The Big Chill Ice and Snow Festival Brings Snow Sculpting and Snowboarding to Racine January 9-11, 2015

Image courtesy of Real Racine.

**Disclosure: No compensation was received for this post. All opinions are 100% my own.

Winters can be quite a bit chilly with little inspiration for outdoor exploration. However, The Big Chill Event in Racine the weekend of January 9-11, 2015 (UPDATE: Dates are January 8-10 in 2016!) provides a great excuse to get outdoors, breathe some fresh air and get some Vitamin D while enjoying a fun event. January can often be a long month here in the Midwest so my family is totally stoked that there is such a lively event around the corner!
During The Big Chill, the state's best sculpting teams will craft magical creations from snow and competing in the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championship. The sculptures from previous competitions are just amazing so I am sure that the ones for this year will be as well! What a treat to see what these talented artists dream up from snow! In addition to snow sculpting, there will be live ice carving demonstrations as well. The winter magic will be happening in Monument Square in Downtown Racine.

Image courtesy of Real Racine.

New to The Big Chill this year will be Rail Jam featuring mobile ramps set up for snowboarders and skiers. The Friday evening of the winter fest will feature free open riding for snowboarders and skiers in addition to demos by professionals. AGA Nation will have a Cup-a-Cash Competition for skiers and snowboarders Saturday evening. Saturday will also have free open riding in the morning. There will be additional free open riding on Sunday as well as more demos and a trick competition.

Image courtesy of Real Racine.

The winner of the Wisconsin State Snow Sculpting Championship will be going on to the national competition, so this event is going to be a treat! The event is sure to be a fun and entertaining excuse to get outside! For all of us that have *failed*--and even those that have succeeded--at building snow forts, seeing artists craft amazing sculptures from blocks of snow will be a source of wonderment. Such an inspiring way to spend family time strolling through sculpting in action with a nice bite to eat or maybe a hot cocoa or a coffee. Plus, how can you beat the action of Rail Jam! I can't think of a better way to fill a January day!

To keep up to date on this magical event, follow Real Racine on Facebook.