In Norse mythology, the god Ullr (pronounced Oool-er) is associated with skis and the bow, and is said to be the handsome son of goddess Sif and stepson of her husband, the brawny thunder god, Thor. An expert skater, skier and hunter, Ullr glides around the world covering the land with snow. For those of us who love winter in the mountains pray to him for fresh powder and abundantly white winters. To celebrate his wonderful gift to us, Breckenridge hosts an annual town-wide party; Ullr Fest!
Celebrating its 57th year, Ullr Fest takes place December 11 through 15, 2019. The Town of Breckenridge welcomes snow lovers of all ages to the party, and the streets fill with revelers, many adorned in horned Viking helmets.
Take part in the “unofficial” world’s largest shotski. A shot ski is a regular ski— usually from an old pair that doesn’t get much use anymore—with shot glasses attached to it, allowing a group of friends belly up to the bar and take a synchronized shot. At last year’s Ullr Fest, 1,299 people and 433 skis extending 2,304 feet down Breckenridge’s Main Street lined up to take a shot during the unofficial Ullr Shotski attempt presented by Breckenridge Distillery.
The Ullr Parade is a must see: Watch skiers launch from moving jumps and land on snow packed Main Street. There are crazy floats and costumed participants being pulled on skis, in kayaks or even in beer kegs! A god who liked a good party, Ullr would definitely enjoy the annual Ullr Fest in Breckenridge!
Mythology has it that sacrificing skis to fire invites the gods to deliver more snow, so bundle up and head over to the south gondola parking lot as we chant Ullr’s name (remember Oool-er) and burn old skis in a raging bonfire. More snow!
The weekend celebration is jam-packed with entertaining events like the Crowning of the Ullr King and Queen, Breck’s Got Talent, the Ullr Ice Plunge, Comedy Night, an Ice Skating Party and the Wild and Scenic Film Festival.
Overview of Events 2019 :
Wednesday, December 11, 2019
Crowning of Ullr King & Queen
Breck’s Got Talent
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Ullr Shot Ski
Parade
Bonfire
Friday, December 13, 2019
Ullr Ice Plunge (weather dependent)
Comedy Night
Saturday, December 14, 2019
Ullr on the Edge
Family Day & Ice Skating Party
Sunday, December 15, 2019
Live Performance by The Wood Brothers
ULLR LIKES A GOOD PARTY AND THE LOCALS ABIDE!
ULLR FEST 2019, PRAY FOR SNOW!