the day. Photo ops are available.
WARNING! Brace yourself for the allure of the gift shop on your way out! Countless opportunities for professional photos await you, with the chance to view them on-screen. Just a heads up: those unique, one-of-a-kind treasures come with a price tag, so be ready to spend some $$$!
Is it better to see ICe CAstles in Colorado during the day or at night?
Opt for peak season ticket pricing to revel in the evening ambiance when the ice castle is illuminated by vibrant lights. On the other hand, if you visit during the day, you'll save money while getting a closer look at how they make this amazing ice castle. You can see the careful work that goes into creating this cool spectacle.
Where to Eat in Cripple Creek
In Cripple Creek, where gambling spots abound, the food scene is equally vibrant. Maggie’s serves up some of the best chicken-fried steak in Colorado. For burgers, craft beers, and more, check out The Creek Restaurant and Saloon—a treat for diverse palates. Indulge in delectable desserts at Dynamite Dick’s, or unwind at Wines of Colorado in Cascade, sipping by the creek while reliving the magic of the ice castles. Lastly, don't miss Gold Camp Cafe for the perfect cup of coffee and a delightful selection of sweet treats and pastries to go.
Ice Castle Fun
From the magical Ice Castles to the whimsical Breckenridge Ice Sculptures and winter festivities in Cripple Creek, Colorado's winter scene is nothing short of extraordinary. Don't let the cold weather keep you indoors! Embrace the winter wonderland that Colorado transforms into, and let these ice sculpture events be the highlight of your frosty escapades.
Explore other Nearby winter activities
Ready for more winter adventures? Head over to Colorado Hikes and Hops for a treasure trove of winter activities, hikes, and maybe a few more frosty surprises waiting to be uncovered.
Best Winter Hikes Colorado Offers - A Local Fav’s 6!
Don’t Let Winter Freeze Your Fun - Warm up with Colorado Snowshoeing