One of the best things about living in Colorado is all the outdoor adventures you can enjoy. I’ve been fortunate enough to live in the state for over 15 years and always learn about extraordinary new outdoor activities to enjoy. One such activity to enjoy in the darkness of winter is the Ice Castles.
The Ice Castles are returning to Colorado after a three-year hiatus. Previously, the city of Dillon, Colorado, hosted the Ice Castles. However, due to construction, the town opted not to bring back the immensely popular attraction. After visiting the attraction at the Dillon location, I believe the move was probably best for all parties.
For the 2023-2024 winter season, the Ice Castles found a new host city in Cripple Creek, Colorado. Criple Creek is a 45-minute ride from our house, making it much more accessible. On top of that, Cripple Creek is well known for the numerous casinos in the area, making it a great weekend getaway for the crowd that doesn’t ski.
About The Ice Castles
The Ice Castles in Colorado are located in Cripple Creek, Colorado. It is about a 45-minute drive from Colorado Springs. In addition to Colorado, the Ice Castles also feature locations in Minnesota, New Hampshire, New York, and Utah. If you aren’t planning a visit to Colorado anytime soon, perhaps one of the other locations is closer to you.
The Ice Castles are located outdoors. That is important because you must be adequately dressed for your visit. In January, the average high temperature is 33 degrees Fahrenheit, with lows in the middle to low teens. The best time to visit is during the evening, after dark, if you truly want the most memorable experience. Make sure to bundle up, wear many layers, and bring hand warmers to stay warm.
When To Go
Although we prefer the Ice Castles after dark, there are some reasons a daytime visit might be suitable for some parties. The Ice Castles are not particularly accessible. Visitors need to be able to walk on snow and ice around the attraction. From past visits, the snow can get fairly deep in some areas and icy in others. We recommend a daytime trip to the Ice Castles if you are with older folks, young children, or others who might need extra help getting around.
This season, the Ice Castles in Colorado were able to open in late December. The initial opening date was set for early January. The castles and sculptures were completed earlier than anticipated due to some cold weather early in the season. According to our local news, Fox 21, the Ice Castles have extended their closing date to at least the end of February, with additional extensions possible depending upon the weather.
What To Expect At The Ice Castles
The Ice Castles have something for everyone. At the Ice Castles, you will find numerous ice sculptures. Various colored lights are embedded into the sculptures and castles, so visiting at night is mesmerizing. Additionally, there are ice slides that anyone in the family can ride. There are amazing ice archways and caverns to snake through. You never know what awaits you on the other side.
Another feature is the numerous ice tunnels. When we last visited the Ice Castles, I made a solid attempt to crawl through one. I managed to get my entire body into the tunnel. Then, my claustrophobia kicked in, and I had to bail out quickly. However, the under-10 crowd seemed to enjoy exploring the ice tunnels. The ice tunnels are truly an enter if you dare experience, not for the faint of heart.
Planning Your Visit
We recommend you purchase tickets in advance for your visit to the Ice Castles. The Ice Castles are a popular attraction, and walk-up tickets may not be available, depending on the time you visit. The Ice Castle website suggests purchasing tickets in advance to guarantee entry at a specific time. Advanced tickets can be purchased from the Ice Castles website. Currently, peak tickets for visits Friday through Sunday are $27 for adults. You can bring your kids for an additional $22 per child.
Parking for the event can be found at Irene Avenue and 4th Street in Cripple Creek. Two parking lots support the festival. We hope the parking situation will be better than the catastrophe parking in Dillon for this event in the past. If you are planning on staying the night, there are numerous hotel and casino establishments in Cripple Creek. Be aware that many do not permit those until 21 to stay in their facilities. Make sure you check ahead if you plan to bring kids.
Closing Thoughts
We are excited to check out the Ice Castles after the long hiatus. For us, this is a great outdoor adventure opportunity that helps us get outside and uniquely enjoy the beauty of winter.
Happy Exploring!
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