The second annual Carve Tahoe international snow sculpture event will return to Northstar California Tuesday, January 28 through Sunday, February 2.  Three-member teams from around the world will participate in the five-day competition, creating elaborate sculptures from 20-ton blocks of snow using only hand tools, snow and water.

Popular throughout the world, snow sculpture events celebrate the science of working with an ever-changing medium to create intricate art with massive scale.  Snow artists brave extreme conditions and work tirelessly to create pure, ephemeral sculptures that will last only a short time; and attendees enjoy the opportunity to witness first-hand the creation of world-class sculptures in a time lapse framework.

The event is truly international, including teams from Canada, Finland/Czech Republic, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Mongolia, California/The Netherlands, Tahoe/Truckee and Wisconsin.

Free to all attendees, Carve Tahoe sculptures will be on display at and around The Village at Northstar.  The best nights to view the sculptures are when they are nearing completion, Thursday, January 30 through Sunday, February 2.  “Don’t miss the lighting of the sculptures Friday night, January 31,” said Kathryn Keown, Executive Director of Carve Tahoe.  “We illuminate the sculptures with multi-colored lights and guests can watch as the carvers sculpt all night getting ready for judging on Saturday.  It’s a photographer’s paradise.”

Carve Tahoe coincides with Northstar Customer Appreciation Days, set for Monday, Jan. 27 through Monday, Feb. 3.  Guests are offered a variety of resort perks, such as complimentary movie tickets to Village Cinemas; samples of La Boulange pastries now offered at Starbucks in The Village at Northstar; mini tri-tip sandwich samples at Summit Deck & Grille’s Smokin’ Backside Barbecue; complimentary ice skate rentals, and much more both on and off the slopes.

Offering the most open terrain at North Lake Tahoe, Northstar recently opened Castle Peak, which extends virtually one mile – a favorite of intermediate and advanced skiers and riders located on The Backside.  For the lowest price on tickets guaranteed, purchase online three days in advance or sooner. Purchasing three days in advance offers guests as much as 25 percent off the window ticket rate.  For more information on lessons, equipment rentals, lodging and all other Northstar activities and amenities, log on to NorthstarCalifornia.com or call 1.800.GO.NORTH.