(BRECKENRIDGE, Colo.) — The 2024 International Snow Sculpture Championships are underway in Breckenridge and come as the 33rd year Breckenridge has welcomed sculptors from across the globe to compete.

200 teams were invited to apply and just 12 were accepted. The ‘sculpting week’ began on Monday, Jan. 22 and teams have until Friday, Jan. 26 to sculpt their creations from 25-ton blocks of snow. According to the event website, artists are only allowed to use “hand tools, creativity, and inspiration to bring their ideas to life,” and no power tools are allowed.

Guests are invited to view the creations through Jan. 31; reservations are required for Saturday, Jan. 27. “We encourage spectators to view the sculptures Sunday, Jan. 28 – Wednesday, Jan. 31 when reservations are not required,” wrote the event website.

Team Germany (Bavaria) took home gold last year, and while many teams would love the win this year, one competitor says it’s not about the title, but rather being able to share the experience with other artists.

“Gold is a great bragging right, but it’s really about being a part of the event, being a part of this community, hanging out with all these different teams from all around the world, and growing our friendship,” said Keith Martin, the Captain of Team USA (Breckenridge). “When you come here you’ve already won the competition by being here, it is such a great, spectacular place to be.”

On Friday, the award ceremony will take place, where Gold, Silver, Bronze, and Artists’ Choice awards will be announced.