The Significance of Ullr in Breckenridge, Colorado and Why He Matters to Passionate Skiers Across the Globe
Ullr Fest, pronounced “ool-er”, is no mystery to the locals of Breckenridge, as it is a snow celebration that takes place in the heart of downtown annually. But this wild weekend of festivities may be a mystery to anyone who has never been to Summit County, Colorado around the first weekend of December.
This year, the town celebrated its 60th year of Ullr, the Norwegian Norse God of Snow, known best for his love of skiing, hunting, archery and winter. Ullr presents himself as a Viking-esque character, inspiring all from near and far, to put on a pair of horns and celebrate the upcoming snowfall every year.
This celebration started in 1963 by Trygve Berge and Sigurd Rockne, two Norwegian’s who also founded Breckenridge Ski Area in 1961. Annually, a series of events take place over the course of the first weekend of December, celebrating Ullr, signifying the start of winter, the kick off of ski season, and encouraging all to “Pray for Snow”.
This year, the festivities began on Thursday, December 7th and events took place over the course of the weekend. Many visiting skiers revolve a week around the fest and pair the town-organized events with getting out on the local mountains. This area of Colorado has an abundance of resort options including Breckenridge, Copper Mountain, Keystone, Arapahoe Basin, Loveland, Vail and Beaver Creek, all within an hours drive of the lively town of Breckenridge.
If you’re thinking about coming into town for Ullr Fest during the first weekend of December, consider the following notable events and recommendations for your Viking-inspired ski weekend:
Thursday:
- Find your way, whether with your own vehicle, rental car, or by way of the many shuttle services, into the town of Breckenridge. Wondering the best way to get into town from Denver International Airport? Learn more here….
- Organize your Ski Butler’s Ski Rental Delivery: With the convenience of us coming to you, you can avoid rental shop lines at the start of your ski vacation. To make a reservation at the Breckenridge/Copper/Keystore location, click here.
- Early Afternoon:
- Enjoy a local brew at Broken Compass Brewery or Breckenridge Brewery, both located on the South side of Main Street. My personal pick at Broken Compass Brewery is the Coconut Stout and at Breckenridge Brewery, the Vanilla Porter!
- Town Organized Events:
- 12:00pm‑3:00pm: Helmet Decorating Party (Get your horns in tip top shape!)
- 3:30pm: Crowning of Ullr King and Queen
- 4:20pm: World’s Longest ShotSki® — Main Street
- 4:30: Ullr Parade — Main Street
- 5:30: Ullr Bonfire — East Sawmill Lot
- Many restaurants downtown have live music all throughout the weekend, as well as drink and food specials. Check out RMU, Napper Tandy’s, Motherloaded, or Gold Pan Saloon for good deals and local entertainment!
Friday:
- Enjoy a cup of coffee and a burrito at Cool River Coffee House, located on Main Street, to fuel up for a long ski day!
- Get out on a mountain and enjoy Ullrs gift on your Ski Butlers Ski’s or Snowboard… fresh powder!
- Town Organized Events:
- 9:00am — 1:00pm: Race for EveryBody- Sponsored by Move United, a National not-for-profit providing adaptive sports opportunities for people with disabilities. Move United has hosted one of the largest winter sports events in the town of Breckenridge for the past 36 years – The Hartford Ski Spectacular.
- 8:00pm: Ullr Comedy Night — Riverwalk Center
- Check out Aurum for an elevated dining experience or Downstairs at Erics if you’re looking for more of a sports-bar, arcade feel!
Saturday:
- Enjoy a coffee and a pastry at Clints Coffee House, located on Main Street!
- Enjoy another ski day! Be sure to check out Breckenridge Ski Resort, the town’s local mountain and venture all over, from Peaks 7, 8, to 9. These are generally the areas open at the mountain in early December!
- Town Organized Events:
- 12:30pm — 2pm: Ullr Ice Skating Party — Stephen C. West Ice Arena
- 6:00pm — 9:00pm: Winter Ice Skating Show — Stephen C. West Ice Arena
- 6:00pm: High Country Holidays Concert — Riverwalk Center
- Consider dinner at Tin Plate, a high end pizza place, Blue River Bistro, a hip, fusion spot with an assortment of martinis, or Ritas, an underground tequila, taco bar!
The Breckenridge town website has all the information on it annually about Ullr Fest!
