Sometimes, you wait for weeks for a winter event and then two come along at once!

At this time of year in the San Juan mountains, one thing you can rely on is ice. Temperatures reach as low as -25°F, and the ice of Lake San Cristobal slowly thickens over the winter months. Meanwhile, an ice wall is carefully farmed by Lake City Ice Climbs next to Henson Creek (water is sprayed over a rock face and allowed to freeze).
 

In early February each year, The Lake City Balloon Festival (also known as the Snowmobile and Hot Air Balloon Festival), is held on Lake San Cristobal, which provides a perfectly flat site for launching hot air balloons. The balloon colors brighten up the winter mountain landscape.
 

Depending on the weather conditions, hot air balloon rides are sometimes available, but you don't have to ride to enjoy the views!
 

You can see a slideshow of From The High Country images from the 2012 Balloon Festival here:
2012 Lake City Hot Air Balloon Festival 

For a slightly more active winter pastime, there's the Lake City Ice Climbing Festival. While some climb for fun, others compete for the best times.
 

Reaching the finish can be exciting!

 

 

The event is well-attended by competitors and spectators alike!

 

 
You can see a slideshow of From The High Country images from the 2012 Ice Climbing here:

2012 Lake City Ice Climbing Festival

 

If you're going to be at either event this year, download my free Lake City Map!

 

When the events are over, you'll find photos in my 2013 event galleries: Balloons and Climbing

 

 

02/13/13: Unfortunately, the 2013 Balloon Festival was cancelled at the last minute due to unsuitable weather conditions. However, the ice climbing went ahead and was the best-attended year so far!