January 28 – High On Ice
Fort St. John comes alive every winter with the High on Ice festival. For residents and visitors alike, this annual event transforms the city into a winter wonderland of ice and snow.
High on Ice is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of community spirit and the magic of winter. From ice carving competitions that showcase the incredible skill of talented artists to thrilling ice races that leave spectators on the edge of their seats, the festival truly captures the essence of the season.
One of the highlights of High on Ice is the stunning ice sculptures that grace the city streets. Local and international artists converge to turn blocks of ice into intricate masterpieces. These frozen creations tell stories of culture, nature, and the resilient spirit of the community. As visitors stroll through the festival grounds, they can’t help but marvel at the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into each sculpture.
The festival’s commitment to family-friendly fun is evident in its diverse range of activities. Children and adults alike can take part in ice fishing, tobogganing, and snowman-building contests.
Fort St. John’s High on Ice festival is a celebration of winter. As the festival lights twinkle against the snowy landscape, one can’t help but feel the enchantment of this magical winter wonderland, where the spirit of camaraderie and the beauty of the season come together in perfect harmony.
In the middle of winter, with lots of natural ice that you would think there would be no need import the ice used for the carving. You would be wrong. Like a diamond the perfect ice for carving has clarity, density, and size.
The density is important because it affects the carving process, and the clarity allows the sculpture so shimmer and shine in the light.
This is a ice sculpture snow combination of The Snow Queen from Hans Christian Andersen 1844 fairy tale.