China’s “City of Ice”—otherwise known as the Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival—is home to some truly amazing snow and ice creations. Pictured at the 29th annual event, which was held this past winter, is “Romantic Feelings,” the largest ice sculpture ever made.
Frosty Feats: 12 Incredible Snow Sculptures
Going way beyond two lumps of coal and an old silk hat, some folks take the art of snow sculpting to an astonishing level. Here are some of the most spectacular winter wonders from around the world.
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Larger Than Life
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No Two Are Alike
Delicately poised in a gentle grip, this snowflake is actually vastly larger-than-life—a contradiction that makes the entire scene seem surreal.
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Still Life on Ice
Although these snowy trees are life-size, the incredible detail and serene setting make them seem as if they've been rendered in miniature. This sculpture was a finalist in the 2009 St. Paul Winter Carnival, and the artist is back for another go-round in January 2014.
flickr.com via Lois Bravo
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Snowy Sasquatch
It’s hard to deny a Bigfoot sighting when he’s been erected in packed, frozen snow. Or, as some say, this menacing statue may just be Old Man Winter letting us know summer isn’t coming anytime soon.
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Marvelous Marvel
This snowy Spider-Man is in position for his next webbed wonder at a snow festival in Taebaek, South Korea.
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From Russia With Love
During the Vasaloppet China Ski Festival, snow is transformed into some of the most iconic buildings in Europe. This Russian-style Orthodox Church is just one of the amazing structures erected at this event, now in its tenth year.
Reuters
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Homage to Picasso
Catalonia-Spain’s team took second place with this piece of (very) modern art in the 2013 International Snow Sculpture Championships at Breckenridge. Named “Banyista Nua” (Nude Sunbather), this Picasso-style sculpture channels irony with its warm subject matter in such a chilly environment.
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At Home in the Snow
A highlight of the 2010 Sapporo Snow Festival, "Northern Zoo" brought to life a snow leopard as well as a small menagerie of other endangered animals.
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You Better Watch Out
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House of Cards
The odds may be stacked, but this structure seems pretty flush amongst the many visitors enjoying the Quebec City Winter Carnival.
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Got Anything to Eat?
This familiar fridge-raiding scene was created for Snow Days Chicago 2013, held at the Windy City’s Gateway Park last January. Sculptors from around the world started with a collective total of 8,000 cubic feet of snow from which to design their masterpieces.
Raymond Boyd Photography
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1,000 Melting Men
Because the difference between snow and ice is actually only the difference between frozen vapor and frozen water, we thought we could sneak in an ice sculpture. One thousand of them, actually: Brazilian artist Néle Azevedo installed 1,000 seated ice men on the steps of Berlin’s concert hall to illustrate the effects of climate change.
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For More...
For more incredible winter inspiration, check out:
Architectural & Appetizing Gingerbread Houses
11 Outrageously Decorated Christmas Yards
10 Easy Ways to Add Christmas Curb Appeal
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See the House of the Week
Discover and admire beautiful and innovative home architecture, from grand Victorians to quaint cabins and all the styles in between. Take a look at the latest images and inspiration!
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