Frosty Feats: 12 Incredible Snow Sculptures

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.

Delicately poised in a gentle grip, this snowflake is actually vastly larger-than-life—a contradiction that makes the entire scene seem surreal.

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.

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.

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.

Another Harbin masterpiece, this big Santa is sure to know what you’ve been up to. A team of expert carvers working on the finishing touches give perspective to the massive size of this jolly old elf.

The odds may be stacked, but this structure seems pretty flush amongst the many visitors enjoying the Quebec City Winter Carnival.

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.

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.

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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