Celebrate the New Year in Breckenridge, Colorado, with Ullr Fest and the International Snow Sculpture Championships

The Colorado mountain community of Breckenridge is getting ready to ring in the new year with two favorite January events: the week-long Ullr Fest, January 11 to January 17, honoring the Norse god of snow, and the International Snow Sculpture Championships, January 27 to January 31, where snow artists compete to create massive 3-D works of art. During the month of January, the iconic mountain town of Breckenridge transforms into a snow-filled winter wonderland, with fresh powder and several winter themed events and festivals.

For over 50 years, the Breckenridge community has paid tribute to Ullr (rhymes with cooler), the Norse god of snow. From January 11 to January 17, 2015, more than 12,000 Ullr enthusiasts will fill the streets of Breckenridge for the iconic Main Street parade, while float participants ski off jumps on Main Street or glide along town in a hot tub. Locals and visitors alike are encouraged to grab a Viking helmet and join the town-wide snow dance, which includes the parade, Ullr Bike, Ullr talent show, Ullympics and more. The Ullr Fest tradition began in 1963, and locals believe the celebration is part of the reason that more than 300 inches of snow are dropped on the peaks surrounding Breckenridge each winter.

Snow carving in Breckenridge began as a local pastime; today, decorated snow artists from across the globe transform 20-ton blocks of snow into an outdoor art gallery during the International Snow Sculpture Championships, taking place January 27 to 31, 2015. The sculptures will remain on display through February 8. This year marks the 25th anniversary of this iconic event. Sixteen teams are traveling from all over the country and the world to compete, including Mexico, China, Ukraine, and a local team from Breckenridge. Teams have five days (65 hours) to create a unique sculpture using only hand tools, such as vegetable peelers, and chicken wire. At the end of the five days, a Gold, Silver, and Bronze prize will be awarded to the top three teams, and an Artists' Choice. In celebration of ISSC, Breckenridge is also excited to announce the first annual Fire Arts Festival, presented by Breckenridge Creative Arts.

For more information on planning the perfect Breckenridge vacation during Ullr Fest and the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture competition, visit http://www.gobreck.com/.

SOURCE: BUSINESS WIRE