The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships are held every winter in Breckenridge, Colorado. Teams from around the world create works of art out of snow for prizes in the town's center.
In 2011, 12 teams from six countries will be competing in the snow carving competition. Along with carvers from the United States, the countries of Canada, China, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and Mexico will be represented, according to the Breckenridge, Colorado, event calendar.
Ice sculptures can be seen in the Ice Village at the Riverwalk Center. The carvings represent many of the Snow Sculpture Championship's supporters.
Watch or volunteer as the 20-ton, 12-foot-tall snow blocks are made during technical week, which, in 2011, is January 17 to 21. Sculpting week begins on the 25th and ends on the 29th. Viewing week runs from January 30 to February 6. Visitors are welcome to watch the carvers' progress and see the finished carvings afterward for free.
Visitors can vote for their favorite snow carving throughout the week of the championships. Each vote requires a $1 donation, which helps support the carving competition.
Free transportation is available in town from 6:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. daily during the event. Maps are available at the event headquarters. Both free and pay parking lots are available.
