Snow Carving Symposium

Step into a world of frozen artistry as Snowkings’ Winter Festival proudly presents the 9th Annual International Snow Carving Symposium! This year, the competition is bigger than ever, featuring ten talented teams—our largest lineup yet—bringing together local legends, national talent, and international snow carving masters.

For 2025, the symposium embraces the enchanting theme of “Medieval Lore,” inviting carvers to transform massive snowblocks into breathtaking sculptures inspired by knights, castles, mythical creatures, and legendary tales.

This beloved event takes place in the week leading up to the festival’s grand opening in March, setting the stage for an unforgettable 30th-anniversary celebration of Snowkings’ Winter Festival.

Among this year’s teams, you’ll find:

• NWT carving veterans John Sabourin and Derrald Taylor teaming up with renowned Saskatchewan artist Patricia Leguen.
• A dynamic reunion of Yukon artist Leslie Leong with Kris Schlagintweit (a Snowking veteran turned expat) and Yellowknife’s own Adam Pucek.
• The return of Joel Maillet and Myka Jones to Yellowknife, joined by none other than King Joe Snow—a nickname earned by one of the castle’s master builders.

With a mix of returning champions, fresh talent, and boundary-pushing designs, this year’s snow carving showdown promises to be one for the history books. Stay tuned as teams wield their chisels and imagination to bring medieval legends to life—one frozen masterpiece at a time!

Witness the magic at the Snowcastle. The countdown to carving begins! ❄️✨