International ice carving superstars create magic in Lake Louise

LAKE LOUISE –  You won’t believe what a couple of talented ice carvers can do with 15 chunks of ice! A duo representing the Philippines teamed up to win the 22nd annual Ice Magic competition, out front of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Victor Dagatan and Ross Baisas used several body forms to demonstrate the theme: “elements of life”

Coming in,  Junichi Nakamura and Dean Murray were the team to beat. They won the world ice art championships in 2015 — and continued to wow the crowd with this creation. Considered ‘outstanding’ by the judges – but second place this year with a ‘surfer under a wave’.

Rounding out third place – but also winning the ‘People’s choice’ award was Team Sakha from Russia who carved a ‘canoe with three warriors’.

Ten teams from around the world descended on Lake Louise on Friday.  Carvers represented the Philippines, Russia, U.S., the Netherlands and Canada. Each team was given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours to work some magic.  The theme this year was “Earth, Wind and Fire” – elements of life. Now displayed in front of majestic Lake Louise are 10 amazing creations.  Ranging from a take on Ice Age to canoers. The ice has come to life again.

Ten teams from around the world descended on Lake Louise on Friday.  Carvers represented the Philippines, Russia, U.S., the Netherlands and Canada. Each team was given 15 blocks of ice and 34 hours to work some magic.  The theme this year was “Earth, Wind and Fire” – elements of life. Now displayed in front of majestic Lake Louise are 9 amazing creations.  (one collapsed!)

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Below are photos of some of the creations.   They’ll be on display out front of the Chateau Lake Louise – until mother nature decides it’s “game over”!