JIM HACKNEY
WE’RE NOT IN NC ANYMORE: Washington and Colorado resident Jim Hackney shared these images from the Breckenridge 25th-Annual International Snow Sculpture Championships in Colorado. Sixteen teams from all over the world, started with a 20-ton, 12-foot square block of snow prepared by local “stompers.” Prospective teams submit sketches to a jury of judges and the best 16 are invited to participate. This year, teams from Argentina, China, Germany, Lithuania, Mongolia, France, Mexico, Spain, Ukraine and several U.S. states were included. Carving began Jan. 27 at 11 a.m. and finished Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. Only hand tools are permitted; teams are typically four to five members. Awards were presented in a ceremony Jan. 31. Pictured, are the snow block like every team is provided, and a typical finished carving. This particular carving is by Team U.S.-Alaska, entitled “Cabin Fever: The Mad Trapper and the River.” It didn’t finish in the top three — that’s how good the carvings are.