Winter wonderland of ice creatures and art under the northern lights

Under the dancing aurora borealis glows a field of 100 ice sculptures, handcrafted by master and first-timer carvers from around the world. The World Ice Art Championships, held annually in Alaska’s Golden Heart City of Fairbanks, attracts spectators seeking a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the creative possibilities of ice in a competitive atmosphere.

Each sculpture is cut from a solid 6-foot-tall, 4,000-pound ice block, known as an Arctic Diamond. Every year, 1.2 million pounds of ice are harvested for the event.

Looking for a family-fun, experiential opportunity? Add the Kids Ice Art Park and Aurora Ice Museum to your list.

– Gary Scott, The Alaska 100