Winterlude, Ottawa’s annual winter festival, started last week-end. It’s very cold and sunny right now in the nation capital and for once, no ones complains about it. Cold weather means that the Rideau Canal Skateway is open and that Winterlude’s ice and snow sculptures won’t melt.

On Friday, I went to observe the ice carvers at work in Confederation Park. Huge chunks of ice were being delivered and given to 35 carvers from 10 different countries. The teams quickly drew a sketch of their idea on a sheet of paper and started to work. The tools? Chainsaws, chisels and grinding tools — carving ice isn’t easy. The ballet of gloved hands cutting, carving, sculpting and polishing was fascinating as masterpieces were coming to life right in front of my eyes.

Curious to see the final results? In a couple of days!

You can see the full set of the pictures taken during Winterlude 2010 here.

Making a Tiger

Fine Details

Caterpillar	Ice Delivery
So, What's The Plan?	Ice Looks Heavy
Chainsaw?	Cutting Ice
Canadian Chainsaw Massacre?	Cutting Ice
Sculpting	Cutting
The Tools	One of the Artists

Related Posts

1. Ice Sculptures At Confederation Park
2. Winterlude !
3. Winter Fun
4. Snow Fall !
5. Winterlude in Québec