Against the odds of a balmy December, an icy destination is just about ready west of Colorado Springs.  A news release announced a Jan. 10 opening day for Ice Castles in Cripple Creek. The colorful, immersive attraction of slides, arches, towers and tunnels has been anticipated before Christm as the past two seasons in town. That has been in hopes of capturing the festive spirit of the season the Utah-based company was built upon.  “Ice Castles was nearly complete in mid-December when a historic warm-up temporarily halted ice growing,” the news release explained.  Emilia Briones, left, and Anna Moore, Ice Artisans, work on fortifying some of the structures as they prepare for a warm week at the Ice Castles in Cripple Creek on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025. (Stephen Swofford, Denver Gazette) Creating the Ice Castles depends on frigid temperatures for harvesting icicles, which are stacked and “glued” by spraying water that freezes. Suitable temperatures returned after Christmas, “allowing ice artisans to begin working around the clock,” according to the news release.  “Our artisans have poured their hearts into this castle,” said CEO Kyle Standifird, “and we’re excited to share it with thousands of guests who come to experience the wonder of winter.” Thanks to those thousands, Cripple Creek has reported an economic benefit that has eluded the remote, historic mining town in winters prior to Ice Castles’ arrival in 2023. The attraction has opened Dec. 19 in each of its previous seasons. Ice Castles’ new location in Silverthorne opened on that same date last month. The aim is to keep locations open through February or early March.  Cripple Creek tickets can be purchased online now, with prices varying for “peak” weekends and “off-peak” weekdays.  Peak general admission for ages 12 and older is $31.95 and $25.95 for ages 4-11. Off-peak prices range between $18.95 and $23.95. ...read more read less