7 Winter Festivals Not to Miss
Don’t miss these rockin’ Colorado Winter festivals in 2025.
Think again if you think that fun winter festivals wind down after the holidays. These Colorado mountain towns up the party momentum in the new year. Here’s the inside track on the biggest and best high country fests.
First Tracks Brunch Winter Festivals
Purgatory Resort (Durango)
January 4, 2025
Do you dream of getting those first tracks? On select dates, Purgatory offers a limited number of guests the opportunity to board Lift 1 at 7:30 am and ski/ride laps on Lift 3 before the mountain opens. This is a series of untracked turns winter festivals celebrated at the Backside Bistro afterward with warm pastries, champagne, and brunch, served fresh.
Ouray Ice Festival
Ouray
January 5–7, 2025
The Ice-Climbing Capital of the World invites fearless competitors from around the globe during this three-day annual frozen fest. Watch incredible athletes scale solid waterfalls at the Ouray Ice Park and try the sport on yourself at one of the fest’s beginner sessions. Daily vendor exhibits showcase the latest ice tools, apparel, and gear, and more than 100 interactive and educational climbing clinics accommodate newbies to experts.
MusicFest 2025
Steamboat Springs
January 6-11, 2018
Enjoy a week of some of the finest Texas and Americana music at the world-class ski resort of Steamboat Spring, CO. This year, this ongoing series of music winter festivals has both legends and rising talents on the roster. When you’re ready to take a break from all the festivities, the slopes are steps away.
San Juan Skijoring
Ridgeway
January 10–12, 2025
At San Juan Skijoring, they are constantly redefining what’s possible in extreme winter sports. These winter festivals combine heart-stopping Skijoring action with surprises to keep you engaged. Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the realm of high-speed thrills and breathtaking maneuvers. Imagine indulging in a vibrant festive atmosphere where you can immerse yourself in many activities and entertainment options. From live music performances by renowned artists to delectable local cuisine and interactive exhibitions, San Juan Skijoring is more than just a sporting event—it’s an all-encompassing celebration of the winter spirit.
Vail Winterfest & The 10th Mnt Legacy Parade
Vail
February 10, 2025
Art in Public Places is pleased to announce the 18th Annual Vail Winterfest opening in January 2025, featuring six larger-than-life ice sculptures resembling owls on the Gore Creek Promenade, located by the International Bridge in Vail Village. Sculptures will be displayed until the ice melts! At dusk each day, these sculptures will be illuminated until 10 pm!
Once done admiring the beautiful owl ice sculptures, stop at Vail Village to watch the 10th Mnt. Division Legacy Parade. Skiers will be dressed in traditional 10th Mnt. Division Trooper uniforms and perform a Torchlight Ski down to the base of Gondola One, followed by a parade of military veterans. There will also be a featured film on the history and legacy of Vail, which will be shown at the base and animated with fireworks. The Snowsports Museum will be open after the parade so guests can learn more about Colorado’s ski history.
International Snow Sculpture Championships
Breckenridge
January 20–29, 2025
The International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge bring together talented teams from around the globe to carve massive blocks of snow, using only hand tools, into works of art. Explore the sculptures in a festive atmosphere, with twinkling lights and cozy Breck vibes, and marvel at intricate details and creative designs that defy the limits of snow. Don’t forget your camera—these snowy masterpieces are pure magic!
Estes Park SkiJor
Estes Park
January 24–26, 2025
Estes Park Skijor is an action-packed competition where a horse and rider pull a skier as fast as possible through gates, jumps, and obstacles. This event combines Colorado’s skiing heritage with its Cowboy roots, merging these two worlds into the best of both. Competitors race for cash and prizes throughout the weekend.
by Kathleen Fitzsimmons
