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During this three-day competition, three-member teams from throughout Minnesota transform 8' x 8' x 8' blocks of compacted snow into amazing works of art using only hand tools. The finished sculptures are evaluated by a panel of volunteer judges, and the winning team receives $1,000, a trophy, and an opportunity to represent Minnesota at the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Competition held in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. National winners advance to the International Snow Sculpting Competition held throughout the upper Midwest and Canada.
Winner or not, all snow sculpting teams get a healthy dose of laughter, creativity, fresh air, and friendship. And, if you are age 18 or older, you can join the fun! There are no experience requirements, and new teams are always welcome! All you need are a couple of pals, a team captain who lives in Minnesota, some snow sculpting hand tools, and your spirit of fun, adventure, and creativity. |
Visitors are encouraged to come often to watch as the competition sculptures take shape. Be sure to come on the final day to vote for your favorite sculpture in the People’s Choice Award and congratulate the winners during the awards presentation.
Finished sculptures are individually lit after dark and can be viewed for the duration of Vulcan Snow Park. Sculptures are knocked down if they’re growing dangerously unstable, or may collapse on their own, so plan to visit them early during the first week! The Minnesota State Snow Sculpting Competition has been held annually in St. Paul since 1987, with only a few years skipped due to lack of snow. |
ScheduleFriday, January 25, 2019
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CostThere’s no cost to spectate. An entry fee is required to participate as a contestant.
More Information |
Recycling snow since 1987!
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This video from 2012 shows competition sculptors at work (in unseasonably warm weather).
Snow Returns – Check out this blog post about the 2011 competition by Mike Krivit, complete with photos and sculptor interviews (shared with permission by the author). |
