Amazing snow sculptures featured at Northstar ski resort

The picturesque Village at Northstar will transform into a garden of snow sculptures until Tuesday when the Lake Tahoe ski resort hosts Carve Tahoe, the region's first-ever snow carving competition.

The international snow sculpture celebration, which began Friday, brings the majestic and awe-inspiring art of snow sculpting to Lake Tahoe. Skiers, riders and the general public are welcome to watch snow carving teams from around the world transform 20-ton blocks of pure white snow into breathtaking sculptures that will only be displayed until the sun melts them away.

The teams competing are the best of the best - selected from applications sent in from all over the world.

While the event is free and open to the public, every dollar donated per spectator per vote will go directly to a local non-profit.

"We're thrilled to host Carve Tahoe at Northstar this winter," said Director of Village and Base Area Operations Nadia Guerriero of Northstar California. "The Village at Northstar is an ideal location to showcase these incredible snow sculptures. Our guests are going to love watching the snow come to life in such a unique way, and seeing the work of these talented artists in person."

The competing teams represent more than 20 countries with the judging take place Feb. 13. The carvers will be judged by various panelists, including Lawrence Nobel, who designed a Gold Medal for the 1984 Olympics and created the Yoda sculpture in San Francisco's Presidio.

The week-long event will also feature an opening ceremony, drink and food specials at the Village at Northstar, prizes and drinks at the Carve Lounge, night viewing of the sculptures on Tuesday evening and an awards ceremony for the carvers from countries like Finland, Germany, Japan, Russia, Canada and the U.S.

"This is a unique opportunity to introduce our visitors and local residents to the extreme and rugged art challenge of snow sculpting at a destination that celebrates all things snow," said Chief Marketing Officer Andy Chapman of the North Lake Tahoe Chamber/CVB/Resort Association. "We are proud to host these illustrious and celebrated carvers in North Lake Tahoe."