Ice Castles will not return to Cripple Creek this winter

CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo. (KRDO) -- Ice Castles will not return to Cripple Creek for the 2026-27 winter season, the city announced.

The decision comes as the event organizers cite operational and business considerations, including challenges caused by mild weather across the country last winter.

Ice Castles plans to scale back the number of locations it will operate this season. Water concerns in parts of Teller County also factored into discussions between the city and event organizers, although Cripple Creek has enough water to host the attraction, officials say.

Ice Castles first opened in Cripple Creek in 2023. Since then, the winter attraction has drawn thousands of visitors each year, providing an economic boost to local businesses during the typically slower winter months.

The attraction has expanded over the years, adding amenities such as a bar, snack sales and firepits. Its ice engineers also introduced new designs each season to give returning visitors a different experience.

"We have loved our working relationship with the city and with the community. Thank you for being great partners over the past few years!" Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird said.

Several factors leading up to this winter have played a role in the water concerns in Teller County.

"That lack of snowfall and very warm winter really hit us pretty good here in Colorado. Which is why a lot of the state is still in an exceptional drought situation right now. So definitely can see why it's stressing the water. Why we don't have those ice castles this winter," KRDO13 Meteorologist Steve Roldan said.

The city of Cripple Creek did say they will bring them back when the conditions become more favorable.

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