How-To: International Snow Sculpture Championships

While we recommend going carless in Breckenridge, if you do need a car to get here, make sure you’re comfortable with mountain driving conditions and avoid peak travel times. Due to higher than usual congestion throughout town and the I-70 corridor, we encourage all guests to leave their cars parked at their lodging property, walk/shuttle from in-town lodging, park on Airport Rd. and adjust their trip to mid-week if possible. Before you jump on the road, check real-time road conditions at CoTrip.org. Almost all parking in Breckenridge is paid and fills up quickly.

The weekend of viewing, Friday, Jan. 26 – Sunday, Jan. 28, is historically the most-popular time for sculpture viewing. To help ensure the best environment for artists and viewers timed entry reservations will be required ONLY on Saturday, Jan. 27.

Once you are here, we recommend exploring by foot or taking the Breckenridge FreeRide and Summit Stage free bus transportation throughout the day.

• Parking in Breckenridge
• Free Ride Transit System Map and Schedule
• Summit Stage Map and Schedule
• Breckenridge Virtual Map

While we recommend going carless in Breckenridge, if you do need to rent or drive your car, make sure you visit GoI70.com to learn the best times to travel to avoid congestion.   We expect this to be a very busy weekend and encourage viewers to carpool, rideshare and use the Bustang if they are visiting from Denver.

FREE PARKING ON AIRPORT ROAD

• Airport Road Skier Parking Lot
  The Red Route operated by Breckenridge Ski Resort will run between Airport Rd. Skier Parking Lot and Breckenridge Station from 8:00am to 6:00pm (run times :20 minutes)The Breck Free Ride Gray Route North will run between CMC, Airport Rd. Parking Lot (Airport Auto (Stop 56) and Breckenridge Station from 6:15am – 11:15pm (run times :15 minutes).Both routes drop of at the Breckenridge Station.  It is a .4 mile walk to the Riverwalk Center to view the sculptures.
• Colorado Mountain College (Jan. 28-29 ONLY)
  ISSC Special Events Bus will run between Colorado Mountain College (CMC) and F–Lot on Jan. 28-29, 2023 from 9:00am – 6:00pm (run times :20 minutes).  You’ll be able to see the sculptures from your drop-off location.

TIP: Download the Breck Free Ride App to find the bus closest to you and track in real time.

Breck Free Ride and Summit Stage buses are dog friendly.

*All bus times may vary due to traffic

Yes. Designated disability parking is available on the south side of the Riverwalk Center. These parking spaces are accessible via West Adams Avenue. Please be aware that there are event barriers up to prevent thru traffic. Only vehicles with identifying license plates and placards for persons with disabilities may drive around the barriers to park in the reserved parking spaces.

Tour buses need to unload/load at F –Lot

Tour buses will need to park in #1 or #2 spot, which may require the driver to loop around the island on the south end of F-lot.

Tour buses should  NOT under any circumstances park where the normal bus stops are located. It will be extremely crowded with town bus traffic and lodging shuttle buses.

Tour buses must ensure they are not blocking the entrance for transit buses or shuttle bus pick-up.

To load, the best practice is to have a set time or have the passengers gather and then call the bus to come get passengers.

Saturday, January 28

Transit will be difficult arriving/departing Breckenridge on the 28th.   Tour buses are strongly encouraged to visit Jan 29-Feb 1.  If arriving on the 28th, anticipate increased traffic, congestion and limited parking. Thank you for practicing kindness and patience while navigating the roads.

Where do tour buses go after they unload?

Tour buses are not able to park or linger at the F-Lot. Once they unload they will need to go find a spot, at Airport Rd. Parking Lot.

Parking Map

A world renowned snow sculpting competition where 12 teams from around the world descend on Breckenridge, Colorado to hand-carve 25-ton blocks of snow into enormous, intricate works of art. Artists are only allowed to use hand tools, creativity and inspiration to bring their ideas to life. No power tools allowed! Teams sculpt countless hours across five days (totaling around 96 hours), resulting in a temporary outdoor art gallery in historic downtown Breckenridge!

We encourage spectators to view the sculptures Sunday, Jan. 28 – Wednesday, Jan.  31 when reservations are not required.

Nothing!  The International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Toyota is a free event open to the general public.  However, free timed entry reservations are required on Saturday, Jan. 27th between 10:00am – 4:00pm.  Sign up for one of the free timed entries.

Historically Saturday of viewing weekend has been the busiest day for the event. We are anticipating increased traffic and parking congestion in downtown Breckenridge. To help ensure the best environment for spectators, we encourage viewing Sunday, Jan. 29 – Wednesday, Feb. 1. Timed entry reservations will be required only on Saturday, Jan. 28 to help manage traffic flow.

The snow sculptures are located in the area around the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, CO. There is no on-site parking at the snow sculptures. 

Breckenridge is higher than most Colorado resort areas and towns. At an elevation of 9,600 feet (2,900 meters) above sea level, Breckenridge enjoys 300 inches of snow in the winter and mild 70-degree temperatures in the summer. While our high mountain climate provides breathtaking scenery and perfect conditions for outdoor activities, the elevation can affect people in different ways and visitors should take high altitude precautions.

• Adjusting to altitude in Breckenridge

At higher elevation, the sun is much stronger than at lower elevations. Be sure to protect yourself year-round by wearing sunscreen, hats, sunglasses and goggles, even if the clouds are out.

Breckenridge prides itself in its laid-back, casual mountain atmosphere. For a stroll along Main Street or a night on the town, there’s no need to be fancy. Leave the heels and dress clothes at home. Most locals run errands in their ski clothes, and go out for drinks, dinner or live music in what they wore to work. In the summer, be sure to bring a light jacket for the evenings and mornings, and in winter, always have a warm winter jacket handy. Casual dress is even suitable for Breckenridge’s higher-end restaurants.

For outdoor activities like skiing, snowshoeing, dog sledding and more, we recommend wearing warm winter jackets and pants, snow boots, hats, gloves and goggles/sunglasses.

• Winter Layering and Packing Guide

While Colorado gets tons of annual sunshine, the snow has to come from somewhere. Throughout the winter, expect snow storms to roll through. Snow plows typically run throughout the mornings to clear main roads and sidewalks, but streets and walkways can be icy. Make sure you’re dressed properly and have boots with good traction.

If you have a car, be sure you’re comfortable driving in winter weather conditions, and familiarize yourself with current traction and 4-wheel-drive laws. Get updates for Colorado’s road and weather conditions prior to driving by calling 303.639.1111 or visiting the Colorado Department of Transportation. Don’t want to deal with the hassles of clearing snow from your car, driving on icy roads and finding paid parking? Go Carless in Breckenridge!

The Town of Breckenridge has a bag fee of 10 cents per bag at shops around town, restaurants and grocery stores. Visit like a local and bring your own reusable shopping bag or purchase one at the Welcome Center on Main Street. They make great souvenirs too! You might also notice that straws don’t come in your beverages at coffee shops and restaurants. That’s because straws are only available per request. Another item to keep in your day bag is a reusable water bottle. Breckenridge has water refill stations throughout town, not to mention, some of the best tap water in the country to fill up on in between adventures. With these local tips, you’ll save money and keep Breckenridge clean.

Learn more about Sustainable Breck and be sure to brush up on Leave No Trace Principles before you head out.