Snow Sculptures and Ice Figures in Val Gardena

During winter, Selva Val Gardena and Ortisei become truly evocative art scenes. Among snowy landscapes and harsh temperatures, the tradition of artistic craftsmanship in Val Gardena meets unusual materials such as snow and ice, creating spectacular works to discover during a holiday in the Dolomites.

For visitors who choose Val Gardena in winter, these events represent an original opportunity to learn firsthand about the creativity of local artists and experience the atmosphere of celebrations and the coldest months through art.

Selva Val Gardena: Snow Sculpture Competition | 27-30 December 2026

At the end of December, Selva Val Gardena hosts the traditional competition dedicated to snow sculptures, an event that transforms simple blocks of snow into true works of art. Now in its 30th edition, the competition attracts sculptors and artists, especially from Val Gardena, accustomed to working with wood and ready, for this special occasion, to tackle a completely different material.

For three days, artists hand-model enormous blocks of snow measuring approximately 3 x 3 x 3 meters, transforming them into figures, shapes and compositions rich in detail. The work is carried out without motorized tools, testing technique, precision and creativity.

The result is a temporary and fascinating exhibition: the sculptures emerge from the snowy landscape of Selva di Val Gardena and can be admired by tourists during the event days. An ideal appointment for those wishing to combine a snowy holiday, artistic tradition and local culture.

Ortisei: Ice Figures | 25-31 January 2027

In January it is Ortisei that transforms into an evocative open-air art gallery. The low winter temperatures allow the creation of large ice sculptures, which embellish the pedestrian area of the town and capture the attention of residents and visitors.

From 25 to 31 January 2027, local artists and students from the professional school for artistic craftsmanship in Val Gardena will work hundreds of ice blocks to create spectacular sculpted figures. The initiative involves 600 rectangular blocks, each measuring approximately 16 x 16 x 80 cm.

Hammers and chisels are accompanied by more modern tools, such as chainsaws and gas torches, to shape the ice and transform it into original works. Walking through the center of Ortisei in winter, it will therefore be possible to observe these creations up close and live a particular experience, perfect for enriching a stay in the Dolomites of Val Gardena.

A winter dedicated to art in Val Gardena

The snow sculpture competition in Selva Val Gardena and the ice figures in Ortisei show a lesser-known side of South Tyrolean winter. Beyond skiing, snowshoeing and snow activities, Val Gardena also offers cultural events capable of telling the long artisanal tradition of the territory in an original and engaging way.

If during your holiday in the Dolomites you are looking for something different from classic winter activities, these two events are an opportunity not to be missed: snow and ice become creative material, while Selva Val Gardena and Ortisei transform for a few days into fascinating open-air exhibitions.