Breckenridge was certainly the place to be the end of January. The resort town recently drew quite a crowd as it celebrated its 20th year hosting the annual Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Snow and ice sculptors from across the world had been working since 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, January 26th straight through until 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 30th - five non-stop days creating their own unique masterpieces. All of which are crafted completely by hand. That's right - no electric saws or other power tools, only hand tools are used to chisel away and turn a 20 ton, 12 foot block of snow into a magical work of art.

Twelve teams participated this year, representing countries from Mexico to China to Lithuania to Canada to Colorado's own Team Loveland and of course, Team Breckenridge. Also representing the United States was Team Alaska, Team Minnesota and Team Wisconsin. This year's event was another great success as crowds gathered Sunday afternoon and awaited in suspense to hear the top three winners.

This year's Gold Medal was proudly awarded to Lithuania for its unique, inspiring piece titled, "Milite Est Vita," depicting the symbol of "Victory." Team Lithuania also received the Kids' Choice Award for this same stunning image.

The winner of this year's Silver Medal was Team Canada for "Memories From My Youth."

Team Mexico took home the Bronze Medal for its display, "The Altar of Quetzolcouti."   

Another award given out each year, which also serves as a fundraiser for the annual event, is the People's Choice Award. Once again for a second year in a row, Team Alaska took home this award, this time for its whimsical piece, "The Last Iceberg."

Other pieces worth mentioning include the following:

"Dance of the Fohn Wind Spirits" by Team USA/Wisconsin

"String Theroy" by our very own Team USA/Breckenridge

"Winter Blues" by Team USA/Loveland.

 A BIG Thank you once again to the Town of Breckenridge and the people of Summit County for putting on another fantastic event. It's certainly all the volunteers within the community and the sponsorships from the local businesses that make this event such a great success. Pictures to follow.

Blog By Christy D. Darling