Breckenridge is one of the best mountain towns in Colorado. Tucked away in the Rocky Mountains, Breckenridge is home to the Breckenridge Ski Resort, one of the most popular mountain resorts in the world. The town has tons of fun community events on the calendar, such as the International Snow Sculpture Championships in January.
The snow sculpture tradition
Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships, presented by Toyota, is an annual celebration of snow and art. Held over five days, the Snow Sculpture Championships event draws artists from all over the world.
After submitting proposals for their artwork in August, the selected teams are provided with 25-ton blocks of snow and spend 96 hours in January using only hand tools to carve amazing works of art. The event is a huge draw for locals and tourists alike and turns downtown Breckenridge into a life-size art gallery.
In 2023, the teams were from Denmark, Germany, Great Britain, India, Italy, Lithuania, and Switzerland, as well as locally from Breckenridge, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Nest Seekers is proud to be a sponsor of Team USA.
Each year, the winners are chosen by judges as well as the people’s choice award, where Breckenridge locals and visitors can vote on their favorite ice sculptures. In 2023, the winners included:
-
Gold: Team Germany (Bavaria) – Sub-Zero Gravity
-
Silver: Team USA (Breckenridge) – Ullr
-
Bronze: Team Lithuania – Warn(m)ing Clouds Intersect
-
Artists’ Choice Award: Team Lithuania – Warn(m)ing Clouds Intersect
In addition to the artists, judges, and staff, there are also a limited number of volunteer positions for snow sculpture enthusiasts to participate.
Where to stay
If you’re interested in visiting or moving to Breckenridge to view the snow sculptures, there are many excellent options for places to stay. Breckenridge has an incredible array of ski-in and ski-out condominiums, as well as luxury mountain chalets and larger mountain homes around the town. Breckenridge is the perfect spot to enjoy stunning views of the Rocky Mountains and the high-octane adrenaline sports that the region is known for, all in the lap of luxury.
What to eat
Breckenridge has an incredibly high-end dining scene with critically acclaimed chefs and seasonal menus featuring local and international cuisine. There are many different choices to enjoy after a day of admiring the ice sculptures. There are many high-end options, including Rootstalk for delicious seasonal specialties, Radicato, and Aurum Food & Wine Breckenridge. If you’re looking for something more casual, check out The Canteen Tap House and Tavern or Castaways Cove.
The Breckenridge Snow Sculpture Championships is just one of many fantastic events that Breckenridge has on the roster. The town also hosts live music, holiday celebrations, and many skiing and snowboarding competitions that bring fun all winter long. Breckenridge is home to a world-class day spa, high-end shopping, and critically acclaimed chefs. The town also has many off-mountain activities and events for the entire family, including ice skating, alpine coasters, snow tubing, and more.
In the summer, there are also a ton of ways to enjoy the mountains, including hiking, mountain biking, alpine coasters, and scenic gondola rides. Adventure is yours for the taking no matter what season you spend here.
*Header photo courtesy of GoBreck.com
*Header photo courtesy of GoBreck.com
