Snow & ice sculptures

The history of woodcarving goes back to the 17th century. Farmers' families bridged the harvestless winter months by everyday objects, religious figures and children's toys out of wood to sell at markets in the spring. Early on, the handmade sculptures and toys became known all over the world and contributed to the economic growth of our valley.
The handicraft was passed on from generation to generation and the artists were formed in the specialised schools in Val Gardena. Even today, arts and crafts are still very present in the valley: students are trained and encouraged in the fields of creativity, art and crafts at the "Cademia" art school in Ortisei.

The snow is transformed and comes to life with the sculpture competition in the snow in Selva di Val Gardena. The competition reached its 30th edition and is an adventure in the form of creativity and originality, where contestants challenge by working a fascinating and complicated matter. The result? Perfect and evocative works, which seem to be to life. Sculptors and artists, mostly of the valley, who usually carve in wood, have fun for three days to realize their giant handcrafted figures, without the help of motorized tools, from a 3x3x3 meter rectangular block of ice. A spectacle that you can admire for hours.

Traditional sculptures are not only carved from wood, but also from ice during the winter months. In January, the cold temperatures allow to decorate the pedestrian area of Ortisei with impressive ice figures to enchant the visitors. In cooperation with local artists and students of the School for Arts and Crafts in Val Gardena, a total of 600 rectangular ice blocks (16x16x80cm) are carved from 25.01. to 31.01.2027 into impressive ice sculptures using hammers and chisels, chain saws and gas burners: The sculptures can be admired in the village centre of Ortisei.