Snow Sculpting in Breckenridge isn't a new thing.

Breckenridge's snow sculpting competition has been around since the late 70's.  It started as part of UllrFest, a celebration of the mythical Norse god of snow.  Breckenridge locals, businesses and civic organizations created amazing snow art, competing for a mention in the local paper and a prize of some sort.  Over the years the snow sculpting competition has grown and in 1986 became part of the sanctioned Colorado Snow Sculpture Championships.  Five years later the event went international and today this competition draws teams from all walks of life.  They come to Breckenridge to create amazing, but temporary, works of art.  The teams have a week to create their masterpieces from a 12 foot block of ice.  The winners are determined by a panel of judges, there are also a People's Choice, Kid's Choice and Artists' Choice Awards.  After the judging these works of art are on display for another week.  If you haven't made it yet this year, hurry because they are only on display until Sunday, February 3rd.

The amazing sculptures created in only one week always leave me awe struck.  This is only my second year attending the International Snow Sculpture Championships and I have not been disappointed yet nor do I ever expect to be.  I only wish I would have been coming to Breckenridge to see the snow sculptures years ago.  It's a fabulous artform that is truly Summit County in every way!

I'm sure it will be back again next year for its 19th year of international competition.  Think Breckenridge in January and enjoy not only this International Snow Sculpting Competition but a lot of great snow blanketing the county making for some fantastic winter fun!  Make a week of it and do some snowmobiling, skiing and riding, or snowshoeing while you're here.  Breckenridge along with Keystone, Copper Mountain and all the Summit County towns have a way of making lasting memories.  Before you know it you may find yourself coming for the entire season or, who knows, maybe you'll want to live the Summit County lifestyle year 'round!                           

Who won this year's International Snow Sculpture Championship?

I don't know how the judges can pick just one winner out of all the incredible sculptures but somehow they manage.  This year, the 2008 International Snow Sculpture Championship first place winner was China with their sculpture titled The Warrior and the Moon.  Their sculpture is the first picture at the top of this blog.  The amount of detail in the snow was just incredible!  It also won the People's Choice Award.  Second place went to Canada and their sculpture Swan Song.  In third place was Germany with Bridge of Tolerance.  It also captured the Artist's Choice Award.  Kid's Choice went to Canada, Ontario for their fun sculpture, Just Spooling Around.