Ever wanted to try your hand at sculpting a block of ice amid a snowy mountain backdrop? Now’s your chance. On Feb. 7 the Rocky Mountain Folk School is offering a hands-on Ice Sculpting Workshop in Grand Lake, Colorado, presented by the Grand Lake Creative District as part of the Grand Viking Winter Carnival.
© Heather Lee Schumann
The workshop runs from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday and is led by professional sculptors from Denver-based Colorado Ice Works. Instruction covers safety and correct tool use, techniques for transferring designs to ice, and a variety of carving methods so both beginners and more experienced participants can learn and create with confidence.
“Watching ice transform under skilled hands reminds us that even the most fleeting materials can hold incredible beauty — bringing people together through shared moments of art, creativity and winter wonder,” said Gillian Horne, executive director of the Rocky Mountain Folk School.
Each participant receives a clear block of ice and a full set of hand tools. Under the guidance of the Colorado Ice Works team, students use their imagination and new skills to carve an individual sculpture. Completed pieces are briefly exposed to controlled heat to “polish” the surface, producing a crystal-clear finish. Sculptures are then wrapped and boxed for safe transport, so creators can take their works home.
© Heather Lee Schumann
The Ice Sculpting Workshop is one of many activities at the Grand Viking Winter Carnival. The festival lineup includes snowmobile races, axe-throwing, miniature golf, bed sled races, lawn darts and the Winter Carnival Ball. A particularly playful highlight is teapot curling, where colorful teapots replace traditional curling stones in a precision ice game. Festival-goers are encouraged to wear Viking-themed attire to join in the spirit of the event.
Space in the ice sculpting class is limited and pre-registration is required. If you’re interested in a hands-on winter art experience in a stunning mountain setting, reserve your spot early to ensure participation in this creative and memorable workshop.