You can now visit a stunning ice castle in Colorado once again.

This year has taken much from us, but fortunately, ice has proven to withstand all challenges, and the beloved ice castle in Dillon, Colorado, has reopened for the season.

We've had the pleasure of visiting this ice castle multiple times, and each visit is a breathtaking experience that brings joy to all.

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What exactly is an ice castle?

What exactly is an ice castle, and why is it located in Colorado's ski region instead of in Elsa's frozen Arendelle?

This marvel isn't solely a creation of Mother Nature; it's a stunning one-acre, open-air, interactive ice installation designed to thrill, entertain, and delight winter visitors.

This ice castle is one of four similar structures in the U.S., with the others located in Utah, Wisconsin, and New Hampshire, awaiting their seasonal openings.

The origin of these icy attractions can be traced back to a simple ice cave made by Brent Christensen in his Utah backyard. His initial goal was to provide his children with a fun activity to combat cabin fever during the chilly winter months. This idea quickly gained popularity, not only among his family but also within his neighborhood and town. From such humble beginnings, the concept has evolved into the stunning frozen attractions enjoyed by hundreds of thousands each year.

Each ice castle, including the one in Dillon, Colorado, is constructed icicle by icicle, with thousands added daily.

A team of ice artisans carefully harvests and places icicles, which are then sprayed with water to enhance their size. As more water is added, the castle rises in height and thickness, eventually reaching between 20 and 40 feet and weighing approximately 25 tons.

The construction process can take as long as two months and relies entirely on the presence of sub-freezing temperatures. Each year, the Ice Castles aim to open in late December or early January and stay open until March. However, the exact opening and closing dates can be unpredictable due to weather conditions, so it’s best to check the official Ice Castles' website for the latest updates.

From the outside, the Ice Castle resembles a majestic fortress of ice, adorned with spires and countless icicles during the day.

Its surface is not smooth like a block of ice or an igloo; instead, it appears more organic, as if it naturally formed in that location—thanks, of course, to a bit of human assistance. The ice's density creates the characteristic blue glow typically associated with glaciers and icebergs.

We strolled around the perimeter multiple times, marveling at the intriguing design and searching for photo opportunities. The surface's irregularity and its interaction with light create an almost infinite array of visual delights.

Having a mountain range as your backdrop is certainly a bonus.

What awaits you inside the Ice Castle?

Yet, despite its captivating exterior, that’s merely the wrapping of a much larger gift.

Within the castle, you’ll find a maze of ice rooms, walls, doorways, and halls, all illuminated by striking, color-changing lights that enhance the frosty atmosphere. It’s as if Nanook of the North collided with Las Vegas.

There are small caves to explore, so make sure to wear your ski gear if you plan to navigate the icy terrain.

In the past, lines would form to enjoy the small slides and caves, so keep that in mind for distancing measures this year.

During our visit, a striking ice fountain took center stage, its colors shifting in a mesmerizing flow of purple, blue, and red. The sight of snow gently falling on the fountain was quite hypnotic, reminiscent of a lava lamp.

Vibrant, rainbow-hued walls provide perfect Instagram-worthy backdrops for families, who try to capture their favorite color just in time for the shot.

Guests were all smiles as they navigated this one-of-a-kind experience, with joyful expressions even at the exit of this enchanting winter wonderland.

How to Explore the Colorado Ice Castle

Advance reservations are necessary to visit the ice castle in Colorado.

Many dates are already fully booked, so it’s important to plan in advance. If on-site tickets are available (which isn’t guaranteed), they will be priced higher. Pre-booked tickets range from $13 to $23 per person, depending on the date and ticket type.

When you purchase a ticket, you receive a 30-minute entry window to the castle. You can arrive at any point during this window and enjoy your visit for as long as you like.

The best times to visit, and the most sought-after slots, are between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. These hours allow the fading daylight to blend beautifully with the colorful LED lights of the castle for a stunning visual experience.

To make the most of your visit, purchase tickets well in advance. Since the admission fee counts as entertainment, consider using a card that offers bonuses for entertainment spending to earn extra rewards.

The Dillon ice castle is open five days a week, generally closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, with varying hours of operation each day.

To truly enjoy this wintry outdoor space, make sure to dress warmly with hats and gloves, as you'll likely be outside for about 45 minutes.

It's highly recommended to wear snow boots since the castle's floor consists of a 4- to 8-inch deep mix of snow and ice. Regular shoes will get wet and cold quickly. Strollers aren't advised due to the challenging terrain, but saucers and toboggan-style sleds work well for the little ones.

During our trip, we stayed at the Hyatt Place Keystone, located around 10 minutes from the castle, for 15,000 World of Hyatt points per night. If you're driving from Denver, plan for a journey of 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.

Adjustments due to COVID-19

Fortunately, the ice castles remain open-air attractions.

This year, high-touch surfaces like sliding mats and ticketing tablets will be regularly sanitized. The crawl spaces, slot canyons, and tunnels will implement one-way traffic flow whenever feasible. There may be reduced capacity, and not all features of the attraction will always be available.

Staff will wear masks, and guests are required to wear them in common areas, when near others, and during interactions with employees.

In summary

Visiting the Ice Castle in Dillon, Colorado, feels like stepping into a magical fairy tale.

The original goal of a father to bring joy and laughter to his children continues to thrive today. If you can make the journey, it will surely awaken your inner child. Safe travels and remember to stay warm, especially during your visit to the Ice Castle.

Images by the author unless otherwise noted