Start counting that Monopoly money because it’s time for Snowdown, the Board Game edition.
Beginning Friday, people will have the opportunity to beat the winter blues as Durango’s annual winter carnival returns for its 46th year.
Conceived in 1979 as a way to boost the town’s mood and economy when the cold, short days of winter appear never-ending, Snowdown gives people a chance to embrace their silliness and conquer the winter doldrums.
For 10 days, patrons will dress in wacky costumes and participate in the even wackier events hosted by Durango businesses.
Snowdown 2025 will be a sea of characters from popular board games like Clue, Candy Land and Monopoly, said Snowdown board member Dave Imming.
Imming also gave a warning that there will be lots of hungry, hungry hippos present at festivities.
This year, a record-breaking 236 events are taking place, said Tim Walsworth, executive director of the Downtown Business District and a Snowdown board member.
“If you pick up the schedule this year, it literally feels heavier in your hands,” Walsworth said.
Over a third of the events are family-oriented and will not require participants to be over legal drinking age.
“As a 20-year fan of Snowdown and a board member for the past six years, this is the most family-friendly event that I have seen,” Walsworth said.
In a town known for it’s love of the bottle, ensuring Snowdown remains accessible to people of all ages has been a long-standing goal for the board, Walsworth said.
While there will be more nonalcoholic events than ever, Ska Brewing has continued its tradition of crafting a Snowdown-themed beer, “Shoots and Lagers,” a Chzech-style Pilsner that was unveiled right before Christmas to mark the brewery’s 30th anniversary and its 30th Snowdown brew.
Keeping with tradition, there will be a plethora of special-themed events.
Durango Public Library will host an afternoon of board game crafts at 4 p.m. on Monday, where participants can design accessories using surplus game pieces, and the Gable House Bed and Breakfast will host an immersive murder mystery based on the classic game of Clue.
A variety of popular game tournaments, such as Jenga and Monopoly, will also take place over the nearly two weeks.
Other additions to the festival’s lineup include music trivia night hosted by Barron's Creek Vineyards and a bingo night at Applebee’s.
The Snowdown Follies, a variety comedy show that pokes fun at local events and personalities, will also return for its 40th run.
The show remains Snowdown’s most popular event; it sells out every year, and this year is no exception, Imming said.
The festival will run Jan. 24 through Feb. 2, and the official kickoff celebration will be held at 12:30 p.m. Saturday at Purgatory Resort. There will be a costumed ski parade, music and drinks. Next year’s Snowdown theme will also be announced.
To encourage people to make responsible transportation decisions, all public transit will be free Jan. 29 through Feb. 1. On Jan. 31, a shuttle will run between the La Plata County Fairgrounds and the Transit Center for the Snowdown Light Parade from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
For more about event transportation and a full list of events, visit snowdown.org
jbowman@durangoherald.com
