World Snow Festival is a magical winter art event held each January in the alpine village of Grindelwald, Switzerland, at the foot of the Eiger North Face. Since its founding in 1983, the festival has brought together international sculptors who transform massive blocks of compacted snow into breathtaking snow and ice sculptures, displayed in the open air against the dramatic mountain backdrop. Visitors can watch the artists at work, stroll among the finished creations, and enjoy live music, local food, and a cozy village atmosphere. Blending creativity, nature, and winter wonder, the World Snow Festival celebrates the ephemeral beauty of art in snow.
Planning World Snow Festival? We’ll time sculpture viewing & judging, pair with ski passes/winter activities, secure lodging within walking distance, and sort transport—Book a free planning call.
DATES & TIMES
• Dates: 19–24 January 2026 (Monday–Saturday).
• Work hours: village sites 08:00–18:00 (Eiger+ Nordwandplatz & Bärplatz) · Männlichen site 09:00–16:00 — see Official page.
• 2026 theme: “Myths and Legends” — confirmed on the Official page · overview on MySwitzerland.
• The exact timetable publishes annually — check the official Programme nearer the date.
LOCATION
• Grindelwald village squares: Eiger+ Nordwandplatz & Bärplatz; mountain site on Männlichen — all listed on the Official page.
• Central reference point: Eiger+ Nordwandplatz — Open in Google Maps · mountain access via the Männlichen cableway.
TICKETS & ENTRY
• Free of charge open‑air event (no general admission) — stated on the Official page.
• Any guided tours or extras, if offered, will be posted on the official page above.
GOOD TO KNOW
• Watch artists carve 3‑metre snow blocks during the week, then see the finished works; spectator voting is available — details on the Official page.
• Getting to Männlichen: gondola from Grindelwald Terminal; check live lift status via Jungfrau operating info · mountain info on Männlichen.
Want a simple route that catches carving hours in the village and a blue‑sky window up on Männlichen? We’ll stitch timings and lifts into a smooth plan — Hire Tripologiste.