New event also includes human curling, team sled pull racing and other active contests

By the Thirst Team

Teams will take snowball fights to the next level Dec. 13 and 14 at the Sleigh the Games festival in Estes Park.

The new festival includes a range of winter-themed games, including a night run and snowball dodgeball. But perhaps the biggest attraction is a snowball battle for five-person teams inspired by the Japanese sport of Yukigassen. It combines dodgeball and capture the flag, and uses identical snowballs on a strictly defined field. With a $1,000 cash prize on the line, it’s serious business … sort of.

Other events include human-pulled team sled racing and human curling, where a person in an inner tube replaces the stone being flung toward the target rings (or house, for curling aficionados).

“It's a whole new concept for holiday events. We wanted to create an event for active friends, families, and fierce competitors that was a lot different (and more physical and fun) than the traditional Christmas lights and candy events out there,” said Josh Kravetz, founder of Sleigh the Games and president of Adventure Fit events.

The events will be held mainly indoors at the Estes Park Event Complex, and are not weather-dependent.

“All of the events are designed to work without snow,” Kravetz said. “We even have a Plan B and C for the Snowball Battle if there is no snow anywhere to be found.”

The Sleigh the Games festival is the latest venture from Adventure Fit, which hosts the Old Man Winter Rally, Boulder Taco Fest, Burning Can Festival and other year-round Colorado events.

“I'm stoked to see everybody having a blast, laughing, and challenging each other in new fun adventures,” Kravetz said.

Day passes cost $40 for competitors, or $20 for spectators. A weekend pass costs $70. Kids under 5 can get a $10 pass, including access to inflatables, games, crafts and treats.

Click here for tickets.