10 Breckenridge winter events not to miss

Lighting of Breckenridge
Dec. 3
This Victorian Holiday Wonderland event features kid's crafts, free hot cocoa, cookies and caroling and a Race of the Santa's costumed run down Main Street. Follow Santa's horse-drawn carriage to Blue River Plaza to light the tree. Then take the kiddos to visit the jolly man himself.

Winter Dew Tour
Dec. 15-18
Be a groupie at the Winter Dew Tour's Breckenridge kick-off stop. Watch the world's best freeskiers and snowboarders compete in head-spinning slopestyle and superpipe events. Live music and parties follow.

Breckenridge Ski Resort's 50th Birthday
Dec. 16
Breckenridge Ski Resort, the Town, local businesses, and the Breckenridge Heritage Alliance are all throwing down for an unforgettable $50,000 50th birthday bash complete with fireworks and a free performance by Los Lobos at the Riverwalk Center. A free champagne toast with birthday cupcakes will take place in front of the Backstage Theatre and local ski legends and resort founders will be joining in the fun. Breck Resort is offering 50 percent off lodging deals along with a 50 Wishes campaign all season.

Ullr Fest
Jan. 8-14
Everyone's favorite Breckenridge event, Ullr Fest pays tribute to the Norse god of snow with a boisterous and hilarious Main Street parade, ice skating party, bonfire, Ullympics, Ullr Dating Game, and more. You have to experience this fest at least once.

Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships
Jan. 24-Feb. 5
This 22nd annual free event invites visitors to watch artists from around the globe chip away at massive blocks of snow as they create intricate sculptures. Teams work for five days and the sculptures are on display for a week at this highly acclaimed event.

Mardi Gras
Feb. 18-21
Celebrate N'awlins-style at Breckenridge's Mardi Gras. Grab some beads, boas, and masks and head to the parade, Fat Tuesday celebration, and the Bacchus Ball for dancing, drinks and New Orleans cuisine.

Hope on the Slopes
Feb. 20
Teams and individual skiers and snowboarders compete to see who can ski the most vertical feet in a day while raising funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society.

Spring Fever Festival
March 17-April 5
Give yourself a spring break and rejoice in abundant (here's hoping) late-season snow, see big-name acts with the Bud Light Concert Series (bands to be announced), challenge yourself with the Breck Ascent Series and the 5 Peaks Mountaineering Race, and indulge in $18.59 dining specials, a beer festival, and more.

Imperial Challenge
April 14
Take this gnarly challenge yourself or stand back and cheer on some of Breckenridge's finest athletes as they bike 6.2 miles across Peak 7, ascend to the top of the Imperial Bowl on Peak 8 and descent on skis or a board.

Breckenridge Ski Resort Closing Day
April 15 (weather permitting)
Get that last Breckenridge fix at the resort's 50th season closing day. Use this day to impress friends with your remarkable stats EpicMix has been tracking all season.

Get excited about Breck's 50th anniversary season with Snow Squad member Halley O'Brien.

-- LIsa Pogue

Photos courtesy Alli Sports and Team Australia