(Colorado) Cripple Creek, on the western slope of Pikes Peak, embraces winter with an annual ice festival.
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival runs for two consecutive weekends, now through February 25th.
The town’s historic downtown thoroughfare (Bennett Avenue) is lined with spectacular sculptures carved from large blocks of ice.
On the weekends (including President’s Day), visitors can watch professional carvers transform the ice into intricate works of art.
Cripple Creek Ice FestivalPhoto byAuthor
Each ice-carving team competes for cash prizes, and guests can vote for their favorite with on-site QR codes.
The weekend festivities start at 10:00 a.m. through 5:00 p.m., weather permitting. The event is free and open to the public.
In addition to ice sculptures, there will be carving competitions and street vendors.
The former gold mining town offers a variety of entertainment, including museums, casinos, restaurants, and a massive wooden troll named Rita.
Come for the ice and stay for the fun!