Alaska’s largest ice festival, the World Ice Art Championships, is back again this year in Fairbanks, Alaska! Watch more than 100 artists from all over the world compete with their incredible sculptures at Ice Alaska. Put this Fairbanks ice competition on your calendar, because you won’t want to miss this!

Ice Alaska found its start with the early celebrations of spring that involved Ice Thrones for the Winter Carnivals of the 1930s.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
The tradition, almost one hundred years old, brought in spectators from all over the state. In 1990, it started as the championship we know and love now: the World Ice Championships, hosting over 100 ice sculptors from around the world. It was only a weeklong event then, but now runs for over a month!
In fact, on average 9 different countries are represented each year.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
In total, there have been over 45 countries represented from ice artists throughout the year. And their artwork is absolutely stunning!
Ice for the championship event is harvested in large blocks for the ice carvers to use for their sculpture.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
The championships are divided into three divisions: Single Block Classic, Double Block Classic, and the Multi-Block Classic. The multi-block sculptors turn up to nine blocks, or roughly around 15,490 pounds of ice, into something beautiful in only 132 hours.

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The best time to go? When it gets dark.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
All of the sculptures, and many of the games, are lit up in bright neon colors. It’s the perfect way to chase the winter darkness away!
And don’t forget the tons of fun for kids of all ages.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
In the winter wonderland "Kid’s Park," you’ll find epic snow slides, colorful games, and more. Kids of all ages will love to visit!
Pick a day, grab your tickets, and plan for a fun and icy event!
Ice Alaska / Facebook
Make sure to check out the Ice Alaska website for updated competition schedules and ticket pricing. The season passes are absolutely worth it!
Join the fun from February 17 through March 31, 2024.
Ice Alaska / Facebook
And do be sure you check out the competition schedule before heading out to visit. You won’t want to miss your favorite sculptor!

Take a tour of the Ice Alaska ice sculpting competition in Fairbanks, AK in this video from Vlogs With Vanessa:

Have you ever visited Alaska’s largest ice festival? What did you think about this Fairbanks ice competition? Was it amazing? Share some stories from your adventures at this winter festival in Alaska in the comments section!

Looking for more great Alaska winter attractions? We’ve rounded up seven winter attractions in Alaska that are a must-see this year!

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More to Explore

Winter In Alaska

Chris Muras | January 10, 2024

Are there any winter festivals in Alaska?
Just because Alaska has cold dark winters doesn't mean we have to shut ourselves up inside until spring. There are plenty of fun festivals to keep us happy and warm inside. Here are a few winter festivals in Alaska you can put on your bucket list:

  • Iceworm Festival, Cordova, AK: When winter takes over in Alaska we need something to give us a little light and warmth. The Cordova Ice Worm Festival was started in 1961 to do just that. It is a wonderfully unique festival that includes everything from a chili cook-off to an extravagant fireworks show. Throughout this week-long celebration, you can take part in sports tournaments, paper airplane contests, cake competitions, board game night, yoga, and even Sea Squirts - a fun event just for preschoolers. It is truly one of the most diverse festivals we have found.
  • Fur Rendezvous Festival, Anchorage, AK: Since 1935 this epic winter festival in Anchorage has been entertaining visitors and residents. From late November until early March, this event leads up to the iconic Iditarod race. Enjoy snow sculpture competitions, tribal dances, the Frostbite Footrace and Costume Fun Run, the Running of the Reindeer, sled dog races, and the Big Fat Ride - a fat tire bike race. Fur Rondy promises to be a fun festive winter event for everyone.
  • Winterfest, Denali National Park, AK: Winterfest in Denali gives Alaskans a reason to get outside and celebrate. Guided snowshoe walks, constellation hikes, snow sculpture competitions, sled dog races, and plenty of hot food, campfires, and cocoa. This winter festival has been warming hearts for over twenty years! If you happen to be in Denali National Park toward the end of February, look for this fun event.

One of the best times to see the Aurora Borealis in Alaska is during the winter months when it stays darker longer. If you want a stunning viewing adventure in Fairbanks, try this Northern Lights guided tour.

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Featured Addresses
World Ice Art Championships - Ice Alaska, 1800 College Rd, Fairbanks, AK 99709, USA