APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 3, 2026
We invite you to join us in Breckenridge Colorado for the 2027 International Snow Sculpture Championships! This event is hosted by the Breckenridge Tourism Office on behalf of the Town of Breckenridge.
Please review the event overview carefully before submitting your application.
Teams will be notified of acceptance by early September, 2026. For questions, please contact Team Liaison Carol at SculptBreck@gobreck.com.
COMPETITION PERIOD
Teams arrive in Breckenridge on Thursday, January 21; depart Friday, January 29, 2027. This is to allow Teams an extra day in Breckenridge to acclimate to the alititude before carving.
Carving - Saturday, January 23, 2027 at 1100 hours (11:00am) through Wednesday, January 27, 2027 at 1000 hours (10:00am). Sculptures will remain intact at the site through February 3, 2027 (weather permitting).
COMPETITION RULES
Snow Block Specifications: Each team is provided with a snow block measuring 3.5 m high × 3 m wide × 3 m deep (12 ft high × 10 ft wide × 10 ft deep). Teams are expected to utilize the entire block and create a sculpture that is fully developed and visually engaging on all four sides. At the team's discretion, sculptures may be expanded by up to 2 m (6.5 ft) in height and up to 1 m (3.3 ft) beyond any or all sides of the original block. To support artistic excellence and creative expression, teams may also use additional snow sourced from the event site.
Permitted Materials: The only materials permitted for use in the sculpture are snow, water, and ice. Ice may be used only as an embellishment and may not serve as a dominant component of the sculpture or as structural support (armature). All sculpting work must take place at the Riverwalk Center event site. No colorants, additives, or other materials may be incorporated into the sculpture. The final sculpture must be entirely self-supporting, and no internal or external supports, armatures, or reinforcement materials may be used. The use of electric or propane-powered freezers, or any similar equipment, to create ice for the sculpture is prohibited.
Tools and Equipment: Only hand tools may be used. All power tools are strictly prohibited - including but not limited to battery-operated, gas-powered, electric tools, mechanized measuring or leveling devices. While some tools will be provided, teams are strongly encouraged to bring their own.
Originality Requirement: Sculpture designs must be original works and designs created by the sculpting team. The concept and intellectual property must belong solely to the team (or member of the team) and may not have been previously sculpted in another competition. By applying, the applicant confirms that all components of the proposed sculpture design are the original creation of the applicant and their team.
Sculpting Hours & On-Site Rules: Sculpting may only take place during designated carving days/competition timeframe and must occur within the Riverwalk Center event site. The team may sculpt during all hours of the day excluding the ISSC sanctioned events. Snow may not be removed from the event premises. Teams wishing to retain snow removed from their original block for later use must either:
- Leave the snow physically connected to the sculpture or original block; or
- Clearly mark the snow using spray paint or flags provided by the event organizers.
For safety reasons, Town or event staff may remove any unmarked snow that is not connected to the sculpture or original block. Event staff will not remove snow that remains attached to the sculpture.
Tools & Supplies: A list of tools provided will be shared with teams upon arrival. Teams are encouraged to bring additional tools as needed.
Team Composition: The competition is limited to twelve (12) teams. Each team must consist of a minimum of three (3) and a maximum of four (4) members, all of whom must be at least 18 years of age. Any exceptions to these requirements may be considered by the Event Organizers on a case-by-case basis.
Only officially registered team members may participate in the creation of the sculpture. Changes to a team's registered roster require prior approval from the Event Organizers and must be finalized before sculpting begins. No substitutions or additions will be permitted once carving has commenced.
NEW Judging Criteria: A jury appointed by the Event Officials will award 1st, 2nd, 3rd medals based on the following criteria with 20 points attributed to each category:
- Concept - Is it thought provoking (ie. CRAFT is impressive but ART offers and inspires a mental dialog - something to consider, engage, discover).
- Design - Sculptural prowess, originality, faithfulness to submission.
- Impact - Does it engage the viewer. Does it invoke emotion? WOW factor.
- Craft - Surface excellence, execution, and finish.
- Technical difficulty - Utilization of materials and engineering; degree of risk.
In the event of a rules-related dispute, a jury of the Event Officials will make the final decision by majority vote.
ADDITIONAL AWARDS
Artists’ Choice - Sculptors will vote for their favorite sculpture (excluding their own) following the competition. The winner will be announced at the Final Party on January 28, 2027.
People’s Choice - The public may vote for their favorite sculpture via digital ballot.
BRECKENRIDGE LOGISTICS
Transportation: Airfare is the responsibility of each team. Event organizers will provide ground transportation to and from Denver International Airport (DEN). Teams are encouraged to arrive on Wednesday, January 20, and spend a night in Denver to acclimate to Breckenridge’s high elevation. Carol can provide hotel recommendations. A car is not necessary in Breckenridge, as free public transportation is available throughout town.
Travel Stipend: Teams may request a travel stipend to help offset travel expenses. To be considered, each team member must submit round-trip flight details to and from Denver, including estimated airfare costs.
Lodging: Lodging will be provided from Thursday, January 21, through check-out on Friday, January 29, 2027. Accommodations are typically condominium or apartment-style units with kitchens, allowing teams to prepare meals as needed.
Meals: Provided meals include a welcome breakfast on the first day of sculpting, daily lunches on sculpting days, and five team dinners. In addition, each team will receive a $560 ($140 per person) meal stipend to help cover breakfasts and any additional meals not provided by the event.
Communication Expectations: The Primary Team Contact must respond to all official ISSC communications within 72 hours. All required materials, including travel itineraries and requested documentation, must be submitted by established deadlines.
Local Host Support: Each team will be paired with a Breckenridge volunteer host who will serve as the team’s primary local contact upon arrival. Hosts are available to help teams navigate the community, answer local questions, and assist with logistical needs unrelated to sculpting.
Apparel: ISSC jackets may be provided but are not guaranteed. Be prepared and bring your own appropriate cold-weather gear: jackets, gloves, hats, socks, boots, etc.
Important Notes About Breckenridge:
- Elevation: 9,600 feet / 2,926 meters. Please plan accordingly for altitude-related health considerations, hydration, and sun protection.
- Typical January temperatures range from -10°F to 45°F (-23°C to 7°C).