Cripple Creek Ice Festival 2025 in Colorado

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is a cherished winter tradition that transforms this historic Colorado town into a dazzling wonderland of ice artistry. Known for its elaborate ice sculptures and themed displays, the festival draws thousands of visitors annually to marvel at the skill of master carvers who bring frozen creations to life. Beyond the visual spectacle, the event offers interactive activities, live entertainment, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it a standout celebration of winter's beauty and creativity in the Rocky Mountains.

Festival Details

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is held for two weekends in February. Ice sculptors from all over the US come to Cripple Creak to carve ice into amazing art while the public watches the whole transformation process. Held since 2006, the Cripple Creek Ice Festival features many fun activities, including interactive sculptures which are easy to climb and pose for a cool picture. There are also sculptures made just for kids, with ice slides or an ice maze. Street vendors offer seasonal foods, whereas an ice bar provides warm and cold cocktails.

Festival Schedule

Attendees can enjoy shopping with vendors and fun festival activities from 10 am to 5 pm during weekends only. Festival highlights include head-to-head carving challenges, which take place on Saturdays at noon, 1:30 and 3 pm. Carvers will compete in a stadium setting for a $1,000 cash prize each weekend. Carving teams will also try to win the People’s Choice Award with a substantial cash prize. The event is free and open to the general public, who can observe carvers working throughout the event on their sculptures. Make sure to dress warmly!

Every year Cripple Creek Ice Festival has a new theme to inspire artists' imagination. Past themes were Renaissance, Mythological Wonderland, Under the Sea, Rocky Mountain Wonderland, and the Old West. Talented artists from around the world gather in Cripple Creek to create icy masterpieces, making this event a must-see for all winter and ice enthusiasts.

Ice Castles

The Ice Castles in Cripple Creek are a mesmerizing attraction during the town’s celebrated Ice Festival, featuring intricate sculptures and interactive ice structures. These frosty creations are meticulously crafted by skilled artists, forming tunnels, slides, and sparkling castles that captivate visitors of all ages. Enhanced with colorful lights, the Ice Castles take on a magical glow, especially after dark, creating a dreamlike winter experience. Perfect for exploration and photography, they embody the spirit of creativity and wonder that defines this unique mountain town festival.

The Ice Castles in Cripple Creek are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays but open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 4 to 9 pm. Hours extend on Fridays from 3 pm to 11 pm, and Saturdays offer the longest visiting time from 11 am to 11:30 pm. On Sundays, the castles are accessible from 11 am to 9 pm. Visitors should check for adjusted hours during holidays or winter break for updates. Parking for Ice Castles is available on Fourth Street, south of Warren Avenue.