Visiting the Colorado Ice Castles
After an incredibly long summer, Colorado is finally starting to cool off. We’re starting to see snow on the mountains and even the Northern Lights (this is new). If you’re think about winter activities to enjoy sometime this winter in Colorado, I highly recommend checking out the Colorado Ice Castles that will begin taking shape as soon as it’s consistently cool enough to begin freezing ice. If you live in Colorado or are planning a visit the Ice Castles are a fun daycation or staycation experience. There are some things you’ll need to know before visiting the Colorado Ice Castles and plan for so that you have a great time while you’re there.
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Book a Tour
If you’re visiting Denver or other parts of Colorado from out of state, I would encourage you to consider booking a tour to round out your experience. Leave the winter driving, planning and winter weather to folks who are used to dealing with. I’ve shared some tour ideas below.
Visiting the Colorado Ice Castles
One of the coolest developments to happen in the 2024-2025 ice castle season is that there will be TWO locations that you can head to. Both locations are great but one I’m especially excited about because it will be easier for car free visitors to enjoy.
- Cripple Creek-If you head to this location you can also visit a giant troll (Rita the Rock Planter) and enjoy small town Colorado while you’re there.
- Eagle County-This new location has me incredibly excited because it will be accessible via bus! If you’re in the Denver metro area you can take the Bustang bus to Vail and then transfer to the free shuttle in town to Eagle. You may need to get a Lyft or Uber to the Eagle Fairgrounds where the Ice Castles will be located.
I will share more tips specific to visiting the Eagle County Ice Castles location.
Where to Stay in Vail
If possible, I would include a visit to the ice castles during an overnight visit to Vail. If you’re planning on skiing this winter or spending time in the mountains visiting the ice castles at night is probably the best time to go.
- Vail Bunkhouse
- Gravity Haus
- Tivoli Lodge
- Highline Vail
- The Hythe
How to Prepare for an Ice Castle Adventure
It feels like it’s obvious to say that it will be cold…but, I think that there are some additional things to consider. It will be “humid” cold because water has to be sprayed onto the castles continuously in order to maintain the structure.
What to wear and bring
- Waterproof boots
- Waterproof gloves
- Electric gloves
- Hand warmers
- Snow pants
- A Beanie
- Waterproof jacket
These items should keep you warm and cozy while you’re making your way through the ice castles. There are tunnels, slides and other ways to interact with the castles so keep that in mind.
While You’re in the Mountains
Eagle and Vail are close to a couple of other mountain towns that I love to visit regularly. You can head over to Breckenridge for a day of shopping, skiing or enjoy a nice meal while you’re there. Breckenridge also has a giant troll to visit called “Isaak Heartstone” he’s located on a path next to the Ice Rink. If you’re unable to make it over to Breckenridge, Frisco is a fun town to visit. You can also take the Bustang from Denver to Frisco and then take the free Summit Shuttle over to Silverthorne for outlet shopping if that’s your thing.
Here’s a short-list of mountains to check out if you get a chance.
- Georgetown-Ride the historic Georgetown Loop Rail
- The Holiday Train experience is so nice!
- Idaho Springs-It also has a hot springs facility called Indian Hot Springs
- Leadville-This town is so cute, historic and under-appreciated.
What to Watch Out For
Before visiting the Colorado ice castles I do want to bring up some logistics to consider before hitting the road.
- Weekend traffic is brutal heading into the mountains during the ski season. If you’re able to head up Monday-Thursday you’ll deal with a lot less traffic.
- Winter weather and road conditions-Definitely sign up for CDOT alerts so that you know what’s happening on the road.
- Know the (tire) chain laws-There are certain points when you’re required to have chains on your tires. Do you know when that happens?
- Have an EV? Know where to charge your car so you don’t end up stranded on the highway.
Construction is also something to be aware of. There are some significant projects being worked on that will affect traffic going into and out of the mountains this winter.