People from all over the world enter the annual Breckenridge ice sculpture competition. The event, sponsored by Budweiser and Cadillac, attracts competitors from Canada, Estonia, Germany and Lativa. Continue reading for more information about seeing the Breckenridge ice sculpture competition.
The Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Cadillac are held each January. Teams of sculptors spend about four days carving their creations while spectators watch. Then the sculptures are judged. A “People’s Choice” segment allows the public to vote for their favorite sculptures. The cost is $1 and used for creating future festivals. While you are at the event, you can visit an exhibit that shows the history of snow sculpting and ice carving over the past two decades. You can also volunteer to work at the festival if you ask event organizers far enough in advance.
How to Get There
The Breckenridge ice sculpture competition also has an ice village. The entire event is located at the RiverwalkCenter at 150 West Adams Avenue near Main Street. You can take a 10-minute gondola ride to get to and from the festival and the ski resort, opt for the chair lift transportation, take a bus or park downtown. Most parking lots are free or cost no more than $15. You do not have to pay any money for a gondola, chair lift or bus ride. The gondola and chair lift offer the best views of the ice carvings and snow sculptures as well as the wildlife habitat Cucumber Gulch.
Silverthorne Ice Castle
You might want to also visit the 40,000 square foot ice castle in nearby Silverthorne. This exhibit started in late 2011. The sculptors behind that project used 3 million gallons of water. Complimentary ski poles are available at the ice castle. You can take a free bus to Silverthorne or park for free in one of two lots close to the ice castle.
Clothing and Accessibility
Do not wear cowboy boots to the ice sculpture competition in Breckenridge or the ice castle complex in Silverthorne. Wear boots with good traction as well as layers of warm clothing. While the Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships presented by Cadillac is wheelchair accessible, the ice castle in Silverthorne might not be an appropriate place for some wheelchair users. While there are no stairs at the ice castle, the path is sometimes bumpy and can cause physical pain to some people in wheelchairs. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome at the ice sculpture competition, but may not visit the Silverthorne ice castle.
Mark Your Calendar!
The snow sculpture championships have specific opening and closing dates each year. However, the Silverthorne ice complex starts and ends on different dates each year in accordance with weather conditions.
