The Ice Castles attraction will not return to Cripple Creek for the 2026-27 winter season, as organizers weigh warmer conditions and drought concerns in Teller County. The hand-built attraction uses sprayed and dripping water to form ice pillars, tunnels, fountains, crawl spaces and slides. Building it typically takes about 10,000 hours of work, and warm temperatures can make it harder to construct and maintain the structures. Ice Castles opened in Cripple Creek during the 2025-26 season despite an unusually warm winter, but organizers said the weather made operations challenging. The city has said it has enough water to host the attraction, while noting that other parts of Teller County face significant shortages. Those shortages were also a factor in the decision not to return this winter. “We have loved our working relationship with the city and with the community. Thank you for being great partners over the past few years!” Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird said. Cripple Creek officials hope the attraction can return when conditions are more favorable.