Ice cold art in Grindelwald

Boys climbing the moon was one of last year's entries. Grindelwald Tourism

"Looking for change" is the theme of this year's snow sculpture competition in the resort of Grindelwald.

From January 14 to 19, teams from about 10 nations will channel their creative talents into snow sculptures based on the theme.

The competitors are provided with the raw material, snow, a few buckets and shovels and nothing else, save encouragement from the many curious tourists who admire the pieces of temporary art taking shape.

The finished works are judged on their interpretation of the theme and originality. There is also a prize awarded to the public’s favourite.

The awards ceremony will take place in mid-afternoon on January 19, and will be accompanied by a folklore festival.

The competition is now in its 18th year, and has become one of the most popular festivals of its kind in the world.

Heidi was the theme chosen by the Japanese in the first year of the Grindelwald event, but since then the participating artists have been challenged by more abstract subjects including, “Reconciling technology with nature”, “Tension and relaxation” and “Optimism”.

The theme for last year’s competition was “Children’s dreams” and was won by a team from Britain. They convinced the jury with their abstract sculpture “A Forest made of snow or a snow covered forest”.

swissinfo