Buyers who come looking for vacation real estate in Breckenridge during this week, January 13-16, can watch how the blocks of snow are built and even join in the fun helping the Town of Breckenridge to make it happen.

T blank canvases of snow that are carefully planted around the Riverwalk Center and Blue River Plaza will be turned into awe-inspiring snow sculptures by the teams of artisans.  Each four-person team carves a unique sculpture into its twenty ton block of snow.  Using no power tools—only creativity and hands—the sculptors form their masterpieces before thousands of spectators.

Sculpting begins January 20 and ends, usually with a flurry of all-night finishing touches, on Saturday, January 21 at 10:00 a.m.  As judges observe the emerging designs, spectators may also voice their opinions by voting.  On January 25, a panel of artists awards the top three teams on the basis of theme, style, and technique.  They will also announce the winners of the awards for People’s Choice, Kids’ Choice, and Artists’ Choice.

Another interesting element of the event is the exhibit at the Snow Sculpture Headquarters in Riverwalk Center.  The stories from the last two decades of Budweiser International Snow Sculpture Championships will be displayed.  Everyone can learn about the roots of the event, the competitors, the beauty and fun that the Championships bring to this historic village.  They began as a tribute to the God of Snow during the annual January Ullr Fest and grew into an international event.

The event leaves a spectacular Ice Village at the Riverwalk Center.  Glowing statues remain on display, weather permitting, until February 1.  At that time, they disappear during the night.

The teams selected to participate in this competition include Team Bulgaria, Team Canada Ontario, Team Canada Yukon, Team Canada U.S., Team China, Team German, Team Mexico, Team Netherlands, Team Spain, Team Switzerland, Team U.S. Alaska, Team U.S. Breckenridge, Team U.S. Loveland, Team Minnesota, Team Vermont, and Team Wyoming.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates is a long-time resident and Realtor and may share her own stories about the snow sculpting competitions in town.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly professional real-estate assistance in the Rocky Mountain area.

The Golden Stories of Breckenridge is a growing series of video documentaries about Breckenridge history.  The videos include interviews with historical experts, residents and visitors who have been a part of the last century, as well as direct descendents of the families who lived in early Breckenridge Colorado homes. 

Sponsored by the Town of Breckenridge and produced by local videographer Wendy Wolfe, three videos are available at this time:  The Depression Years, The High Line, and Rest in Peace.

• The Depression Years features stories from three early residents including their colorful and touching memories of the railroad, the dredge boats, the early schools, and recreation in the area.  The stories are woven together with clips of film and photos that help paint a vivid picture of the experiences.
• The High Line features the local narrow-gauge railroad from 1882 to 1937.  Impressive stories of the building of the track over Boreas Pass underscore one of the most daunting accomplishments in railroad history.  Known as the High Line, those who worked it endured long and difficult days, cruel winters, and runaway trains.
• Rest in Peace elaborates on the beautiful Valley Brook Cemetery that was established in 1882.  It is the final resting place for many of the Town’s earliest pioneers whose ornate monuments tell the stories of the Victorian times.  Today the natural sanctuary thrives with wildflowers and wildlife.

The Golden Stories of Breckenridge may be viewed on local television and at the Edwin Carter Museum. The VHS-formatted videos are also available for purchase at the Breckenridge Activity Centers and at Town Hall for $20.

Jonna Beardsley of Breckenridge Associates is a long-time resident and Realtor.  Call Jonna at (970) 453-2200 for friendly professional real-estate assistance in the Rocky Mountain area.