Breckenridge, CO, to Host International Snow Sculpture Championships

Julia Schneemann | | Post Tag for Industry NewsIndustry News
The stomped snow is ready for carving at Breckenridge. | Image: supplied by Breckenridge

The 33rd annual International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Toyota will return to Breckenridge, Colorado, from January 22-31, 2024. 12 teams of sculptors from around the world will convene in Breckenridge to hand-carve 12-foot-tall, 25-ton blocks of snow into intricate works of art.

Breckenridge will host international teams from China, Denmark, Ecuador, India, Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, and two teams from Germany. Representing the USA is the home team of Breckenridge and Team Wisconsin. With world-class snow made by Breckenridge Ski Resort, the dry, cool weather at 9,600’ of elevation, and a welcoming spirit that Breckenridge is known for, the International Snow Sculpture Championships draw the best of the best in the art and sport of snow sculpting to this Colorado mountain town.

Hippo Ballet Dancers — 2019 Bronze winner from 2019. | Image: supplied by Breckenridge

Over the course of 94 hours, teams will sculpt day and night from January 22 at 11 a.m. through January 26 at 9 a.m., bringing a variety of whimsical, profound, and gravity-defying designs to life using only hand tools like vegetable peelers, chicken wire, and small saws. Power tools, colorants, and internal support structures are prohibited. Teams bring their ingenuity and dedication to Breckenridge as they compete only for the fun and glory of a win—there are no cash prizes.

Drone footage from 2022 of the snow sculptures in Breckenridge. | Image: supplied by Breckenridge

During viewing week, January 26 – January 31, spectators can delight in the frozen sculpture garden.While the stunning white snow stands out against clear blue skies during the day, the sculptures transform each evening with ever-changing colorful lights shining upon them. Spectators can show support for their favorite sculpture with the People’s Choice Vote between January 24 at noon and January 27 at 2 p.m.

2020 People’s Choice Award winner France’s “Twister”. | Image: supplied by Breckenridge

Winners for the 33rd International Snow Sculpture Championships Presented by Toyota will be announced during the awards ceremony on Friday, January 26, inside the Riverwalk Center. Awards include Gold, Silver, Bronze, and the Lothar Luboschik Artists’ Choice Awards. The awards ceremony is free and open to the public. People’s Choice Awards are announced on the evening of Jan. 27.

The weekend of Friday, January 26 – Sunday, January 29, is historically the most popular time for sculpture viewing. To help ensure the best environment for visitors, timed entry reservations will be required only on Saturday, Jan. 27. There is no cost for a timed entry, but availability is limited. Spectators can sign up for a Saturday sculpture viewing at 10 a.m., 12 p.m. or 2 p.m.online at GoBreck.com/ISSC

The snow blocks ready for the teams in Breckenridge. | Image: supplied by Breckenridge

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