Mexico Takes Gold at Breckenridge, Colo. International Snow Sculpture Event

Mexico Takes Gold at Breckenridge, Colo. International Snow Sculpture Event

Canada Yukon takes silver, USA Breckenridge takes bronze in 2011

BRECKENRIDGE, CO - Jan 30, 2011 – Team Mexico secured first prize in the 21st annual International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colo. with “Alebrije,” a highly-detailed piece depicting three mythological beings of Mexican culture. Along with 14 other teams from seven other countries, Team Mexico worked across five days, for a total of 65 hours, to create an enormous work of art from a 20-ton block of snow.

Team Canada Yukon won second with “Spirits of the Aurora,” a mystical piece that rendered the Northern Lights. Team USA Breckenridge won third with “Underwater,” which used the shape of the starting block to act as a frame for a below-the-sea scene.

“Team Mexico definitely took some risks,” said Jenn Cram, judge coordinator and Arts District Administrator for the Town of Breckenridge. “They defied gravity in several areas on the piece, especially with the dragon head. The contrast of thick and thin areas created a wonderful fluidity. Additionally, the piece was covered with finely executed texture that spoke to and had a strong connection to the team’s heritage. Team Mexico’s expression, use of ice for details and overall risk taken resulted in a superbly-executed sculpture with 360 degrees of interest.”

Artists worked through the night on Friday, Jan. 28, to complete sculpting by 10 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 29. An official awards ceremony took place today at Breckenridge, Colo.’s Riverwalk Center to announce the winners and present them with medals.

Thousands of spectators watched throughout the week as teams battled warm temperatures and intense sunshine to create the pieces, which were achieved without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants – just the ingenuity of the sculptors and a medium that lends itself, if only temporarily, to the persuasion of hand tools.

Sculptures will remain on display at the Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge, Colo. until Sunday, February 6 (weather permitting). New for viewing week, an eco-friendly LED lighting system adds to the play of light and shadow with gentle tones of color.

Snow carving in Breckenridge began as a local pastime during the town's winter carnival – Ullr Fest – in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Today, the event is attended annually by more than 30,000 people. For photos of 2011 sculptures in progress and details on viewing week.