Lake Geneva Winterfest brings international snow sculptors to Wisconsin
Lake Geneva Winterfest transforms the town into a frosty gallery, drawing snow sculptors from around the globe to compete on the shores of southeastern Wisconsin.
The centerpiece is a three‑day carving contest. Artists receive eight‑foot‑square, ten‑foot‑high blocks of snow—about 150 tons supplied by Grand Geneva Resort—and work around the clock from February 3 to February 6. Volunteer "stompers" compact the snow to ensure consistent conditions, regardless of natural snowfall.
Awards are presented in The Riviera Ballroom on Saturday, with first, second and third places announced, and a People’s Choice vote open from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon.
Beyond the competition, the festival offers a Downtown Ice Sculpture Walk featuring nearly fifty ice carvings, and evening bonfires on the lake accompanied by fire‑dance performances. The festivities run through Sunday, February 7, with sculptures remaining on display while weather permits.
Visitors can reach Lake Geneva by car or shuttle from Milwaukee or Chicago, and a range of lodging options—from historic inns to the upscale Grand Geneva Resort & Spa—cater to every taste.