The snowflakes are gently falling today, freshening the cross country and downhill trails, and softening the edges of the snow sculptures at Black Mountain. This past weekend our guests enjoyed perfect weather for skiing and for viewing the annual snow sculpting competition. Sculptors began Friday at noon, and worked night and day, encouraged by visitors and Saturday evening’s cheerful bonfire. By Sunday afternoon, the eight foot cylinders of snow, each four feet in diameter, had been transformed into artful forms of all kinds.
Teams of sculptors came from New Hampshire, Vermont, Maine and Massachusetts to show off their talents in this chilly art form. All the them found the Inn at Ellis River’s oatmeal apple raisin cookies and lip balm in their welcome bags. American Indian won both the Jackson Invitational First Place Prize and the People’s Choice Award. Sculptors of the New Hampshire’s Sanctioned Competition winner, Knocking on Heaven’s Door, will represent the state at the US National Snow Sculpting Competition in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin in 2013.One of our favorite sculptures was the one by Team Skorstad from Vermont, shown in the upper left photo. The Skorstads have stayed at the inn several times during past competitions. Thanks to all the participants for creating such special art for Jackson’s winter wonderland!