A Frosty Legacy
Lake Geneva’s Winterfest began as a small community event, but it has grown into one of the Midwest’s premier winter celebrations. The event was originally centered around music (not snow), enticing visitors to town during one of the quietest times of the year. Over the years, starting in 1996, it’s become synonymous with an annual snow sculpting competition, drawing talented snow sculpting artists and curious spectators from across the country and around the world.
Behind the Scenes: The Magic of Snow Sculpting
The heart of Winterfest is the snow sculpting competition. Each team begins with a 8X8X10' block of snow, meticulously packed and prepared. Over the course of several days, they carve, chisel, and shape these blocks into stunning sculptures inspired by themes of nature, culture, and imagination.
Did you know?
- All of the snow is generously made by the team at The Mountaintop at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa.
- It takes approximately 10 tons of snow to create each block for the competition, which means close to 150 tons of snow is made and formed into the blocks used by the sculptors.
- The tools used by sculptors range from traditional chisels to handmade instruments designed specifically for snow carving. No standard set of snow sculpting tools exists, the teams will bring everything from sandpaper and truss plates to ice fishing augers and hatchets to fight with the snow blocks.
This year’s competition will feature returning competitors from the last 3 decades, all vying to impress the judges and the public. Be sure to vote for your favorite sculpture in the “People’s Choice” category!
What to Expect at the 30th Winterfest
This year’s Winterfest is shaping up to be an extraordinary celebration of the 30-year milestone. Visitors can expect an unforgettable lineup of activities and attractions, including:
- An Ice Sculpture Walk throughout downtown Lake Geneva
- Bonfires on the Beach featuring dazzling performances by fire dance artists, warming bonfires, and hot cocoa & s'mores
- Human Dog Sled Racing
- Live entertainment all over town!
- Family-friendly outdoor activities
Exploring Lake Geneva Beyond Winterfest
Winterfest is just the beginning of your Lake Geneva adventure. While you’re in town, make the most of your visit with these winter activities:
Outdoor Adventures
- Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at nearby ski resorts.
- Lakefront Walks: Enjoy the beauty of Geneva Lake covered in snow.
- Snowshoeing: Explore scenic trails at Big Foot Beach State Park.
Cozy Retreats
- Restaurants: Warm up with a hearty meal at one of Lake Geneva’s many acclaimed restaurants, offering everything from farm-to-table fine dining to comforting classics.
- Spas: Indulge in a relaxing spa day at one of the town’s luxurious resorts.
- Boutique Shopping: Browse unique shops for seasonal gifts, winter apparel, and local crafts.