Ullr Fest
Ullr Fest: 1/5/2014 – 1/11/2014
See below for details on the 2013 Ullr Fest
Sunday, Jan. 6 – Crowning of the Ullr King and Queen (6-9pm)
Bring the kids for Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, indoor activities and a family-friendly bonfire at the Gold Run Nordic Center on Tiger Road. FREE
First place float will recieve $1,000
Second place will recieve $300
Third place will recieve $200
Download the Parade Entry Form and the Parade Release Form. Please send completed forms to events@gobreck.com
9am - 4pm: Take part in the inaugural Ullr Classic at the Gold Run Nordic Center. See the tab above for more information.
Close out the week with a Viking-themed costume contest at the Park Avenue Pub with Hennessy drink specials, music and tons of giveaways and prizes.
Ullr Fest celebrates 50 years this Jan. 6-12, 2013 and Breckenridge invites snow lovers of all ages to join the party. During Ullr Fest in Breckenridge, don’t be surprised to see horned Viking hats adorning the heads of skiers and snowboarders, Ullympic competitors flinging frying pans for prizes, more than 12,000 Ullr enthusiasts filling the streets for the Ullr Parade and crazy float participants skiing off jumps on Main Street or gliding along town in a hot tub. Join us to rejoice with Ullr himself. Ullr is 50TH – and is ready for a good party. In Norse mythology Ullr (pronounced Oool-er) was the winter god. He was the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor, the "God of Thunder." Ullr loved the cold, and delighted in traveling over the country on his skis or skates. He also delighted in the chase, and pursued his game through the Northern Forests.
Produced by the Breckenridge Resort Chamber and presented by Bud Light. Sponsored by KSMT 'The Mountain", The Breckenridge Ski Resort, Town of Breckenridge and Summit Daily News.
Contact the Breckenridge Resort Chamber for Ullr Fest registration and participation information.
Don't be the only person in Breckenridge to not have an Ullr Helmit, print and cut out you're very own: click here.
Want a commemorative poster from Ullr Fest 2013? Posters can be purchased for $5 at the Breckenridge Welcome Center.
The History Behind Ullr
Ullr was so well skilled in the use of the bow and could go so fast on his skis that in these arts no one could best him. Each winter he covered the earth with snow to protect it from harm. It has been said that Ullr enjoyed the cold weather and loved traveling throughout the land, gliding along on his great skis, for pleasure and hunting.
It is also said that Ullr was such a great skier, he would streak across the sky leaving the brilliant stars as his trails (they obviously had some fine powder days). Though very skilled, Ullr guarded his knowledge closely and refused to show the other gods how to ski. Luckily for us, he let the secret out of the bag, and we will all be soon celebrating his glory. Next time you are trying to bash through some wind crust or plunge head first into fresh waist deep powder, be sure to invoke his name and remember - ULLR RULES!
One of Ullr’s travels found him in Breckenridge, Colorado. Breckenridge seemed a likely place for Ullr to settle down, since he wasn’t looking to return to Norway any time soon. Ullr fit right in and took to the mountains. And every year, Ullr blesses Breckenridge with some of the finest snow in the world.
To repay Ullr for his gift of snow, we here in Breckenridge hold a festival to honor the god of winter. We call this little celebration Ullr Fest. This fantastic party all started back in 1963 when a few of the locals heard that Ullr was in town. Well, they wanted to let him know how much Breck appreciated Ullr’s gift of snow, so they went to the Town Council and lobbied to start…‘Ullr Dag’ (Ullr Day in English). The first few years of the event were hailed with locals honoring Ullr with gold coins, parties, skiing, and oh – don’t forget the parties.
As the years went on, traditions were formed such as the Ullr Ball, the Ullr Bonfire, the Ullr Parade, Snow Sculpting, Ullr King and Queen, the Ullympics and the Ullr Dating Game. Some traditions have stayed, such as snow sculpting, which has become its own event called the International Snow Sculpture Championships. Other traditions have gone by the wayside.
From fake currency to burning old skis in the bonfire, Ullr Fest has always been about fun and partying…and Breckenridge knows how to hold a “killer party, dude.” Just ask any of the locals.
Ullr Fest 2013 continues throughout the week with games, parties and more.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Marc Ryan
Troy Walker
