Marvel at More Than 100 Sculptures at Alaska’s Largest Ice Festival This Winter

Alaska's largest ice festival, the World Ice Art Championships, is back again this year in Fairbanks, Alaska! Watch more than 100 artists from all over the world compete with their incredible sculptures at Ice Alaska. Put this Fairbanks ice competition on your calendar because you won’t want to miss this!

Ice Alaska found its start with the early celebrations of spring that involved Ice Thrones for the Winter Carnivals of the 1930s.

The tradition, almost one hundred years old, brought in spectators from all over the state. In 1990, it started as the championship we know and love now: the World Ice Championships, hosting over 100 ice sculptors from around the world. It was only a weeklong event then but now runs for over a month!

On average nine different countries are represented each year. And in total, there have been more than 45 countries represented by ice artists throughout the year. This is a winter festival in Alaska that will totally inspire you because the artwork is absolutely stunning!

Ice for the championship event is harvested in large blocks for the ice carvers to use for their sculpture. The championships are divided into three divisions: Single Block Classic, Double Block Classic, and the Multi-Block Classic. The multi-block sculptors turn up to nine blocks, or roughly around 15,490 pounds of ice, into something beautiful in only 132 hours.

The artists may only have a limited time to create their masterpiece for this ice sculpting competition but the entire event lasts for up to six weeks. And the best time to go? When it gets dark.

All of the sculptures, and many of the games, are lit up in bright neon colors. It’s the perfect way to chase the winter darkness away! And don’t forget the tons of fun for kids of all ages.

In the winter wonderland "Kid’s Park," you’ll find epic snow slides, colorful games, and more. Kids of all ages will love to visit!

This Alaska winter festival will take place from Feb. 14, 2025, to March 31, 2025. Pick a day, grab your tickets, and plan for a fun and icy event!

Make sure to check out the Ice Alaska website for updated competition schedules and ticket pricing. The season passes are absolutely worth it! You can also follow the Ice Alaska Facebook page for even more news and updates.

And do be sure you check out the competition schedule before heading out to visit. You won’t want to miss your favorite sculptor!

Have you ever visited Alaska’s largest ice festival? What did you think about this Fairbanks ice competition? Was it amazing? Share this article with the person you hope attends this event with you!

Looking for more great Alaska winter attractions? We’ve rounded up seven winter attractions in Alaska that are a must-see this year! And if any winter activities are outdoors, make sure you have the proper gear to keep you warm.