VAIL — A performance hall made out of ice and snow will host concerts featuring instruments made of ice in Beaver Creek this ski season.
The igloo-like Crystal Grotto was made by ice carvers Tim and Birgitta Linhart. Tim Linhart also made the instruments, such as cellos and guitars, out of ice as well as snow and slush and attached traditional necks and strings.
He says snow is a very acoustically active material, pointing to the squeak snow makes under boots on a cold night and the creaking and booming of separating icebergs.
Concerts begin Sunday and will be held every weekend. Audience members will sit on slabs of ice and are urged to wear their warmest ski gear.
Tickets cost $10, but children 12 and under are admitted free during the 3 p.m. show on Saturdays.
