Fifteen teams with artists from 11 countries will compete in the 22nd annual International Snow Sculpture Championships Jan. 24-28, 2012 in Breckenridge, Colo. During the competition, each team creates an enormous work of art from 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made Colorado snow. Artists achieve finished pieces after a total of 65 intense hours of work without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants.

At the close of sculpting, the judges – a panel of well-known artists and arts patrons – select first, second and third place sculptures. Additional award categories include People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice and Artists’ Choice. There are no cash prizes; artists compete only for recognition. Pieces remain on display through Feb. 5, 2012 and give rise to a free outdoor sculpture gallery in the center of downtown Breckenridge, Colo.

Of the 35 countries invited to apply, teams selected include Australia, Canada-Ontario, Canada-Quebec, Canada-Yukon, China, Finland, Germany, Latvia/Estonia, Mexico-Ulises, Spain, Switzerland, USA-Alaska, USA-Breckenridge, USA-Vermont and USA-Wisconsin-Franklin. Many of the artists have medaled in Breckenridge and at other major snow sculpting events around the world; all 2011 Breckenridge medalists will return for the 2012 competition.

Snow carving in Breckenridge began in the late 1960s as a local pastime during the town’s winter carnival, Ullr Fest. The founders of Breckenridge’s International Snow Sculpture Championships are still involved in the event, which is today attended annually by more than 30,000 people.

Tags: Breckenridge, Colorado Fractional Property, Snow, snow sculptures