If you’ve never seen a sculptured snow carving, then you’re in for a treat because a lot of them will be on display next week at Northstar California ski resort.
Carve Tahoe returns to Northstar California January 28 through February 2. San Francisco-based advertising, design and production company Hub Strategy brings this international snow sculpture contest to North Lake Tahoe for the second year.
Eight three-member teams from Canada, Finland/Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Mexico, California/The Netherlands, Tahoe/Truckee and Wisconsin will participate in the Carve Tahoe five-day competition, creating elaborate sculptures from 20-ton blocks of snow using only hand tools, snow and water.
Snow sculpture events are extremely popular worldwide, with well-known events around the world. The snow carvers brave extreme conditions and work tirelessly creating pure, ephemeral sculptures that will last only a short time.
Attendees at Carve Tahoe can marvel at the creativity and ingenuity of the artists’ creations for free throughout the event. Sponsors include Finlandia Vodka, Sapporo Beer, Vail Resorts and North Lake Tahoe.
Sculptures at Carve Tahoe are best to view when they near completion, which takes place Thursday, through Sunday. On Friday each structure will be lit.
“Don’t miss the lighting of the sculptures Friday night,” said Kathryn Keown, the Executive Director of Carve Tahoe. “We illuminate the sculptures with multi-colored lights and guests can watch as the carvers sculpt all night getting ready for judging on Saturday.”
Carve Tahoe will once again be judged by Lawrence Noble, Chairman of the Academy of Art University Sculpture Department, known for sculptures and works of art including the legendary Yoda Fountain at the LettermanDigitalArtsCenter in the Presidio, San Francisco.
“It will be a joy to return to Northstar and enjoy the carvers’ talent once again,” said Noble. 
For more information on Carve Tahoe, visit: www.gotahoenorth.com or www.carvetahoe.com
