The Toyota International Snow Sculpture Championship in Breckenridge will welcome two new international teams in 2026, as Ukraine and South Korea prepare to join the prestigious winter arts competition. The announcement was made by Lucy Kay, president of the Breckenridge Tourism Office, during a recent update to the Breckenridge Town Council.
The addition of Team Ukraine and the Republic of Korea brings the total number of participating teams to twelve for the upcoming championship. They will compete alongside established teams from Argentina, Germany, Finland, India, Italy, Lithuania, Malta, Mongolia, as well as teams representing Breckenridge and Vermont in what promises to be the most internationally diverse competition to date.
The 2026 championship is scheduled to begin in late January, following the event's traditional timeline. The competition will kick off with sculpting week starting Saturday, January 24, when teams will begin transforming massive blocks of snow into intricate artistic masterpieces. Following the intensive creation period, viewing week will commence on Wednesday, January 28, allowing the public to witness the remarkable sculptures and vote for their favorites.
During Kay's presentation to the Breckenridge Town Council on October 28, she emphasized that planning for the event is already in full swing. The tourism office is coordinating logistics for the expanded field of international participants, which requires careful planning for accommodations, equipment, and the unique needs of each team's artistic vision.
The International Snow Sculpture Championships has grown significantly since its inception, becoming a major winter cultural event that attracts artists and visitors from around the world. Last year's competition featured Team Mongolia, whose sculpture "Mother Earth" earned them the silver medal in what was then called the 3rd Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships, demonstrating the high level of artistic skill and creativity that characterizes the event.
The inclusion of Ukraine and South Korea represents the championship's continued commitment to international cultural exchange through art. These teams will bring their unique artistic traditions and snow sculpting techniques to Colorado's mountain community, enriching the competition's diversity and providing visitors with an opportunity to experience art forms influenced by different cultural perspectives.
For those interested in following the competition's development or learning more about the event details, additional information is being regularly updated and made available through the Breckenridge Tourism Office. The championship continues to serve as both a significant cultural attraction for the region and an important platform for international artistic collaboration in the unique medium of snow sculpture.
