Winter in Madison just got a whole lot more exciting! A breathtaking snow sculpture, with an Olympic theme, is back and ready to amaze visitors. This year, get ready to experience the thrill of the Olympics firsthand!
The centerpiece of this year's frosty masterpiece is a bobsled, inviting you to step inside and imagine yourself hurtling down the track.
"We're building a snow sculpture. I think this year's theme is going to be the Olympics, with a bobsled coming down towards us right here," shares Michael Berkholtz, the creative mind behind these winter wonders. "We'll have a wing coming out here for the front steering and seating for four on the way down there, so you can actually sit in the unit itself."
Berkholtz's passion for winter activities has fueled his snow sculpture endeavors for 30 years. "It's something to do in the wintertime. You have to enjoy the weather while you got it," he says with a smile.
The Olympic theme wasn't chosen at random. It's a blend of the available snow conditions and current global events. "It all depends what kind of snow you have, and what it looks like, and what's hot, or what's happening in the world," explains Berkholtz.
Building these sculptures is no small feat. It's a process that takes weeks of dedication and careful preparation. "It takes weeks and weeks you have to gather the snow first and pile it at the base here, take a snow blower and blow it up into forms so it's consistent layers and not blocks with gaps between them," Berkholtz explains, giving us a glimpse into the meticulous process.
Berkholtz's portfolio of snow creations is as diverse as it is impressive, ranging from the iconic Lombardi trophy to a fiery, double-headed dragon. "We've done everything from the Lombardi trophy to a double-headed fire-breathing dragon, the crazy bunny from Monty Python with a big teeth," he recalls.
You can find this incredible snow sculpture just off I-94 and Highway 19, north on Highway CV, a block from the Mouse House Cheese House. Berkholtz warmly invites the community to visit and enjoy the spectacle. He's also on the lookout for mannequins to add an extra layer of realism to the display.
But here's where it gets interesting... While the Olympic theme is exciting, one might wonder if there's a specific athlete or event that inspired this year's design.
What do you think? Do you have any favorite winter sports or Olympic moments that you'd love to see immortalized in snow? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
