Breckenridge is Home for the Annual International Snow Sculpting Championship
In January, Breckenridge is blessed with more than the natural beauty bestowed on the High Country of Summit County. The annual International Snow Sculpting Championship goes into full swing, with teams from all over the world displaying their skills and talent to transform huge blocks of snow into amazing works of art.
This is a friendly competition with teams receiving medals and recognition for their efforts and abilities, but no monetary prizes. That all contributes to the uniqueness and prestige of the championship.
How Does the Snow Sculpting Championship Work?
This is a one-of-a-kind snow sculpting event and is open to the public for viewing the sculpting activity, and to vote for their favorite sculptures. Snow sculptures begin as mammoth 12-foot-tall blocks of artificial snow, weighing in at an incredible 20 tons. Artists utilize only hand tools to create their unique designs that delight young and old alike.
Sculptures are located around the Breckenridge Riverwalk Center, convenient for gathering additional information and history of the event by visiting displays at the Thaw Lounge, also located at the Riverwalk Center. Exhibits in the Thaw Lounge provide an introspective on the 25-year history of the International Snow Sculpting Championship, including information about the teams themselves, and trivia from past competitions.
Visitors to the championship are also invited to vote for their favorite sculptures throughout the week of sculpting and extending through Sunday, January 29th. A $1 donation when voting supports the championship event, and entitles the donor to one vote for the “people’s choice” category.
Best Time for Sculpture Viewing
The International Snow Sculpture Championship is comprised of activities spanning from January 16th-February 5th. While the preparation weeks have already passed, there’s still time to view all of the sculptures. From January 28-February 5, sculpture carving teams can relax and watch visitors appreciate their handiwork and craftsmanship. The work is complete, and available for all to view through evening on the final day. While viewing can be done at any time during the competition, this is the best period to see the sculptures unobstructed by the artistic teams.
There are other activities, as well. Also located at Riverwalk Center is a dazzling display of intricate ice carvings, known as the Ice Village. Thaw Lounge also offers items to take home as mementoes, such as pins and postcards.
With the wide variety of sculptures and activities for adults and children of all ages, there is plenty of time to make your plans to visit Summit County and Breckenridge during the International Snow Sculpture Championship.
Where to Stay – Beautiful Frisco, CO
Frisco, CO, the “Main Street to the Rockies” provides visitors to the sculpting championship with the perfect home base for visiting the many activities that Summit County and the Colorado High Country have to offer.
In close proximity to all the well-known winter resorts in the area, Frisco also provides a more peaceful and quaint atmosphere when you’d simply like to retreat and spend some time with family members for shopping, dining, and other activities.
Frisco Inn on Galena – Headquarters for Snow Sculpting Visitors
Frisco Inn on Galena is just steps away from Frisco’s unique main street, convenient for patronizing all the establishments for shopping and providing a wide variety of dining options and night spots. Enjoy relaxation through utilizing our massage, yoga, and Pilates facilities. Frisco Inn on Galena staff caters to your every need including arranging transportation to local resorts such as Breckenridge.
Experience the exceptional hospitality and service Frisco Inn on Galena offers our guests, including a complimentary gourmet breakfast, afternoon happy hour complete with wine, hors d’oeuvres, and fresh homemade delicacies, and toasty-warm fireplaces located throughout the facility. Frisco Inn room amenities are certain to keep you coming back, including comfortable surroundings combined with modern attributes such as flat screen televisions and WiFi.
Enjoy the beauty, convenience, and unparalleled service of our boutique bed and breakfast as you visit the International Snow Sculpture Championships, and come back often.
