{Rio Frio 5K race. Photo by Visit Alamosa} Enjoy the best of winter in the San Luis Valley at the Rio Frio Ice Fest in Alamosa, CO. The entire weekend is packed full of fun winter activities including the Rio Frio 5K, ice carving and sculptures, icy bonfire, Polar Plunge, and an ice carousel.
This year’s festival takes place from Friday to Sunday, January 24th to 26th, 2020 at locations around Alamosa. Here are some of the highlights of the winter event:
Friday, January 24th
Head on over to the Cattails Golf Course for the Luminaria X-country skiing gathering. Hit the groomed trails with the beauty of the San Juans surrounding you. Note, participants must bring their own gear.
Saturday, January 25th
Rio Frio 5K – The Rio Frio 5K kicks off at 10 a.m. at the Rio Grande near Cole Park. This 5K isn’t your typical running race as the route is set along the frozen Rio Grande River. For those, a bit unsure about running on ice, don’t worry, there is typically a nice layer of snow that offers enough traction to complete the race.
Ice Sculpting – at noon, the ice sculpting demonstration kicks off on Main Street in downtown Alamosa. Watch in amazement as award-winning artists from Colorado Ice Sculptures carve ice sculptures based on the annual theme (2020 will be a beach theme).
Downtown Beach Party – continue the celebration downtown with the Beach Party where there will be a variety of other beach-themed activities.
Grub n’ Pub – sample some of Alamosa’s most popular restaurants at the Grub n’ Pub event, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Fire and Ice Bonfire – come see the chimney made of ice lit on fire and be sure to bring your camera!
Sunday, January 26th
The fun continues the next day with the fat bike races and the highly-anticipated Polar Plunge.
Fat bike races at Blanca Vista Park – race your way through snow and ice at the fat bike races at Blanca Vista Park.
Polar Plunge – take the plunge and walk the plank into the icy waters at Blanca Vista Ranch Ponds. Or just sit back and cheer on those who dare. Be sure to also take a ride aboard the ice carousel for extra cool points.
Alamosa Accommodations
Details
Address: Alamosa, CO 81101
Date: Fri-Sun, January 24–26, 2020
Cost: Event fees vary
Website: riofrioice.com
