Skip to content

Vernon Winter Carnival snow sculpture competition melts away

Lack of snow forces Carnival organizers to focus on ice-carving challenge at SilverStar
web1_180209-vms-scultpture
The Vernon Winter Carnival has made the decision to change the B.C. Snow Sculpture competition at SilverStar Mountain Resort this weekend, to an ice-carving challenge in the village because of a lack of snow. (Black Press - file photo)

Snow has turned to ice for one of Vernon Winter Carnival’s premiere events of opening weekend.

The BC Snow Sculpture competition at SilverStar Mountain Resort is shifting to accommodate the weather of 2024.

The large snow blocks are not feasible this year as there is not enough snow for the series of five large blocks.

Carnival said Wednesday, Jan. 31, that in honouring the high level of sculpting and artistry that the sculpture competition offers, it made the tough decision to change direction.

“We will be carving a series of ice-carvings done by Carvewel Creations throughout the village,” said Carnival director Roel Van de Crommenacker, event manager.

There will be 10 carvings done in the Carnival 2024 theme of Games and celebrating the sponsors The Cooperators Insurance, The Arts Council of the North Okanagan, TekMar, TMS:Transition Marketing Services and of course, Vernon Winter Carnival.

“Of course it’s disappointing to make this tough decision,” said Van de Crommenacker. “We’ve been in constact contact with SilverStar Mountain, watching the weather and trying to make it work. It was hard to tell the teams. They were all disappointed but understood, and they are all really keen to return next year when conditions are once again favourable.’

The ice blocks are 10x20x40 inches and take approximately two hours each to carve.

Tyler Welfing, lead carver, is looking forward to the challenge of creating game-themed carvings.There will still be a People’s Choice award ceremony at SilverStar Mountain on Sunday, Feb 4. The voting starts at 10 a.m., the winner announced at 12 p.m.

This story was updated at 3:22 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 31, to correct number of ice carvings to be created

READ MORE: Missing dog Gizmo found after two-week search in Vernon

READ MORE: Vernon curling coach off to Scotties



Roger Knox

About the Author: Roger Knox

I am a journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the industry. I started my career in radio and have spent the last 21 years working with Black Press Media.
Read more