Ullr: The Norse God of Snow and His Monumental Tribute
Ullr, a deity from Norse mythology, holds the title of God of Snow and is revered as the Patron Saint of Skiers. He is notably recognized as the son of Sif and the stepson of Thor, the God of Thunder. Enthusiastic about cold weather, Ullr (pronounced Oool-er) is depicted as a skilled skater, skier, and hunter, gliding effortlessly across the land and bringing snow wherever he travels. Ski enthusiasts often turn to him, invoking his name to bless their trips with favorable conditions for winter sports.
Since 1963, Breckenridge Ski Resort has celebrated this Norse figure through Ullr Fest, a vibrant winter festival where attendees bundle up to chant his name, join in a lively parade, and participate in bonfires where old skis are burned. This annual event has become a beloved highlight for many, and a striking 25-foot sculpture now graces the festival and overlooks skiers throughout the winter season.
The sculpture is crafted from galvanized steel, which not only shields Ullr from corrosion but also offers a tasteful aesthetic appeal. The metal’s strength parallels that of a deity, while the shimmering silver zinc coating evokes the sparkle of snowflakes under the sun.
In the autumn of 2018, alongside BreckCreate’s Art Council, Mike Dudick, CEO and Co-Owner of Breckenridge Grand Vacations, and his wife Anna launched a global call for artists to interpret the persona of Ullr. Among the 174 entries, three finalists were chosen to display their work during Ullr Fest. Ultimately, the esteemed sculptor Andy Scott was selected for his ambitious vision of a majestic 25-foot tall, one-ton structure built from one-inch pieces of welded steel. The installation, aptly coinciding with the weather, took a little over a year and was completed on November 10, 2020, accompanied by a flurry of snow.
Andy Scott, with extensive experience in various installation environments, recognized the necessity of safeguarding this sculpture from harsh weather conditions, especially heavy snowfall. Throughout his career, he has used various protective coatings, but found hot-dip galvanizing to provide unmatched durability and visual appeal. This method not only protects Ullr from rust but enhances the sculpture’s overall beauty.
Environmental sustainability was also a crucial consideration, reflecting Ullr’s deep-rooted connection to nature. Steel and zinc, the primary materials, are both naturally occurring and abundant; iron ore ranks as the fourth most plentiful element in the Earth’s crust, while zinc comes in at twenty-fourth. Moreover, zinc is present in the air, water, and soil, and the entire process of galvanizing is eco-friendly as galvanized steel is 100% recyclable, allowing Ullr to continue contributing to the environment even beyond his expected lifespan.
For the galvanization, Scott chose a reputable galvanizer known for delivering high-quality results, one he had successfully collaborated with on past endeavors. The sculpture was meticulously designed to fit into the hot-dip galvanizing kettle, arriving at the facility in two sections. Each component required careful handling and attention to detail. Emerging from the kettle, Ullr now boasted a smooth, gleaming zinc coating, and the pieces were then fully assembled on-site.
With its towering presence, Ullr now oversees the picturesque Colorado mountains, offering winter visitors a chance to pay tribute to the God of Snow and send their wishes for excellent skiing conditions. This hot-dip galvanized creation stands as a central feature of Ullr Fest, anticipated to be a popular attraction for photographs by visitors, staff, and media for years to come.
Ullr the God of Snow
Ullr outline with sculptor Andy Scott
Fabricating Ullr’s head and helmet
Sparks fly during the fabrication of Ullr
Ullr arrives at the installation site
Snow flurries during the installation of Ullr
Completion of the installation of Ullr
Glistening galvanized steel on a snowy mountain
The galvanized God of Snow
Hot-dip galvanizing empowers Ullr’s watchful presence over skiers
