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Cripple Creek Today
By the People, for the People
Cripple Creek Ice Festival Sculptors Battle Warm Weather
Artists adapt techniques to create frozen masterpieces for annual event
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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Ice sculptors at the Cripple Creek Ice Festival in Colorado are facing unseasonably warm weather this year, forcing them to get creative with their techniques to complete six frozen artworks for the festival. Despite the challenges, the sculptors are determined to showcase their final creations, which draw inspiration from Egypt, peace, and more.
Why it matters
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival is a beloved annual event that attracts visitors to the town. The ability of the ice sculptors to adapt and overcome the warm weather conditions is crucial to ensuring the festival's success and continuing to provide a unique and visually stunning experience for attendees.
The details
With a lack of snow and freezing temperatures, the ice sculptors have had to make their own 'mortar' out of scrap ice to hold the sculptures together. They've also had to adjust their usual techniques to account for the softer ice conditions. However, some sculptors are finding benefits to the warmer weather, as it's easier on their tools and bodies. The final sculptures on display include a dove in a heart, a sundial, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and an Arabian scene.
- The Cripple Creek Ice Festival runs from February 14th through the 22nd, 2026.
The players
Joaquin Botello
An ice sculptor from Cool Hand Ice Carving.
Luan Bui
An ice sculptor from Bui Art.
What they’re saying
“We don't have snow as a building material that we would usually use as our mortar. We have to make that ourselves out of some of our scrap ice, and we have to basically do a lot of gymnastics in order to be able to accomplish the goal without having freezing temperatures.”
— Joaquin Botello, Ice Sculptor, Cool Hand Ice Carving (koaa.com)
“With the warm weather like this, I like it because it's soft, so you're not hard on your tool, not hard on your body.”
— Luan Bui, Ice Sculptor, Bui Art (koaa.com)
“They sacrifice their time and effort just to send a message for people to keep peace in yourself and within you. I want it to be all about love and the dove would bring in peace.”
— Luan Bui, Ice Sculptor, Bui Art (koaa.com)
“It's not just the week of, you know, sweat, blood, and tears that we pour into being here. There's a tremendous level of preplanning and preparation that goes into it.”
— Joaquin Botello, Ice Sculptor, Cool Hand Ice Carving (koaa.com)
“This whole street filled with ice is a very rewarding feeling.”
— Joaquin Botello, Ice Sculptor, Cool Hand Ice Carving (koaa.com)
What’s next
Organizers say visitors must see the ice sculptures in person to vote for their favorite.
The takeaway
The Cripple Creek Ice Festival sculptors have demonstrated their resilience and creativity in the face of warm weather challenges, showcasing their dedication to their craft and their commitment to providing a unique and visually stunning experience for festival attendees.
