Shapes in White: “LEGO® meets Sports” at the 2026 Edition in Ischgl

Carved from snow: when iconic LEGO contours meet dynamic sporting motifs, a winter art world unlike any other emerges. At the 2026 “Shapes in White” event, international artists will transform the Silvretta Arena into a monumental, playful open-air snow gallery – visible, tangible and exclusively accessible directly on the ski slopes.

From 10 to 17 January 2026, “Shapes in White” is dedicated entirely to the theme “LEGO® meets Sports”. International snow artists will create monumental sculptures crafted solely from snow in the heart of the Silvretta Arena ski area, merging the unmistakable LEGO aesthetic with sporting imagery. The artworks will be accessible to winter sports enthusiasts from 16 January, reachable only by ski or snowboard.

Snow Art in the Silvretta Arena

For more than 30 years, the Silvretta Arena Ischgl has been transformed into a spectacular open-air gallery. During “Shapes in White”, 20 international artists working in ten teams create striking snow sculptures. The event ranks among the most creative winter highlights in the Alps and showcases how monumental works of art can emerge from snow.

LEGO® Aesthetics Meet Sporting Dynamism

This year’s theme, “LEGO® meets Sports”, bridges two worlds that could hardly appear more different at first glance: the iconic, clear-cut geometry of LEGO bricks and the vivid movement of sport. The subjects range from football, Formula 1 and luge to a Paralympic discipline. One sculpture is dedicated to tennis and the Ischgl Trophy. The works are characterised by clean edges, a colourful, playfully inspired building-block aesthetic and humorous figures – all realised entirely in snow.

Creating the Snow Sculptures in the Ski Area

The sculptures are crafted at altitudes of up to 2,300 metres directly within the Silvretta Arena. Over the course of one week, the teams shape their intricate creations, some rising up to seven metres high. From 16 January 2026, all artworks will be considered complete and can be viewed as part of regular ski operations. Visitors may also watch the artists at work during the construction period as the sculptures gradually take shape.

Access and Viewing

The sculptures can be reached via the Flimjochbahn, Idjochbahn, and – now with even better accessibility – the new Höllbodenbahn. Visiting is only possible on skis or a snowboard; walking on the slopes is not permitted. This ensures the exhibition blends seamlessly into everyday winter sports and allows a direct connection between the skiing experience and the appreciation of art.

Significance for the Winter Cultural Programme

By combining an Alpine setting with sporting themes and the distinctive LEGO aesthetic, “Shapes in White” once again reaffirms its status as a major cultural event in the region. These temporary snow sculptures highlight the diversity of Ischgl’s winter offering and set a unique artistic accent within the Alpine cultural landscape.