Lake Geneva’s annual winter celebration kicks off this Wednesday, Feb. 3, with the official start of the U.S. National Snow Sculpting Championship. Eleven teams, including the first-ever squad from Florida, will compete in the 72-hour contest that culminates on Saturday, Feb. 5 when their massive works of snow art are judged and the winners announced.
The Snow Sculpting Championship is an amazing test of endurance, creativity and the elements, but downtown Lake Geneva will be buzzing with other activities as well through the five-day festival.
If you’re a fan of specialty cocktails, don’t miss the Fire & Ice Bar at The Baker House, where you can enjoy a beverage and some warm food next to the fire pit, in a heated cabana or the indoor warming lounge. The Fire & Ice Bar will be open throughout Winterfest, but due to limited seating, tickets are available for pre-purchase.
On Friday evening, participating downtown businesses will host a free, family-friendly cocoa crawl. You can sample of variety of delicious hot cocoa and sweet treats while shopping and strolling the streets of downtown Lake Geneva. Registration is required to download the map of participating businesses.
While you’re strolling through downtown, you can admire nearly 30 ice sculptures on display or head to Riviera Beach for a bonfire along with s’mores and hot chocolate.
Winterfest organizers have implemented special COVID-19 precautions to ensure a safe yet fun event. There will be more space between the snow sculptures as well as between the sculptors and attendees. In addition, foot traffic in both Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park will be one-way; six-foot distancing between groups is requested; and face coverings are strongly encouraged. Marketplace vendors, including those for coffee, hot chocolate and snacks will be located outside.
The complete Winterfest schedule is available on the VISIT Lake Geneva website.
