How the World Ice Art Sculptures Are Made

The sculptures at the World Ice Art Championships look impossible — but they start with something humble: blocks of local pond ice.

The ice

Fairbanks-area ponds freeze slowly and clearly, producing exceptionally pure, glass-like ice. Huge blocks are harvested and cut to size — that clarity is what lets light pass through the finished works.

The carving

Using chainsaws, chisels, irons, and grinders, carvers shape the blocks over several days. Single-block events test one team on one block; multi-block events stack many blocks into enormous, intricate scenes.

Why it lasts

Fairbanks's deep winter cold keeps the sculptures standing for weeks — the Ice Park typically stays open into spring.

Plan a visit with our World Ice Art guide, find events in Fairbanks, and read the visitor guide.