Twelfth Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships in Breckenridge, Colorado.
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The Twelfth Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships were held in Breckenridge, Colorado from January 29 to February 3, 2002. For several years this wintertime event remained on a small scale, bringing everyone from merchants to school children into the fold of snow sculpting. However, in the late 1980s, the event broadened to a state-wide competition. And in 1991 Breckenridge hosted the first International Snow Sculpture Championships.

Since its inception, the event has fostered a spirit of world-wide artistic camaraderie, bringing together cultures as diverse as Russia, China, Japan, Morocco, Belize, Finland, France, New Zealand, Switzerland, Sweden, Mexico, Wales, and Canada just to name a few. Language barriers are broken down; political differences are set aside and the result; art, pure and simple.

Each 4 person team carves unique sculptures, oftentimes depicting cultural influences, proud heritages and aspirations of those whose skill are involved. Only hand tools are allowed in the competition; no power tools may be used.

Team Canada captured 1st place in the 2002 International Snow Sculpture Championships with "His Mistress". Second place went to the Russian Team for their artwork entitled "Prometheus". Finishing in third place was Team USA - Breckenridge with "Brighter Than Ever". Team Canada also received the awards for the People's Choice, the Kids' Choice and Artists' Choice.