The winter silence in George Horner Ice Park in Fairbanks has come to an end. For several days now, there has been bustling activity. Vehicles transport blocks of ice, and warmly dressed women and men cut and shape the ice blocks late into the night. The residents of Fairbanks are already used to this annual “disturbance” in the park at this time of year. The Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships are just around the corner. This year’s World Championships of Ice Art will take place from February 16 to March 31, 2026.
The History of the Ice Alaska World Ice Art Championships
The tradition of ice sculpture competitions began with early spring celebrations featuring ice thrones for winter carnivals in the 1930s, providing Alaska residents with an outdoor activity. In 1990, a committee was formed and decided to establish it as a permanent annual event to promote and showcase the art of ice sculpting. In recent years, the World Ice Art Championships have attracted more than 100 professional ice artists from over 45 countries, along with many local artists from various U.S. states. The result is more than 100 competitive sculptures and exhibition pieces, as well as the ever-growing playful ice attractions in the Kids Park.
“From small things, big things can grow” and now the Ice Alaska Winter Carnival has developed into a six-week event filled with amazing artworks and wonderful winter fun. The competition is held and awarded in the categories SINGLE BLOCK, DOUBLE BLOCK, and MULTIBLOCK TEAMS.
More than 90 board members organize every aspect of the event, from cutting the ice blocks, communication, registration, and catering for guest artists, to fundraising, marketing, and promotion.
Ice Alaska conducts fundraising activities throughout the year to support the event.
Nothing Works Without Many Volunteers
Every year, volunteers travel from all U.S. states. Some have even come from Australia. Volunteers bring tremendous energy to help stage the world’s largest ice art competition. The presence of volunteers is an integral part of the successful presentation of the World Ice Art Championships by Ice Alaska.
Any volunteer who works at least six hours per day for 14 days is provided with accommodation, transportation from the hotel to the park and back, and meals on site during working hours.
Opening Hours
February 16 to March 31, 2026
Monday – Sunday: 12:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Website: Ice Alaska
Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal