In preparation for the sculpting to begin, twelve large blocks of snow, each weighing 25 tons and standing twelve feet tall, are delivered to the Riverwalk Center in the town of Breckenridge, Colorado. Sculpting teams of five to seven members from all over the world, including Germany, China, Denmark, Ecuador, India, South Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, Mongolia, and two teams from the United States, Wisconsin, and Breckenridge, come to participate in the event. 

My step-daughter viewing Team Britain's Gold Medal Winner 'Dancing Hippos' in 2019

Starting Monday, January 22nd the process begins when the sculptors begin their designs using only hand tools, no power tools are allowed. Often the weather can be well below freezing, windy, and snowy, but occasionally it can be warm, each presenting its own sets of challenges. This year the weather seems mild with some light snow forecasted. The week is a great time to check the works of art in progress to see how much of a transformation they make. It’s a busy time for the sculptors, as everything must be complete by Friday morning, January 26th, at 9 am.

2018 Sculptures by Team Breckenridge 'Catch & Release' & Team Mongolia's 'Secret', 2017 Team Mongolia's 'Protect Earth From Today'

The sculptures are on display throughout the weekend of January 26th to 31st when the grand illumination takes place. Visiting at night is a true highlight as each masterpiece is lit up with colored LED lights and every 30 minutes, only pristine white lights are on, making the viewing experience mesmerizing. Saturday brings the most crowds making reservations for entry times required at 10 am, noon, and 2 pm. Visit Breck Create for more information.

Team China 'Home Garden Is Ever Gone' - 2024 

Everyone can vote for their favorite sculpture with the People’s Choice Award, even if you are not able to see them in person. Visit GoBreck where voting starts Thursday the 25th at noon. Four awards are presented, gold, silver, bronze, and the People’s Choice. The sculptures will be able to be viewed until the 31st. 

Team Wisconsin 'Albert Einstein, Annus Mirabillis' - 2024

It is recommended to park for free at the parking lots on Airport Road or Colorado Mountain College and ride the free shuttle into town. While walking around the sculptures be sure to pick up a hot coffee or hot chocolate from one of our favorite places in town, such as The Crown at 215 S. Main Street, Clint’s Bakery at 131 S. Main Street, and Cool River Coffee House before 3 pm at 325 S. Main Street. Click here for directions to the sculptures. 

2024 Sculptures by Team Mexico 'The Beggar', Team Korea 'Dreaming Child' and Team Breckenridge 'Opening Up'

The history of the Breckenridge snow sculptures dates back to the 1970s, when teams started piling up snow in front of Main Street stores during Ullr Fest. In the 1980s, longtime locals and real-estate agents Rob Neyland and Ron Shelton brought the state championships to Breckenridge. By 1991, they expanded their horizons by participating in international competitions. Initially held at Bell Tower Mall, the sculptures had to be relocated after the mall's demolition, finding a new home on West Adams Street and later in the parking lot of the Riverwalk Center. Breckenridge's climate, characterized by low humidity and cold weather, makes it an ideal location for carving the sculptures. Local businesses play a critical role in supporting the event by providing lodging and food for competitors. Even the large 10x10x12 blocks of snow are meticulously packed down by dedicated volunteers, contributing to this winter tradition in Breckenridge.

Snow Sculptures from 2024

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Snow Sculptures from 2023

Snow Sculptures from 2019