At 8,230 feet above sea level, Nederland, Colorado keeps an extraordinary secret. For over three decades, this mountain town of 1,500 residents has been home to a cryogenically frozen Norwegian man stored in a Tuff Shed. The bizarre story sparked America’s quirkiest winter festival, complete with coffin races and polar plunges. Though the festival moved to nearby Estes Park in 2023, Nederland’s legacy as the town that embraced the impossible remains frozen in time.
The shed on the mountain
Bredo Morstøl died in Norway in 1989 at age 89. His grandson brought the body to Nederland in 1993, storing it in a makeshift cryogenic chamber. The Tuff Shed sits on private property overlooking the town, where dry ice once preserved Grandpa Bredo at temperatures below -100°F.
For 11 years, caretaker responsibilities fell to local resident who hauled thousands of pounds of ice from Denver every two weeks. The journey through mountain passes became part of Nederland’s folklore. When Nederland passed laws prohibiting human remains storage, Bredo was “grandfathered in” through a legal loophole that became local legend.
In August 2023, Bredo’s remains were moved to Estes Park’s Stanley Hotel for proper liquid nitrogen preservation. The empty shed now stands as testament to Nederland’s most unusual chapter.
When a town embraces the weird
The festival that started it all
In 2002, Nederland’s Chamber of Commerce created Frozen Dead Guy Days to boost winter tourism. The March festival featured coffin races down Main Street, hearse parades, and polar plunges. For 20 years, thousands descended on this quiet mountain town for turkey bowling and “Frozen Dead Guy” lookalike contests.
The festival grew beyond Nederland’s capacity. Hotel rooms filled 30 miles away in Boulder. Traffic jammed the narrow Peak to Peak Highway for hours.
Why it moved but the story stayed
Growing discontent among residents and financial pressures ended Nederland’s festival era. As one former organizer described it, the transition became “a bad divorce really, or a little bit of custody battle.” The 2023 festival relocated permanently to Estes Park, but Nederland retained the origin story.
Local residents expressed mixed feelings about the change. According to longtime residents, the festival was “great and a treasure, but then everybody comes and wants to ruin it.” Nederland now focuses on quieter mountain attractions without the chaos.
Life at 8,230 feet
Mountain town reality
Nederland sits 30 minutes west of Boulder via winding Highway 119. Winter brings heavy snow that can double drive times to Denver. The town maintains its identity as a Colorado Certified Creative District with local music venues and art galleries.
Summer temperatures reach 80°F, perfect for accessing Indian Peaks Wilderness trails. December highs hover around 35°F with lows near 10°F. Average snowfall reaches 15-20 inches per month during peak winter.
Beyond the festival
Barker Reservoir offers ice climbing and winter photography opportunities. The frozen lake mirrors surrounding peaks in crystalline silence. Local breweries serve Colorado craft beer alongside hearty mountain fare priced 40% below Boulder restaurants.
Norwegian heritage remains visible in town architecture and cultural markers. Alamosa’s frozen river activities offer similar winter adventure without the altitude. Nederland’s creativity district hosts intimate music performances throughout winter months.
The quiet draw
Today’s Nederland attracts visitors seeking authentic mountain culture without tourist spectacle. Mid-range accommodations cost $150-250 nightly, significantly less than Aspen’s $400+ rates. The town has reclaimed its identity beyond the frozen legend.
Winter recreation includes snowshoeing through pine forests and cross-country skiing on groomed trails. Stroudsburg offers similar affordable mountain experiences for East Coast travelers. Nederland’s elevation provides reliable snow from December through March.
Your questions about Nederland answered
Can you visit the original cryonics shed?
The Tuff Shed remains on private property above Nederland. While not accessible to visitors, it’s visible from certain viewpoints around town. Respect for private property is essential, as locals value their privacy after decades of festival crowds.
When does the festival happen now?
Frozen Dead Guy Days occurs March 14-16, 2025 in Estes Park at The Stanley Hotel. Admission costs $20 for cryonics museum tours. Nederland hosts informal gatherings during festival weekend, but major events happen 20 miles away in Estes Park.
How does Nederland compare to other Colorado mountain towns?
Nederland costs significantly less than Aspen or Vail while offering similar mountain access. Boulder sits 30 minutes away with urban amenities. Nederland feels more authentic than resort towns, with 1,500 year-round residents who aren’t dependent on tourism dollars.
Morning light illuminates snow-covered peaks surrounding Nederland’s quiet streets. Wood smoke rises from chimneys into thin mountain air. The town that once celebrated its frozen resident now treasures something more valuable: the peaceful rhythm of authentic mountain life.