In 10 days, one of the world’s most anticipated winter events will
begin to take shape in Breckenridge. The Budweiser International
Snow Sculpture Championships pits artisans from around the globe in
a most unusual race.
Thirteen four-member teams will be given 65 hours to sculpt
12-foot-high, 20-ton monoliths of compacted snow into works of art.
For the 14th year, Breckenridge’s Riverwalk Center becomes an
outdoor gallery.
The international teams don’t get to see their “canvases” until
11 a.m. Jan. 27, when frames supporting the monoliths are removed.
Until then, creating the huge towers of snow is a community effort.
Starting this week, Breckenridge volunteers stomp the man-made snow
into solid pillars ready for artists’ chisels.
Sculptors work each day and, during the night before Saturday’s
judging, they work under lights, using every minute of their 65
hours. Rules strictly prohibit power tools, internal support
structures or colorants. Only hand tools are allowed: chisels,
saws, even chicken wire and carrot peelers to fashion fine
details.
It’s a cold job, but cold is what the sculptors pray for. A thaw or
warm spell could ruin a design. Work is timed to be completed
before the 10 a.m. closing bell on Jan. 31. Judging follows,
conducted by a panel of well-known artists and patrons of the
arts.
No cash prizes are given. Winners just receive the glory and
ribbons for first, second or third place. Breckenridge helps with
lodging and meals; otherwise, the sculptors work for their art and
their country’s honor. This year, the town will host teams from Bulgaria, Canada (two
teams), Germany, Great Britain, Mexico (three teams), Morocco, the
Netherlands and the United States (four teams). Each team must
submit a written description and sketch of its proposed entry.
According to event director Chris Searles, the competition creates
more amazing works of art each year; the quality continues to
exceed everyone’s expectations. Teams often create pieces of whimsy, but some deliver powerful
political or social commentary. And, some sculptures are
interactive, allowing you to experience the tactile as well as the
visual grace of the exhibit.
The team from Ontario, Canada will sculpt “Winter’s Oasis,”
depicting camels under a canopy of palm trees. Bulgaria’s entry is “The Flower Guy” – oversized flowers
dominating the sculpture and the “guy.”
Team Germany proposes “A Chance,” showing an origami crane
bursting out of a block of snow.
Canada’s British Columbia has entered “Paradigm Shift,” using a
robot and a jungle. Team Breckenridge’s entry is “Coming Home,” a tribute to the
astronauts who perished aboard the Challenger. Following the event judging on Jan. 31, the sculptures will remain
on exhibit until Feb. 7, or as long as the weather stays cold. Some people enjoy watching the sculptors at work prior to the
judging; some prefer visiting after the judging is completed to
learn the winners. Those who arrive Jan. 31 have the opportunity to
vote for the People’s Choice award. There is no admission to view
the exhibit, before or after the judging.
Again this year, a hospitality tent will be available, with food,
beverages and a respite from the cold.
A children’s competition, The Snowflake Championship, sponsored by
the Summit County Arts Council, will feature more than 10 kids’
teams from Summit County schools. This year, visiting children will
have the chance to try their hand at snow sculpting.
A special International Snow Sculpture lodging package has been
assembled. For prices and dates, call Breckenridge Central
Reservations at 877-593-5251. Lillian Ross is a freelance writer who lives in Howard.
If you go
Breckenridge is 85 miles west of Denver via I-70 to Frisco, then
south on Colorado 9 into the historic town. For additional snow-sculpture event information, call 970-453-6018.
For lodging reservations, call 877-593-5251 or visit the
Breckenridge Resort Chamber at www.gobreck.com.
