Concerns about high temperatures and water availability mean that the popular Ice Castles attraction in Cripple Creek won’t happen this winter, the town has said.
The all-ice extravaganza, which has taken place in the Teller County tourist destination since 2023, typically includes ice slides, caverns, archways, sculptures, and crawl tunnels, along with an ice bar for themed cocktails. As of last year, the event had expanded to Silverthorne, with five locations nationwide, including in New Hampshire.
However, “mild weather last season throughout the country were challenges for the organization,” according to a statement from the town. “As a result, they are scaling back the number of sites they will be opening this coming season.
“While Cripple Creek has an ample supply of water to host the event, there are areas within Teller County that are facing significant water issues, which was also a concern for Council and Ice Castles while discussing the event for this season,” the city added.
Officials from Cripple Creek and Ice Castles did not immediately return requests for comment.
Ice Castles, which celebrated its 15th anniversary in 2025, has moved around Colorado the last few years as it sought to find spaces with the right temperature and amenities, like access to water and sufficient drainage. Opening in Silverthorne was something of a homecoming since that was where the “first commercial Ice Castles came to life,” founder Brent Christensen told The Denver Post in a 2025 statement. Last year was also the first time the installation had reached Summit County since the pandemic, when it ceased operating in Dillon.
The company hasn’t said whether it will open in Silverthorne again this year, and currently only lists New Hampshire on its website.
In Cripple Creek, the event brought a positive economic impact to the area in typically difficult winter months, with thousands of visitors streaming in to attend. The city said it looks forward to bringing Ice Castles back when the conditions are right.
The 2025-2026 ski season was also devastating for Colorado ski resorts due to near-record warm temperatures and low snowfall, according to Colorado Ski Country USA. The group, which represents 12 Colorado ski resorts, estimated that skier visits statewide declined nearly 24%, from 13.8 million during the 2024-25 season to 10.5 million this season.
