Viva el Rio Frio 

By PRISCILLA WAGGONER, Courier Reporter
Posted 1/31/25

ALAMOSA — Alamosa’s Rio Frio marked its tenth birthday this past weekend and according to organizers the event was successful.  

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Viva el Rio Frio 

Posted

ALAMOSA — Alamosa’s Rio Frio marked its tenth birthday this past weekend and according to organizers the event was successful.  

According to Dalton Carleo, Recreation Division Manager with the City of Alamosa, there were 326 registrants in the 5k race, ranking it the second-highest number of registrations since the race first started.  

 “The race wasn't run in its true creation ‘on ice,” Carleo told the Valley Courier, “but that didn't stop folks from participating on the alternate race course on our city trail system.”  

The cross-country ski was also moved and changed from a ski to a walk. 

“The golf course was kind enough to allow us to use the cart paths,” he said.   

The ice sculptures, which were carved Friday afternoon, were a hit downtown with foot traffic all day long. 

“We tried live music and a vendors market for the first time this year, and it did alright but it certainly has room for improvement,” he said.  

The disc golf tournament drew 23 participants and, to wrap up Saturday’s events, the trademark El Rio bonfire drew a good crowd of 150-200 people.  

On Sunday, the carousel was cancelled due to the thickness of the ice but the Polar Plunge – the famous Rio Frio event that is not for the faint of heart, still drew 25-30 brave participants. 

As many know, there is a standing Rio Frio rivalry between city staff and the city council over how many individuals from each group compete in each event and which team ends up scoring the most points.  

When asked for a “scoop” on the results, Alamosa City Manager Heather Sanchez wouldn’t budge, saying only that the results would be announced at the next Alamosa City Council to be held on Feb. 5.