Sculptors Begin Crafting Snow Creations for Fur Rondy Competition

Annual Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship kicks off in Anchorage

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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Sculptors have arrived in Anchorage to begin work on their entries for the Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship, part of the annual Fur Rondy winter festival. The sculptors are carving eight-foot-tall blocks of snow into a variety of designs, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty and a massive bottle of ranch dressing. Veterans of the competition are excited about the high-quality snow this year, while newcomers are observing and learning from the experienced carvers.

Why it matters

The Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship is a beloved tradition that draws sculptors from across the state to showcase their talents and compete for prizes. The event is a highlight of the Fur Rondy festival, which celebrates Alaskan culture and heritage during the winter months.

The details

Sculptors arrived at a parking lot in Anchorage's Ship Creek neighborhood to begin work on their entries for the competition. They are carving eight-foot-tall blocks of snow into a variety of designs, including a replica of the Statue of Liberty, a massive bottle of ranch dressing, and an Asian shrine. Veterans of the competition, like 30-year ice-sculpting veteran Guy Urban, are excited about the high-quality snow this year, which they say is "a hundred times better" than last year's "chocolate-colored" snow. Newcomers to the carving scene, like first-time competitor Eric Johnson, are observing the experienced sculptors and taking notes.

  • The sculptors arrived on Saturday, February 22, 2026 to begin work on their entries.
  • The public display for the finished sculptures will officially begin on February 27, 2026.
  • The sculptors have until 10 a.m. on March 1, 2026 to apply their finishing touches.

The players

Guy Urban

A 30-year veteran of the ice-sculpting competition who is excited about the high-quality snow this year.

Steve Lukshin

The 2025 Solo Winner of the competition, who has given himself the alternate title of "Sir Numb-a-Lot" due to the bitter cold.

Eric Johnson

A first-time competitor in the snow sculpting competition who is observing the experienced sculptors and taking notes.

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What they’re saying

“A hundred times better than last year. Last year, you had a snow drought, right? And the snow was sort of a chocolate color.”

— Guy Urban, 30-year ice-sculpting veteran (webcenterfairbanks.com)

“My title, my solo name, is Sir Numb-a-Lot. I don't know if I'm numb in the mind or numb in the fingers.”

— Steve Lukshin, 2025 Solo Winner (webcenterfairbanks.com)

“My eyes are open to what they're doing. I think I might need a few sharper tools.”

— Eric Johnson, First-time competitor (webcenterfairbanks.com)

What’s next

The finished sculptures will remain on display until March 13, 2026, allowing the public to view the sculptors' creations.

The takeaway

The Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championship is a beloved tradition that showcases the incredible talent and creativity of sculptors from across the state. The event is a highlight of the Fur Rondy festival, celebrating Alaskan culture and heritage during the winter months.