A snowy celebration
43rd annual Ullr Fest
Town of Breckenridge, through Friday/gobreck.com
Something like 186 inches of snow has fallen in Breckenridge so far this season, so the town’s celebration of Thor’s stepson, Ullr, the Norse God of Winter, seems fully justified for a change. Though often dismissed as just another mountain drunkfest, the week-long festival does include events fun even if you’re stone-cold sober. Start with the Ullr Bonfire and beginner snowshoe trip Monday evening. It begins with the crowning of the Ullr King & Queen – think horned hats and raggedy furs – at the Gold Run Nordic Center on the Breckenridge Golf Course around 5:30 p.m. Then you can snowshoe or cross-country ski out to the Ullr bonfire 7-9 p.m., where you can sip a cup of cocoa or cider. There’s an Ullr skating party Tuesday 6:30-9 p.m. at the Stephen C. West Ice Arena, and on Wednesday, 6-8 p.m., folks inclined to form a team of people expert at stuff like throwing frying pans can get in on the Ullympics at Carter Park.
MORE FOR TODAY
9:30-11 A.M. – Cooley Lake Nature Walk | Naturalist-guided exploration of the Cooley Lake Wildlife Area, which is typically closed to the public. Free, but kids younger than 16 must be accompanied by a registered adult. If you miss today’s walk, try again on Saturday. | South Platte Park, 7301 S. Platte River Parkway, Littleton | 303-730-1022
3-7 P.M. – Polka Tots Performance | Proud papa Kevin Michaelis plays the polka on the dulcimer, and his three boys, 4-year-old Cameron and 3-year-old twins, Trevor and Logan, help out on their own miniature instruments, and sometimes dance, this time at the Denver Kickers’ Sports Club. | 16776 W. 50th Ave., Golden | denverkickers.com
THIS WEEK
MONDAY – Snowshoeing Colorado | Author Claire Walters presents a photographic expedition into Colorado’s winterscape, 7 p.m. Free, but registration is required. | Highlands Ranch Library, 9292 Ridgeline Boulevard, Highlands Ranch | 303-791-7703
WEDNESDAY – FREE DAY | One of eight this year at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. Paleopuppeteer Mr. Bones will be there stirring up the fun from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | 2001 Colorado Blvd., Denver | 303-322-7009
THURSDAY – Aspen’s Winterskol | kicks off with “Wintersculpt” snow sculpture competition on the Aspen Mall, starting at 8 a.m. and runs through Jan. 15 with events including the Apple Strudel Downhill Race (Friday at 10 a.m. at Aspen Highlands) and the Canine Fashion Show (Saturday at noon at Wagner Park) | Aspen and Snowmass | aspenchamber.org
– Slaughter in Serene: The Columbine Coal Strike Reader | Local authors, historians and participants return to the “scene” of the 1927 coal strike and explore the mine massacre that has been largely undiscussed for 78 years. Free, sponsored by the Lafayette Historical Society and the Lafayette Miners Museum. 7 p.m. | Lafayette Public Library, 775 W. Baseline Road, Lafayette | 303-665-5200
– Riding High | Author Tom “Dr. Colorado” Noel discusses his new book documenting 100 years of ranching in Colorado and the National Western Stock Show. 7 p.m. $7; $5.50 for Colorado Historical Society members. | Colorado History Museum, 1300 Broadway, Denver | 303-866-4686
FRIDAY – Adams Foundation Piano Recital | Pianist Steven Mayer performs with the San Juan Symphony at 7:30 p.m. $18. | St. Columba Church, 1830 E. Second Ave., Durango | 970-382-9753
SATURDAY – Moonlight Walk | Naturalists guide you through a woodland near the South Platte River to look for coyote, beavers, owls and more. 7-8:30 p.m. $9, adults; $7 youths 8-16, accompanied by a registered adult. | South Platte Park, 7301 S. Platte River Parkway, Littleton | 303-730-1022
