2011 Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championship
Above: Team USA/Wisconsin - Green Man, using elements of trees.
The 2011 International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado are a must see for anyone visiting Breckenridge. 15 teams from 8 countries are participating in the 21st annual snow sculpture championship. Each 4 person team will be given a 20 ton, 12 foot high packed block of snow to carve their piece of artwork. Ever wonder how they make the blocks of snow? The Breckenridge Ski Resort and the Town of Breckenridge team up and use front loaders and snow blowers. They blow the snow into wooden molds. Snow Stompers (volunteers) then stomp/pack the snow and the process is repeated until the entire mold is packed full of snow.
Teams are not allowed to use any power tools, internal structures or dyes to construct their snow sculpture. So what do the teams use, hand tools such as vegetable peelers, chicken wire, hand saws, anything besides power tools. Teams are given 65 hours straight to complete their vision.
A panel of judges awards 1st, 2nd and 3rd place. The teams don't receive a cash prize just the glory, a medallion and a ribbon for winning.
After taking in the beauty of these magnificent hand carved pieces of art you might be a bit cold. You can head inside to the Snow Lounge where there is food, drinks, pictures and history of the past 21 years of snow sculpting in Breckenridge.
Team USA/Breckenridge - Underwater - 3rd Place & Kids Choice Winner
Front: Team Canada/Yukon - Spirits of the Aurora - 2nd Place, Artists & People's Choice Awards
Back: Team Sweden & USA - Perpetual Motion
Once you view this amazing spectacle you will want to come every year! If you can't make it this year don't worry the International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge will be back next year, we hope to see you then!
Viewing is open to the public until Sunday, February 6, 2011.
If you are in town to view the snow sculptures and are curious about Breckenridge Real Estate or any properties in Summit County, contact Krystal Knott with Ten Peaks Sotheby's International Realty.
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