Colorado Town Drowns World Record for 'Longest Shot Ski'

Originally posted on Powder | By Ian Greenwood | Last updated Dec 17, 2024 1:20 PM ET

Ski towns, if anything, know how to party.

On December 13, 2024, Breckenridge Distillery, located in Breckenridge, Colorado, broke the record for the world's longest shot ski for the 12th time.

The shots totaled 2,477 feet in length. It required 503 skis and had 1,401 participants. Drinkers lined up and down Main Street before taking a history-making collective shot. Participants chose one of two poison types: Breckenridge Broncos Bourbon or Breckenridge Candy Cane Vodka.

The coordination involved with a feat like this can't be discounted. I was recently reminded that shot skis, even with as few as five people, require forethought (unless you're OK with Fireball getting poured on your shirt). Over 1,000 participants is an entirely different ballgame.

Breckenridge Distillery beat out shot ski world record contenders Park City, Utah, who established the previous record in October with 1,385 participants and about 550 conjoined skis. The two ski towns have dueled for the record, so it's safe to assume that Park City will attempt to dethrone Breckenridge next Fall.

Ullr Fest is an early season party named for the Norwegian god of snow. Many of Breckenridge's ski instructors were Norwegian and they brought their love of Ullr and snow to Colorado's mountains. Local legends Sigurd Rockne and Trygve Berge created the first Ullr Dag festival.

Early iterations of the event included a parade, competitions, and trick demonstrations from ski instructors. Over six decades later, many of these traditions remain.

This season, Ullr Fest began with a helmet decorating party, followed by the crowning of the Ullr King and Queen. Then, Breckenridge broke the shot ski record, before gathering for the Ullr Parade down Main Street. The evening concluded with the burning of old Christmas in a massive bonfire. Other events last week included a comedy night, an ice skating party, and a concert. At the latter, Santa was in attendance to spread holiday cheer.

In honor of Ullr Fest, Breckenridge Distillery created a celebratory, limited edition brew called the Ullr Reserve Blend Whiskey. Only 100 bottles were available at Breckenridge Distillery's tasting room on Main Street.

Breckenridge—the ski resort, not the town—welcomed the first skiers of the season on November 8th.

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This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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