„winter art – sculptures of snow“

Barbed wire, saws, and shovels are their tools; rubber boots, earmuffs, and gloves their most important equipment – and the weather their great ally. In February 2026, 30 artists from all over the world will participate in the 35th International Snow Sculpture Festival in San Candido/Innichen – a special side-event as part of the 2026 Winter Olympics.

The rules are simple and attractive for spectators: fresh snow from the surroundings is pressed into 3×3×3m blocks, which are placed in different areas.

On these blocks, the 10 teams can give free rein to their imagination. The result should be an imaginative sculpture. Apart from their tools, the sculptors may only use water – which will soon turn to ice in the freezing winter temperatures of the region.

The works must be completed within three days, after which they will be inspected and voted on by guests in the various tourist resorts and local residents.

The Snow Sculpture Festival will take place from February 1st to 4th, 2026. Hopefully, the low winter temperatures will help the sculptures last long enough to be admired even in the evenings, when they are illuminated.

Official partner of Harbin International Snow Sculpture Art Expo www.hiissc.com

more information:

Hanna Erharter - Tourist Board San Candido / Innichen

Piazza del Magistrato 1 - 39038 San Candido (BZ)

Tel. 0474/913149 - Fax 0474/913677

e-Mail: hanna@innichen.it