Ice artisans have started to create this season’s Ice Castles attraction in Cripple Creek, Colorado.

According to a November 21 press release, conditions are now favorable for the effort to build the structure to start. By the time it opens – at this point, anticipated for late-December – the “tower frozen fortress” will climb to heights of up to 20 feet in the mountain town found at 9,456 feet above sea level, with employees growing, harvesting, and placing up to 10,000 icicles each day over the next several weeks to make that possible.

Once icicles are placed, a spray of water is used to fuse them together amid frigid temperatures, forming the massive structure that will be enjoyed by thousands this winter.

The Ice Castles attraction will feature ice slides, tunnels, caverns, and ice sculptures, with enchanting lighting to match.

“Every element is designed to immerse visitors in a whimsical, fairy-tale environment,” reads a press release on the matter.

While the press release didn’t address the second Colorado location for an Ice Castle – this year in Silverthorne – tickets do go on sale for both attractions starting on December 2. Peak dates around the holiday season and on weekend nights tend to sell out fast.

Find more information and plan a trip to the Ice Castles here.

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