Cripple Creek is one of our favorite mountain towns.  In February we went to the 13th annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival.

Sculpting ice starts with chain saws and ends with tiny tools for great details in the ice.   Previous years a committee had a theme and all carvers followed the theme.   This year it was Carver’s Choice.   First we saw these carvings of Giant Insects in Ice by Snice Carvings.

We love these giant insects.

And every show needs a lady bug.

This crab even has the markings on his back.

Remember, Cripple Creek has limited stakes gambling.

There were real cards under the ice on this poker table.  And we all love Mystical Creatures.

This display of mystical creatures in ice won the People’s Choice Award.  All are magnificent, but we do love unicorns.

Toy Story 4, because we are all kids at heart.

Balancing on ice?

This sculptures is for touching, but sitting on an ice hat is rather chilly.

Wow.

The gang is here.  Shivering makes small ducks hungry.

Kiki’s Cookies and Cakes are tempting.   Maybe grilled meat sandwiches?

So many choices.  And all are delicious.

If it were warm outside, mom would be in that ice cream parlor.  This ice slide is for young humans.

They sit on mats and slide down.   The kids are having a great time.  And of course one of our favorites, funnel cakes.

But elephant ears?  We are ready to try anything.  Another reminder.

Cripple Creek does have limited stakes gambling.   But today we are just looking at ice sculptures and snacking.   Perhaps casino hopping next trip.  There were so many more ice sculptures that we did not show you.   All are beautiful, especially with Colorado sunshine on them.   We hope you visit Cripple Creek next February for the 2 week ice festival.   It is wonderful.