Events

January 26 - February 7, 2010

20th Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships Schedule of Events

January 18 - 22, 2010 Technical Week - Watch how the blocks are built or even volunteer to help by calling Michelle Gehr, Chief of Volunteers at 970.453.3187 x3 or michelleg@townofbreckenridge.com. We think the evening of Friday, January 29 is one of the best times to visit. Artists are preparing to stay up all night to do detail work and the atmosphere is celebratory. Why not spend a night or two and catch the whole weekend? You won't regret seeing the sculptures evolve and witnessing the awards given out.

January 26 - 30, 2010 Sculpting Week - Sculpting begins at 11:00 a.m.on Tuesday, January 26 with a shotgun start and sculpting ends on Saturday, January 30 at 10:00 a.m. The awards ceremony will be on Sunday, January 31, 2010 at 3:00 p.m.

January 31 to February 7, 2010 Viewing Week - (Please note that visitors are welcome at this free event anytime from January 26 to February 7- not just during viewing week.) During viewing week, the artists are done sculpting but the sculptures are here for your viewing pleasure. Weather permitting the snow sculptures will stay up until the night of Sunday, February 7, 2010 until approx. 11pm and then they will disappear under the darkness of night- just as magically as they appeared! We say that viewing week is weather permitting because every once in a while we need to take down a sculpture that is about to fall due to warm weather. Over the past few years we have only taken down one or two sculptures due to weather so it is a pretty good bet that you will be able to see all or most of the sculptures (and without the crowds!).

Who will be sculpting this year?
This year we have 12 teams from 6 countries- Canada, China, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Mexico and the United States. Within the United States we have teams from Alaska, Breckenridge/Colorado, Loveland/Colorado, Idaho, Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Where are the sculptures located?
The Snow Sculptures are located in the area around the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424. The competition sculptures are in the Riverwalk Center (Tiger Dredge) parking lot and the sponsor/exhibition sculptures are spread onto the "lawn" just north of the Riverwalk Center and across the river in the Blue River Plaza adjacent to Main Street. Event Headquarters are in the Riverwalk Center.

A Permanent Memento
Be sure to stop by Events Headquarters for postcards, fleeces, pins and more. The Snow Sculpture Headquarters merchandise sales and history room will be closed on Saturday, January 31 and on Sunday, February 1. Event memorabilia and information will be available at the Welcome Center located in the Blue River Plaza.

History on Display
Discover the process of snow sculpting, information about the teams and lots of interesting trivia. Located at Headquarters, this exhibit explores the last 18 years of the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Don't Forget to Vote
Support your favorite sculpture with the People's Choice Vote. Voting occurs throughout sculpting week through Sunday, January 31 at 2:00 p.m. Stop by Event Headquarters or look for our volunteers throughout the site. A $1 donation receives one vote and goes directly to supporting the International Snow Sculpture Championships.

The Magic of Ice
Don't miss the spectacular Ice Village, located at the Riverwalk Center . Each intricate carving is sculpted into a glowing statue. The sculptures represent many of the supporters of the Snow Sculpture Championships.

Park and Stay Awhile
The Riverwalk Center Lot is PAY PARKING from 8:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. and will be available every day except Saturday, January 30 and Sunday, January 31. The large amount of pedestrian visitors make it unsafe to use this lot during these two very busy days. However, free all day parking is available at the Courthouse Lot, off the alley between Wellington and Lincoln; the Barney Ford Lot, at the corner of Ridge Street and Washington Avenue; the French Street Lot, on the corner of French Street and Jefferson Avenue; and at the parking lot off of Airport Road- free transportation to the event from the Airport Lot will be provided from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Click here for more information about parking in Town.

Catch a Free Ride
Free public transportation is available throughout the town from 6:30 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., provided by the Breckenridge Free Ride. Maps are available at Event Headquarters located in the Riverwalk Center at 150 West Adams Avenue, The Welcome Center on Main Street, Breckenridge Station and on each bus and trolley. Or click here to find out more about the Breckenridge Free Ride. The closest bus stop to Event Headquarters is the F-Lot, which is serviced by most bus routes.

Please be aware that this is a snowy, high alpine environment. Dress warmly and appropriately with high traction shoes.

For more information or to volunteer, email Michelle Gehr, Chief of Volunteers, or call 970.453.3187 x3 or 970.547.3100.

For sponsorship opportunities, email Sally Croker or call 970.453.5074.

For the 2010 ISSC Team Application Click Here