A team from Quebec, Canada, has claimed victory at the 2026 World Snow Sculpting Championship held in downtown Stillwater from March 1 to March 4. Team Fjordwitches, composed of artists Fanny-Fay Tremblay-Girard, Joelle Gagnon, and Marie-Claude-Paris-Tanguay, outperformed 15 competing teams from across the globe with their stunning entry titled “The Inosculation of Souls.” The team, which previously won the championship in 2024, received a cash prize of $1,500 and also secured the prestigious Artists’ Choice Award, which includes an additional $500.
In a display of impressive talent, Team Falcon from Mongolia secured second place, earning $1,000, while Team Thailand took third place and received $500. The People’s Choice Award, also valued at $500, was awarded to Team Kawsay from Peru. Participants were judged on their creativity, technical skills, and overall visual impact, according to Robin Anthony-Evenson, president of the Greater Stillwater Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Celebrating Global Talent and Community
“This championship showcases the very best of international snow sculpting,” Anthony-Evenson stated. “It brings global talent to Stillwater while creating a shared winter experience that celebrates creativity, culture, and community.” The event attracted over 67,000 visitors from March 1 to March 4, marking it as the highlight of the city’s World Snow Celebration, which runs until March 12. The festival features live music, food and beverage events, a winter market, and various family activities.
Visitors to the festival are encouraged to appreciate the intricate sculptures up close while enjoying the broader array of festival offerings. The snow sculptures will remain on display in Lowell Park as long as weather conditions permit, providing an opportunity for more visitors to engage with this unique art form.
For further details about the ongoing festivities, one can visit the official website at www.worldsnowcelebration.com. The success of this year’s championship reaffirms the importance of community events that highlight artistic expression and foster a spirit of togetherness during the winter season.
