As snow piles up and the sun sets early, towns around Colorado are finding ways to keep spirits high.

Here’s a roundup of winter festivals around Colorado, starting this weekend and beyond:

International Snow Sculpture Championships

International snow sculpture festival (copy)

Members of the Wisconsin team look at other teams’ sculptures for sculptors choice voting at the International Snow Sculpture Championships on…

( Through Jan 29; Breckenridge)

The 34th annual International Snow Sculpture Championships start next week, with teams from around the world hand-carving 25-ton blocks of snow.

The snow artists will be creating their sculptures at the Riverwalk Center (150 W. Adams Ave., Breckenridge). Throughout the week, people can stop by and watch the sculptors work.

After sculpting ends Friday morning, the town will host an awards ceremony open to the public. Throughout the next week, the sculptures will be open for viewing. Free timed entry reservations will be required on Saturday, Jan. 25. The last day to see the icy artwork is Jan. 29. gobreck.com/event/international-snow-sculpture-championships

Snowdown

(Through Feb. 2; Durango)

This two-week-long celebration features a parade, fun competitions and plenty of games. This year’s theme: “Board Game Edition: It’s Your Move.”

Throughout the festival, there will be Follies shows, an ’80s costume party and lots of games including oversized Twister, Scrabble and darts. On Feb. 1, the festival will host its Chili Cook Off and Bloody Mary Contest.

Tickets for events can be found online. snowdown.org

Winter Carnival

(Feb. 4-9; Steamboat Springs)

Started as a way to lift spirits during the chill of winter, the Steamboat Springs Winter Carnival is filled with Western winter fun.

Beginning Feb. 4, the festival will start by honoring the history of Steamboat Springs, with an Olympic Heritage Tour and a History Happy Hour. On Wednesday, Feb. 5, the town will honor the Winter Carnival queen and grand marshals with a dinner, followed by several ski activities, sculpture viewing and a family fun night Thursday evening.

Friday and Saturday will have ski-jumping competitions and parties in the evening. The festival will end Sunday with the Pro Alpine Ski Jumping Finals.

Tickets are $15 to participate in and attend all winter festival events. steamboatchamber.com/events/annual-events/steamboat-winter-carnival

High Plains Snow Goose Festival

Snow Goose Festival

Bird enthusiasts look with binoculars and a telescope to see snow geese at the High Plains Snow Goose Festival.

(Feb. 6-9; Lamar)

The High Plains Snow Goose Festival is one of the largest birding festivals in the state.

At this four-day event, families, bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts can see the snow geese as they arrive via the Western Central Flyway. The festival will start with a welcome gathering Thursday evening at Lamar High School, and continue through the weekend with a wide selection of birding and outdoor tours.

This year’s keynote speaker will be the executive director of the Southern Plains Land Trust, Henry Pollock, who will speak on grassland birds.

Educational programming at the festival is free, and tours range in prices. highplainssnowgoose.com