Northwest Magazines

Regional Travel Guide - Alaska

Have an Ice Day!

Fairbanks, Alaska

More than 100 ice sculptors from around the world slide into Fairbanks for the World Ice Art Championships, starting February 26, 2008 as part of the Fairbanks Winter Carnival.

"This is the premier ice sculpting event in the world. The sculptors who participate are world-class carvers," says Jade Frank of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau. "The reason the competition is here is that we have some of the clearest ice in the world. We have large ponds where the ice is able to freeze at very low temperatures, so it has virtually no bubbles in it."

The carving competition runs through March 7. On March 8, the sculptures are lighted and open for public viewing. "The ice sculptures are in a wooded area that becomes magical with the lighting," says Frank.

She advises that the best time to visit is March 8 through 15. The carnival continues through March 23, but temperatures sometimes warm, causing some melting. "It's an ideal time to visit. Visitors can also see the northern lights and sled dog races," she adds.

Ice sculptures are also available for viewing year-round at the Ice Museum downtown (www.icemuseum.com). Local sculptor Carl Eady carves the images here, and it’s "the coolest show in town." At Chena Hot Springs, a resort 50 miles from town, sculptor Steve Brice has created the Aurora Ice Museum (www.chenahotsprings.com), a hotel created from 1000 tons of ice and snow complete with hot pools for soaking and watching the northern lights.

(800-327-5774; www.icealaska.com)

Northwest Travel Magazine January/February 2007