Building blocks in the snow: "Shapes in White" 2026 thrills visitors to the Silvretta Arena

A total of ten international teams of artists transformed the Silvretta Arena into a temporary open-air gallery made of snow at "Shapes in White" 2026. The snow sculptures can now be viewed directly on and next to the slopes. First place went to the team of artists Armin Rifesser and Ivan Holzknecht from Italy with their toboggan sculpture "Winter Fun in Ischgl". With its impressive interpretation of the motto "LEGO® meets Sports", the work impressed with its clear design language, playful dynamics and precision craftsmanship. South Tyrol secured a total of three podium places and implemented its artistic concept consistently and convincingly.

In the heart of the Silvretta Arena ski resort, Ischgl has once again become the stage for ephemeral winter art: in the traditional snow sculpture competition "Shapes in White", international teams of artists translated this year's motto "LEGO® meets Sports" into monumental snow forms. Over several days, detailed sculptures were created directly on and next to the slopes, combining the iconic LEGO aesthetic with the dynamism of different sports.

The rankings for " Shapes in White" 2026

The jury selected three winners in the competition:

·         First place goes to the artist team Armin Rifesser and Ivan Holzknecht from South Tyrol with their toboggan sculpture "Winterspass in Ischgl" (Winter fun in Ischgl).

·         Second place went to the artist team Stefan Malsiner and Thomas Mussner from South Tyrol with their cheerleader sculpture "HO HO HO, Team goooo".

·         Third place went to the artist team Ivo and Damian Piazza (father and son) from South Tyrol with their cycling sculpture "Para Olympics – No Obstacle".

LEGO® aesthetics meets sporting dynamism

Clear edges, reduced forms and playful motifs characterise this year's works. From winter sports to motor sports to performative sports, cheerleading and a Paralympic discipline, the teams of artists interpreted the theme with individual approaches and a high degree of technical precision. The sculptures, some of which are several metres high, blend seamlessly into the alpine landscape and can only be reached on skis or snowboards – art enjoyment in the rhythm of winter sports.

Snow art as a winter cultural experience

All of the works created can now be experienced in the Silvretta Arena ski area. With its combination of snow art, sporting dynamism and playful design language, " Shapes in White" confirms its status as one of the creative winter highlights in the Alps in 2026.