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Team Vermont Competes at Breckenridge Snow Sculpting Competition
Vermont team creates geometric snow sculpture called the Eight of Diamonds
Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:15am
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A team from Vermont is currently competing in the International Snow Sculpture Contest in Breckenridge, Colorado, working through the night to create a 12-foot by 25-ton geometric snow sculpture called the Eight of Diamonds. The team, which includes Michael Nedell and Adrian Tans, is one of only two U.S. teams competing against teams from around the world. The sculptors are using hand tools like saws, rasps, and custom chisels to carve the snow, as power tools are not allowed. The sculptures must be completed by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
Why it matters
The International Snow Sculpture Contest in Breckenridge is a prestigious event that draws teams from around the world to showcase their snow sculpting skills. Having a team from Vermont represent the United States is a point of pride for the state and an opportunity to showcase the creativity and talent of its artists on an international stage.
The details
The Vermont team's snow sculpture, called the Eight of Diamonds, was designed by Michael Nedell using 3D software. The team is working around the clock to carve the 12-foot by 25-ton block of snow using only hand tools like saws, rasps, and custom chisels. No power tools are allowed in the competition. The teams have 94 hours to complete their sculptures, which must be finished by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday.
- The International Snow Sculpture Contest in Breckenridge is currently underway.
- The Vermont team is working through the night to complete their sculpture.
- The sculptures must be finished by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2026.
The players
Michael Nedell
A Vermont artist who designed the team's geometric snow sculpture called the Eight of Diamonds.
Adrian Tans
A Woodstock, Vermont resident who is representing Team Vermont in the snow sculpting competition.
Team Vermont
The team from Vermont competing in the International Snow Sculpture Contest in Breckenridge, Colorado.
What they’re saying
“I was playing around with my 3D software one day and came up with this and showed it to him and said, wow, look at that.”
— Michael Nedell
“I think he did that a few years ago when we said, that looks too hard. And for some reason, he pitched it again, and we didn't say that. So here we are, for better or for worse.”
— Adrian Tans, Woodstock Resident
What’s next
The sculptures must be completed by 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 29, 2026, when they will be judged by the competition organizers.
The takeaway
The International Snow Sculpture Contest in Breckenridge is a prestigious event that showcases the creativity and talent of artists from around the world. Having a team from Vermont represent the United States is a point of pride for the state and an opportunity to demonstrate the state's artistic prowess on an international stage.
