Photo by Liz Copan / Studio Copan
In late December 2019, the world was anticipating the excitement and possibilities of a new decade.
A presidential election was approaching as people watched politicians vying for the Democratic Party nominee. The world was readying itself for the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo. In Summit County, visitors flocked to local ski resorts to enjoy their winter vacations. No one was thinking about sourdough starters.
A year later, Summit County, along with the rest of the world, looks a lot different than it once did. People line up to enter grocery stores. Customers bundle up as they eat outside in below-zero temperatures. Seeing the lower half of a stranger’s face feels like an intrusion.
Photo by Liz Copan / Studio Copan
While visitors and residents might not be able to curry Ullr’s favor at Ullr Fest this year, there is still some hope that the fabled Norse god of skis and the bow may be impressed enough to bless the area with a frozen bounty after the recent unveiling of a 25-foot sculpture of him at the base of Peak 8 at Breckenridge Ski Resort.
Titled “Let it Snow,” the sculpture is the result of a collaboration between Breckenridge Grand Vacations
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Mike Dudick, CEO and co-owner of Breckenridge Grand Vacations, said he’s wanted something big and impressive at the location between the Grand Colorado on Peak 8 resort and the ski area for a while, though he didn’t know quite how it was going to turn out until after the sculpture was installed.
Officials said favorable weather conditions set the table for an early unveiling and visitors were able to explore the attraction, which opened at 30% of its normal capacity in order to meet public health guidelines and promote physical distancing among guests.
A visitor inspects the walls during the opening night of the Dillon Ice Castles on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Photo by Liz Copan / Studio Copan
Walls and other features are lit up during the opening night of the Dillon Ice Castles on Saturday, Dec. 19.
Photo by Liz Copan / Studio Copan
Two children come out of ice slides during the opening night of the Dillon Ice Castles on Saturday, Dec. 19.