Snow Sculptures in Breckenridge, CO
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
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For the past 22 years, Breckenridge, Colorado.
has hosted the International Snow Sculpture Championships.
My husband and I ended up making a weekend of it and had a wonderful time.
The sculptures are amazing. Artists from several countries are invited to submit a sketch of their idea. A total of 15 teams are selected.
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Breckenridge Ski Resort makes the snow and the Public Works department hauls about 320 tons of snow to the site!
They each start with a packed block of snow 10’ x 10’ and 12’ feet high.
Several of the finished sculptures, looked like about 18 or 20 feet high.
After 65 hours of sculpting, the art is judged and prizes are awarded.
The artists create these lovely works of art that may only last for a week, if the weather cooperates. They are not paid or receive any prize other than recognition. They are making art for the beauty and enjoyment of all to see.
Of course, who didn’t charge the camera battery again before we left? That would be me. Thank goodness for phone cameras. My husband, Greg, took most of the pictures with his phone.
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One of my favorites was “Wrestle” by team China. Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture of it. It was a wonderful sculpture of Mongolian style wrestling. When we first approached it from the side, I wasn’t sure what it was. I saw boots in the air and swirls of snow. They captured a real energy and sense of movement.
One of my other favorites was called “Great Expectations” by Team Canada/Quebec. It was a 1930’s ice house and an ice fisherman perched above a section of ice where seals and a whale were swimming. It had a whimsical quality about it. There was something to see from all angles which is important in a 3 dimensional work. Also, when it was lit, it looked like the house was lit from inside.
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We had a fantastic Happy Hour at Relish.
My sister and brother in law visit Breckenridge frequently and I remembered to bring my list of restaurant recommendations they gave us.
We slipped in from the cold and had a glass of red wine and a creamy Parmesan Tomato soup which was so delicious! All while enjoying gorgeous mountain views, snow, and little white lights. It was magical.
We went back to see the sculptures lit by colored lights at night. It was very cool! No pun intended.
After we walked around for a bit more, it was time to warm up again and we headed to Clint’s Bakery for a steamy hot chocolate and to share a piece of spicy carrot cake. Yum.
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What a wonderful experience. I would highly recommend it!
