The Art

• A sport that combines physical stamina with artistic skill
  

• A sport in which Wisconsin leads the nation
  

• A sport/art in which the winning national team qualifies for the Winter Olympic Arts Festival (in the year prior to the Olympics)

Rules of the Competition

• Each team consists of three members, 18 years and older from the same state. 

• Amateurs and professionals are eligible. 

• No additional assistance is allowed at the sculpture site, except that given by competition organizers and ground crews. 

• The length or width of the 3-ton, 10-foot cylinder of snow may not be extended, however, height addition is optional. 

• No media other than snow. ice or water may be used.

• No colorants may be added.

• No armatures or molded shapes are allowed.

• No power tools permitted.

• Cannot begin sculpting before 9 a.m. Wednesday and must be completed by 11 a.m. Saturday.

Factors which influence the sculptors work include wind, temperature, humidity, dew point, sunlight and precipitation.  For example, if temperatures are forecasted above freezing during the daylight hours, sculptors may choose to sculpt through the night on Friday to preserve as much detail as possible.

How The Winners Are Chosen

• Gold, silver & bronze winners are determined by the competitors, themselves.  The judging criteria is:
               Creativity:  Originality of expression (50%)
               Technique:  Utilization of materials, excellence in execution and presentation (30%)
               Message:  Visual force of message and comprehension of theme by jury (20%)
  Gold    -  US National Competition Champions Award
  Silver   -  State of Wisconsin Award
  Bronze -  City of Lake Geneva Award  

• "Spirit Award" to the team or individual that best represents the ideals of the competition.  This award is named after Klaus Ebeling from Watertown, New York.  OHHHMMMM gives thanks to all that is good, friendship, food, weather, art, behavior, etc.  This award is decided by the previous winners of the award.

• "People's Choice Award" is selected by visitors to the event.  Voting is from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.  Ballots are distributed by volunteers.  Drop boxes are available at the sculpture site, Riviera Park.