When most travelers imagine Colorado’s mountain towns, they picture skiing, scenic hikes, and cozy cabins. But tucked away in these picturesque communities are traditions that bring together history, humor, and a touch of quirkiness. Immerse yourself in small-town charm while discovering rituals that locals have preserved for generations—or recently invented for amusement. These odd yet engaging customs range from whimsical races to peculiar festivals celebrating aspects of mountain life that visitors can hardly believe. Pack your bags, lace up sturdy shoes, and bring a sense of humor and curiosity. Embark on a journey to explore the lesser-known, wonderfully weird side of Colorado’s mountain towns.
1 Frozen Dead Guy Days: Nederland’s Salute to Cryonics
Nederland, nestled west of Boulder, is home to “Frozen Dead Guy Days,” possibly Colorado’s oddest annual tradition. This March festival commemorates Bredo Morstoel, a Norwegian grandfather kept in cryonic suspension since the early 1990s. The town celebrates with humor and dedication, filling streets with coffin races, ice-carving contests, frozen turkey bowling, and plenty of quirky tribute bands. Visitors can join costumed attendees dressed as zombies or frozen beings, and even enjoy heated storytelling tents highlighting the tradition’s surprisingly rich history.
Tip: Dress warmly in layers, as cold temperatures and unpredictable weather typically accompany the festivities. Parking is limited—consider catching the convenient RTD bus from Boulder.
2 Emma Crawford Coffin Races: Manitou Springs’ Spirited Competition
Each October, Manitou Springs embraces a humorous nod to local legend Emma Crawford, a woman who, after death, ended up sliding down the mountainside when her burial site eroded. Residents honor her unintended downhill journey by racing creatively decorated coffins—yes, coffins—down Main Street. Participants dressed in outrageous costumes guide their wheeled “vehicles,” while spectators cheer wildly along the sidelines, enjoying street vendors and music performances.
Tip: Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, since more than 10,000 spectators flood Manitou Springs for the races annually. Stay overnight in Manitou or nearby Colorado Springs for easier access and fewer traffic headaches.
3 Fruita’s Headless Chicken Festival: Honoring Mike, the Miracle Chicken
Straying from typical mountain-town charm into the bizarre, Fruita, near Grand Junction, offers a festival dedicated to a headless rooster. Mike the headless chicken lived without his head for 18 surprising months in 1945, capturing global attention and curiosity. Every May, the town celebrates his extraordinary survival story with a fun-filled event including chicken relay races, wing-eating championships, music, and a poultry-themed scavenger hunt.
Tip: Fruita is warm even in spring. Pack sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and water. Try the local eateries’ special festival dishes—they go delightfully over-the-top with chicken recipes.
4 Breckenridge Ullr Fest: A Town’s Love Affair with a Viking God
Each winter, Breckenridge asks a Viking god named Ullr for plentiful snow through Ullr Fest—a tradition dating back to the 1960s. Locals and visitors don horned helmets, faux fur, or anything Viking-inspired while cheering during a zany parade down Main Street. Thrilling activities include the Ullr Ice Plunge, talent shows, and famously wacky ice-skating parties. Ullr festivities epitomize Colorado mountain-town creativity and passion for embracing winter.
Tip: If you’re brave enough, join the polar plunge—it’s unforgettable. Remember to wear warm boots and plenty of layers. Lodging gets booked early, so plan accommodations months in advance.
5 Leadville Ski Joring: Cowboy Culture Meets Winter Sport
Picture this—a galloping horse pulling a skier down charming historic Main Street at breakneck speeds. Welcome to Leadville’s annual ski joring contest each March, a thrilling combination of horsemanship, skiing skills, and courage. This fascinating ritual dates back decades and is celebrated enthusiastically each year by locals and visitors alike. Athletes navigate a challenging course featuring jumps, gates, and slippery terrain, making it not just unusual, but exciting and genuinely impressive to observe.
Tip: Choose accommodations in town historic buildings to enhance the experience. Bundle up tightly because standing outdoors during ski joring events demands thorough preparation against chilling mountain air.
6 Georgetown’s Burro Race: When Mining Traditions and Stubborn Animals Collide
Historic Georgetown conducts an intriguingly stubborn race each summer: humans alongside donkeys (burros), which famously have minds of their own. Colorado heritage includes miners trekking mountain passes with pack animals, and Georgetown revives this tradition with its Burro Race. Competitors run side-by-side with their supplied donkey partners, covering steep terrain and rocky paths—sometimes patiently coaxing their stubborn companions forward. Participants and spectators alike adore this quirky tribute, and friendly townsfolk proudly host post-race weekend celebrations.
Tip: Planning to compete? Start training beforehand, both in running stamina and patience. For spectators, arrive early and secure a comfy viewing location. Don’t forget your hat and sunscreen, since the Colorado sun can be deceptively intense at higher elevations.
Final Thoughts
Exploring these mountain rituals offers travelers an authentic and unusual peek into Colorado’s surprisingly eccentric heart. Whether cheering coffin races, attending a frozen festival, or admiring skiers towed behind galloping horses, you’ll connect deeply with spirited communities genuinely celebrating their unique heritage and quirky traditions. All it takes is an open mind, a little preparation, and a thirst for adventure.
