The International Snow Sculpture Championships

Updated January 8, 2026

What:

Every year, snow sculptors from all over the world come to Breckenridge to compete in the International Snow Sculpture Championships. This year, 16 teams will travel to Breckenridge on January 24-February 3, 2026, to compete for the gold medal. Witness these talented artists transform 20-ton blocks of snow into MASSIVE works of art! The teams will be sculpting throughout the 5 days and viewing is open to the public during this time.

16

teams

4

people per team

5

days of sculpting

0

power tools

Where:

The Riverwalk Center

150 W Adams Ave, Breckenridge CO 80424

When:

Sculpting Week | Jan 24-Feb 3

Sculpting Starts: 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 24, 2026 (with a canon start)

Sculpting Ends: 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Viewing Week | Jan 28-Feb 3, 2026

Nightly ISSC Lightshow: The sculptures will be illuminated from 4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. throughout viewing week.

Viewing Ends: 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. At this time the event site will close and the Sculptures will be taken down.

FAQ:

Nothing – that’s right… it’s FREE!

The International Snow Sculpture Championships Presented by Toyota is a free event open to the general public.

Cast your vote anytime during sculpting week by texting the code of your favorite sculpture. More details can be found at each sculpture.

There is free parking available at the parking lot off of Airport Road (with free transportation to the event from 10 am – 6 pm).  The closest lot to the event is F-lot, but you will need to pay. You could also catch a Free Ride from our public transportation system from anywhere in town. Click here for a helpful guide on how to get around Breckenridge.

Yes. The International Snow Sculpture Championships Presented by Toyota is a pet-friendly event. We ask that you help keep it that way by keeping pets on-leash and away from the snow sculptures.

Check out our current lodging special here for a great deal!

THE DETAILS:

Sculpting Week:

  • Snow sculpting will begin on January 24 at 9:30 a.m.
  • Sculpting will conclude on January 28 at 9 a.m.
  • You will be able to watch the artists at work during this time for free!

Sculpture Viewing: 

  • Voting for the best sculpture will be open January 28 at 9 a.m. and conclude February 3 at 5 p.m.
  • The sculptures will be on display 24 hours of the day until February 3 at 5 p.m.

Awards Ceremony: 

  • The announcement of the 35th International Snow Sculpture Championship will take place Wednesday, January 28 at 6:45 p.m. This is free to the public and will not require tickets.