(CRIPPLE CREEK, Colo.)– Keith Martin, owner of Snice Carvings, picks up an electric-powered chainsaw. With intention, he saws against a giant block of ice.

“I travel all over the state, all over the country, and all over the world,” Martin says. He and his team is one of six competing in the annual Cripple Creek Ice Festival.

Martin explains what drew him to ice sculpting. “They gave me a block of ice in culinary school back in 1997 and it stuck. I thought it was super fun and really creative. I started doing weddings and events. I moved to Breckenridge in 2000 and I got involved with international snow sculpting. From there, I created a business. I just kept searching out these different events like the one happening here in Cripple Creek.”

Martin’s vision for this year’s piece of art was inspired by the Beastie Boys. He details his sketch and what his team anticipates coming to life over the next few days.

Semi-trucks of ice are brought in for the event from Ohio. Each block weighs about 400 pounds. “The Amish actually have one of the best facilities for making this kind of ice and they make it right out of the river,” Martin details. “This ice is specifically for events.”

The Cripple Creek Ice Festival shuts down two blocks for the event and is free to the public with vendors on site.