Press Release 1/17/2020 – 2020 Rio Frio Ice Fest Schedule

The City of Alamosa, along with partners Visit Alamosa and the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce, is hosting the Rio Frio Ice Fest from Friday, January 24 through Sunday, January 26 in Alamosa. Join us for a Beach Party-themed celebration for the whole family! Carved ice sculptures, the Rio Frio 5k on Ice, an icy bonfire, the savory Grub and Pub, Fat Tire Bike race, the Polar Plunge, and Pond Curling are all part of this year’s festival!

FRIDAY JANUARY 24:

• 5:30-7:30 p.m.: Race Packet pick up and registration at Milagros Coffee House. Beat the race-day rush to pick up your sweet race swag bag and stay for music, games, yummy treats, and more. You can still register on-site the next day.
• 6-8 p.m.: Luminaria cross country skiing at Cattails Golf Course. Join the San Juan Nordic Club at the Golf Course on groomed trails. Equipment is participant-provided and skiing is completely snow-dependent. If snow is scarce, the event proceeds as a hike. For more information, contact Adam Moore at (336) 607-4465.

SATURDAY JANUARY 25:

• 8-9:30 a.m.: Race Packet pickup and registration at the Alamosa Senior Center: Come early to pick up your race goodie bag. Registration closes at 9:30 a.m.
• 10 a.m.: 6th Annual Rio Frio 5K on Ice at the Rio Grande near Cole Park. One of America’s most unique 5k races kicks off at 10 a.m. This spectacular 5k race is run entirely on the majestic frozen Rio Grande. A small layer of snow offers traction while you take in the magnificent views of the San Juan Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Range and the Great Sand Dunes to the east! Runner’s World Magazine named this race one of three “editor’s picks” for running enthusiasts for 2015. Chip timing and unique “ice-themed” awards enhance this special race for runners of all abilities. Register at alamosarec.org.
• 12 p.m., Live ice sculpting on the south side of Main St. from Hunt Ave. to Edison Ave. Talented and award-winning artisans from Colorado Ice Sculptures will return to carve beach party-themed ice sculptures. Sculpture building and carving occurs all day along Main St. until the masterpieces are complete; however, from 12-3 p.m. the carvers will be putting the final touches on the work. If you’ve never seen this amazing process, you’re in for a real treat. Bring the kids down for interactive family fun including photo opportunities with the sculptures as well as other fun activities.
• 12-3 p.m., Beach Party Downtown! at San Juan Ave. and Main St. You will find a variety of interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy between 12-3 Saturday. Stop by the Info Tent for the low down on all the weekend’s activities. You can also purchase Grub N Pub tickets and miscellaneous race swag at the Info Tent and learn about specials offered by downtown businesses.
• 2 p.m.: Kiwanis Costume Contest at the Info Tent plus Character Meet and Greet at the San Luis Valley Brew Pub. Boys and Girls, don your best beach or fantasy-themed costume for a lively good time at this friendly-competition. There is no charge to participate, but a parent-signed liability release is required. Sign up starting at 1:30 p.m. on-site. The first 50 kids are guaranteed a participation award. Prizes will be awarded to the top winners in each age division. Don’t forget to bring your camera! After the contest, come inside the San Luis Valley Brew Pub to meet and snap a photo with our local beach heroes.
• 3-7 p.m.: Grub n’ Pub at various Downtown restaurants: Space is limited; get your tickets early for one of the weekend’s most popular events. Enjoy diverse and tasty fare from Downtown Alamosa’s most popular restaurants. Tickets are good for a sample appetizer and/or a beverage at each of the participating restaurants. For more information and to buy tickets in advance, contact the Alamosa Convention and Visitors Bureau at (719) 589-9386.
• 7 p.m.: Fire & Ice Bonfire on San Juan Ave. and Main St. Witness two elements battle it out at as the Alamosa Fire Department oversees the burning of a large chimney made of ice! Do not miss this spectacular and unique event that celebrates the glory of the day.

SUNDAY JANUARY 26:

• 10 a.m.: Kristi Mountain Sports Fat Bike Races at Blanca Vista Park. Back for a second year, this is a thrilling competition for those who dare. Bring your fat bike down to the park (or rent one on site!) for a fun and challenging race over snow and ice. Earn style points for dressing for a day at the beach! Sign up at alamosarec.org.
• 11 a.m.: Pond Curling, Blanca Vista Park: Since the pond ice is really thick this year (16 inches!) the Carousel is a no go. Instead, try your hand at ice curling! “Stones” will be provided but bring your own broom! The activity is free and suitable for all ages.
• 12 p.m.: Polar Plunge, Blanca Vista Park: Are you brave enough to plunge into the icy cold pond water? If not, you can still join in to cheer on our bold friends. Join us for this free, epic outdoor festivity.

The Rio Frio Ice Fest is sponsored by the City of Alamosa, Visit Alamosa, the Alamosa Chamber of Commerce, First Southwest Bank, SLV Health, the Valley Courier, Valley-Wide Health Systems, Body Tune-Up, First Insurance Services, SLV Federal Bank, SLVREC/CIELLO, Valley Publishing, Viaero Wireless, Adams State Adventure Program, the Alamosa Senior Center, Alcon Construction, Arby’s, Comfort Inn & Suites, Fairfield Inn & Suites, Great Sand Dunes Lodge, Hampton Inn, IHOP, Kristi Mountain Sports, Milagros Coffee House, Rio Grande Savings & Loan, Skiball’s Running World, and SLV Sports & Wellness.

For more information, contact Alamosa Parks & Recreation at (719) 589-2105 or find us online at www.riofrioice.com or Rio Frio on Ice on Facebook.

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The City of Alamosa is a multicultural community of 9,000+ centrally located in the San Luis Valley of Southern Colorado. The City was incorporated in 1878 and is the gateway to the Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve where more than 400,000 visitors enjoy Colorado’s natural beauty each year. For more information, visit us at www.cityofalamosa.org.