Visiting the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks

Each winter, carvers from around the world turn blocks of crystal-clear Alaskan ice into towering, illuminated sculptures in Fairbanks. Here's how to visit the World Ice Art Championships.

What it is

Hosted by Ice Alaska, the championships draw top international carvers for single-block and multi-block competitions, using local pond ice prized for its clarity. The results are enormous and astonishing.

When to go

The main competitions run from mid-February into early March, and the Ice Park typically stays open into spring. Go after dark, when the sculptures are lit and at their most dramatic.

Dress for it

You're outside in a Fairbanks winter — bundle up for well-below-zero temperatures, especially in the evening.

Plan with our World Ice Art guide, find events in Fairbanks, and see how to do ice art by day and aurora by night or visit with kids.