ALAMOSA — With an Arctic blast of cold weather set to chill large parts of the country this weekend, the outdoor enthusiast community in Alamosa and beyond who participate in the annual Rio Frio Ice Fest fun are eagerly anticipating the colder weather.  

For the past 15 years, the Rio Frio Ice Fest has brought winter fun that includes a 5k run on the frozen (contingent on ice) Rio Grande, a cross-country luminaria ski run, disc golf, a fire and ice bonfire in downtown Alamosa, and, for the brave, a polar plunge at Blanca Vista Park. 

Dalton Carleo, the City of Alamosa's recreation division manager, said attendance over the past several years has boomed from 190 participants in 2022 to 295 in 2023 and 342 in 2024. 

As of Jan. 16, 216 people have registered. Carleo added that the numbers registered so far this year are in line, and he is expecting more people to register in the next week. 

"We have seen increases in participation in the four years I have been involved in this event," he said. 

Currently, the river is not completely frozen, and there is scant snow on the ground. Race organizers will decide on Tuesday, Jan. 21, whether events on those substrates will proceed or not. 

If there is not enough snow or ice, a plan B is in the works. 

"Normally, the typical race routes are on the river for the 5k, and we like to stay true to our on-ice variable that we sell with this race. Our initial contingency plan is to utilize the levy system and the pond if that is safe. Right now, the two variables are those ice steps safe enough onto the river and if there is enough snow. 

“We need to hard pack one to two inches to get any traction. If we can't get on ice, it will be like a normal 5K out of Cole Park. As a backup to the ski event, we have a leisurely walk on the golf course trails that will start at Knee Knockers Bar and Grill,” he said. 

Aside from the invigorating attributes of ice and snow-based activities, the Rio Frio event is also an economic engine. 

"The event was created to get more tourism in Alamosa during the slower months to help local businesses. The 5k was added to get people outdoors in the colder months when you have 20-below days, but I think those days are well past us. Overall, a goal is to get more tourism into Alamosa and help stimulate local businesses and promote our parks and recreation mission to get people active. 

“The theme this year is ‘The Jungle,’ so anything safari related [attire] is appropriate," he said. 

On Saturday, Jan. 25, there will be three ice sculpture demonstrations on Main Street in Alamosa all day followed by the fire and ice bonfire on San Juan Avenue at 6:30 p.m. 

Alamosa, with its unique geographical features, is one of the few places along the Rio where flows are so low it can freeze solid enough to run on, creating a unique and exciting opportunity for outdoor recreation.  

As of press time, the National Weather Service is forecasting a low of -14 degrees on Saturday night, which should help freeze the river and pond. 

For details, see www.rioraces.com.  

Schedule of events:  

• Friday, Jan. 24 

6-7:30 p.m.: 5K Packet Pickup at Knee Knockers Bar and Grill, 500 Cottonwood Dr.  

6-8 p.m.: Cross Country Luminaria Ski at Blanca Vista Park.  

• Saturday, Jan. 25 

8-9:30 a.m.: Race Packet Pickup at Alamosa Senior Center.   

10 a.m.: Rio Frio 5k at Rio Grande River (506 2nd St.)  

11 a.m. (After Race): Race Awards at Start/Finish Line.  

All Day: Ice Carving Demonstrations on Main Street.  

12-2 p.m.: Disc Golf Tournament (SOCO Ice Bowl) at Alamosa Disc Golf Course.  

2-5 p.m.: Info Tent, Live Music, Engagement Activities, Kids Zone, Local Vendors Market, Receipt Raffle at San Juan Avenue.  

6:30 p.m.: Fire and Ice Bonfire at San Juan Avenue.  

• Sunday, Jan. 26 

12 p.m.: Polar Plunge, Ice Carousel at Blanca Vista Park.