Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships Draws Most Diverse Field to Date

BRECKENRIDGE, Colo., Dec. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Sixteen teams are set to compete in the International Snow Sculpture Championships, which brings an outdoor art gallery to downtown Breckenridge, Colo. from Jan. 22 through Feb. 3, 2013. The selection represents the most diverse field of artists in the event's 23-year history and includes both past medalists and teams new to the event: Argentina (new), Australia, Baltic-Latvia/Estonia, Canada-Yukon, Catalonia-Spain, China, Ecuador (new), Germany, Great Britain-Wales, Iceland (new), India (new), Mexico, Mongolia (new), Singapore (new), USA-Alaska and USA-Breckenridge. New for 2013, viewers can follow their favorite teams online at BreckConnection.com, where submission sketches are already posted. Daily photo updates will also be available on Facebook.com/GoBreck.

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A panel of judges – event founders, organizers and snow artists – chose teams from the largest application pool ever, based on past performance (in Breckenridge and at other global snow sculpting events), team resume and overall sculpting experience, among other criteria.

Throughout the five days (65 hours) of sculpting, each team creates an enormous work of art from 12-foot-tall, 20-ton blocks of machine-made Colorado snow. Artists achieve finished pieces without the use of power tools, internal support structures or colorants. At the close of the competition, Gold, Silver and Bronze prizes are awarded, along with Artists' Choice and two categories open to public voting, People's Choice and Kids' Choice. Winners receive no money; rather recognition throughout the international snow sculpting community.

"Breckenridge's competition is emerging as one of the preeminent snow sculpture events in the world," said event founder Rob Neyland. "The quality of the snow, combined with ideal weather conditions, allows sculptors to push the art form. We're seeing competitors defy gravity in a way that they cannot do in most other destinations."

Snow carving in Breckenridge began as a local pastime during the town's winter carnival – Ullr Fest – in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The founders of Breckenridge's International Snow Sculpture Championships are still involved in the event, which is attended annually by more than 32,000 people.

New Photo Workshops

The Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships has long been popular with photographers; new for 2013, photography workshops can be combined with lodging and a team experience that includes hosting a team for a day, tickets to the VIP team party, snow sculpture gift pack and more. Visit GoBreck.com or call 800-Go-Breck (800-462-7325) for details.

GoBreck is the destination marketing organization for the Town of Breckenridge. Connect on Facebook or Twitter for the latest Breckenridge photos, news and updates.

SOURCE GoBreck