Shapes In White Returning to Ischgl

Teams of sculptors from all over the world with work with spades, chisels and carving tools will be back in Ischgl in the Austrian Tirol from January 8-14 to take part in the 29th staging of the resort’s Shapes in White exhibition.

Each works to create a snow sculpture up to 10m high in just five days with a total of 50 tons of snow being used, creating an impressive open-air gallery.. This year there’s a topical theme; “The Future of eco-friendly travel in the face of climate change.”

Shapes in White was launched in 1994 when Tourist Association bosses invited sculptors to make creations from the abundance of snow that was piled up after snowmachines had groomed the pistes. The concept proved to be hugely popular and became an annual event.

The rules are simple: Whoever turns their visions of the future into best ice-cold reality, wins. Ten selected pairs of artists from seven nations take part at sites throughout the skiing area. In addition, there will be a themed sculpture specified by Ischgl, which will be created by last year’s winner.

On January 14, the Ischgl jury will choose the most beautiful work of art. A map with explanations and locations of the eleven “Shapes in White” is available free of charge on site.