Winter in Colorado isn’t just about how quickly you can fly down the slopes. Sometimes, it’s about the quirky fun you can have in the process.

From celebrating a frozen dead guy to cheering on cowboys on skis, Coloradans delight in their cold-weather eccentricities.

Here are a handful of the festivals you’ll find this winter. If you’re visiting a specific area, check with the local chamber of commerce for more details.

Gobbler Chase Snowshoe Race

If you’re planning to visit Copper Mountain Thanksgiving weekend — or looking for an excuse to drive up — this event, in its fifth year, might hold some appeal. The 5K race begins at 11 a.m. Nov. 29 in Burning Stones Plaza. A limited number of free snowshoes will be available, and local restaurants will provide some post-holiday treats. Info: villageatcopper.com; 970-968-2318, ext. 40906.

Winterskol

It’s year 57 for this annual “toast to winter” in Aspen, which dates back to 1951, before the ski town was a haunt for the rich and famous. The four-day celebration, Jan. 8-11, features more than 40 events, from ski races, live music and Wintersculpt, to a canine fashion show, parade and fireworks. Info: 970-925-1940; stayaspensnowmass.com.

Steamboat Springs Bud Light Cowboy Downhill

How you gonna keep them in the saddle when they’re on a slippery slope? Simple: Do away with the horses. It’s all about cowboys at the annual event, which began 35 years ago when Steamboat invited some pro rodeo performers to hit the slopes for a day of skiing. The 2009 event (Jan. 20) is expected to attract more than 100 participants. The event coincides with the National Western Stock Show in Denver. Info: 970-879-6111; steamboat.com.

The Budweiser Select International Snow Sculpture Championships

From Jan. 20-24, dozens of artists from around the world will descend on Breckenridge to create works of art from 18-foot-tall chunks of snow. The sculptors work in four-person teams. On Jan. 26 awards will be given to the top three teams, as well as People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. Info: gobreck.com; 1-800-936-5573.

ESPN Winter X Games

It’s Year 13 for the Winter X Games (Year 8 for the event in Aspen/Snowmass), with athletes from around the world competing Jan. 22-25. Athletes compete for medals and money in skiing, snowboard and snowmobile. Parts of this year’s event will air live on ESPN and ABC. Info: www.stayaspensnowmass.com/p-winter-x-games.php.

Bon Appetit Culinary Classic & Celebrity Chef Race

Chefs from across the country are scheduled to compete in this year’s hybrid culinary and cold weather competition Jan. 29-31. After squaring off in the kitchen, the chefs take to the slopes. Info: 1-888-920-2787; beavercreek.snow.com.

Wells Fargo Bank Cup

For the 33rd year, this event will bring together disabled skiers, celebrities and Broncos alumni to raise money for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. Dates are Feb. 27-March 1. The weekend highlight is the World Disabled Invitational. Info: 303-293-5711; skiwinterpark.com.

Frozen Dead Guy Days

Coffin races, a polar bear plunge and other activities highlight Nederland’s annual homage to its best-preserved citizen. March 6-8 marks the eighth annual celebration of Bredo Morstoel, who stopped breathing in 1989 and is awaiting reanimation from his cryogenically frozen state. He currently resides in a Tuff Shed in Nederland. Info: nederlandchamber.org.

pearsonm@RockyMountainNews.com or 303-954-2592