Formen in Weiß in Ischgl

• Formen in Weiß is a snow-sculpture competition in Ischgl.
• The event has been held since 1994.
• International artist teams work with snow in the ski area.
• A new annual theme gives the sculptures a shared framework.
• The 30th festival in 2024 used LEGO as its theme.
• The exhibition is in the Silvretta Arena and can be reached by designated ski or snowboard routes.

Formen in Weiß turns part of the ski area into an open-air gallery. Since 1994, international artists have shaped snow around a theme that changes each year. Large figures and scenes emerge from snow blocks as artist pairs bring together design, craftsmanship and the conditions of an outdoor site. Visitors can watch the work in progress and see the completed pieces in their mountain setting while snow conditions and the local event arrangement allow.

The themes show how broad the format can be. Winter sports were the focus in 2022; in 2023, artists turned to the future, mobility and climate. For the 30th competition in 2024, they created eleven LEGO-inspired designs, some as tall as four metres. In 2025, the event returned to local and nature-related scenes. The annual motto is more than decoration: it gives the teams a common brief that each interprets differently.

The sculptures are made in the Silvretta Arena near Idalp, so seeing the art can form part of a ski day. Visitors reach the exhibition on designated pistes by ski or snowboard. Access arrangements and tickets depend on the edition, while open lifts, weather and skiing ability determine which works fit into a day’s route.

The exhibition is outdoors and exposed to the weather. Warmth, wind and precipitation can alter details, and works do not all last for the same length of time. Keep the required distance, respect barriers and follow local instructions. The sculptures’ scale is especially clear beside people, pistes and the mountain landscape. Touching or climbing on them can cause damage and should be avoided.