Say the words “snow show” to some people, and the reaction will be one of confusion, “What is that?” Say those words to other people—mostly summer lovers—and the response may be something more like this: “Are you kidding? Why would I want to go to one of those? I hate snow.”
The truth is that an outdoor snow show might be just what’s needed to beat the winter blahs, and an indoor one might be just the thing to cool down on a hot summer day.
What is a snow show?
The phrase “snow show” is often used for a trade fair that sells equipment for winter sports and/or travel packages to snowy holiday destinations. But those are not the only kind; a snow show that can lift spirits or lower body temperatures is an interactive experience, surrounding people with real snow for a play day, perhaps as they have not had since childhood (though, of course, the show will attract children too—and people who have never experienced snow before.)
These shows can be indoors or outdoors depending on the location or season. For an indoor snow show more preparation and work is involved than is required for an outdoor one in a cold climate. Special snow-making machines have to be used to create snow daily to keep it fresh and replenished. The space also has to be cooled enough to keep the snow from melting, which usually involves refrigerating the area to a temperature of around -5°C (about 23°F). These temperatures create an environment where patrons need to be dressed adequately for the cold. Many indoor snow show facilities around the world provide rentals of appropriate clothing, so apparel is not a problem for anyone wishing to play in the snow.
All the extra work that goes into building and maintaining the indoor snow area is worth it though for all the summer fun—and cooling—a snow show can add to a day so scorching that otherwise all people would want to do is lie still. Instead, why not come into the cold?
There is plenty to do at a snow show. Patrons may be offered opportunities to participate in the usual sports associated with snow, but a snow show, sometimes called a “snow carnival,” may also feature any or all of these fun activities:
- A snow maze: Patrons can wander through high walls made of snow to find the way out and perhaps even win a prize if they get through within a certain time.
- Snow sculptures: Snow is an unusual material to sculpt, one with a sparkling exterior that shines in the light like crystal. Snow sculptures at a snow show can be just as elaborate as any other, and patrons will be amazed at the intricacy of the finished products. In some cases patrons may be treated to a demonstration or, better still, have a chance to try snow sculpting themselves.
- Snow slides: Snow makes a great surface for a number of winter sports, such as skiing, snowboarding and sledding, but it can also be used to build—and play on—a snow slide. Since the surface is slippery, participants can glide fairly fast (though safely) to the bottom.
- Snowballs: What snow event would be complete without snowballs to have playful snowball fights and to build funny snowmen?
Other activities at a snow show might include skating, ice fishing competitions, sleigh rides, dog sled rides and more, depending on when and where the show is located.
Some famous outdoor snow shows are hosted annually in wintry parts of the world, such as the Quebec Winter Carnival in Canada, the Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan and the Harbin Ice and Snow Festival in China. Not every city has a regular snow show, but the number of cities that do will likely increase as more people around the world try the experience for the first time and enjoy it. New indoor snow venues may also continue to be developed in hotter climates so that people there can enjoy a cool experience too. Communities large and small that do not have the expertise to create a snow show on their own may even begin to hire outside companies to make their snow dreams come true.
A snow show can offer good fun for all the family, no matter what kind of snow activities each person likes best. Summer or winter, indoors or outdoors, people of all ages can enjoy a safe day of fun frolicking in the flakes.
ISA Attractions puts on a spectacular snow showthat will amaze your patrons. If you need an experienced snow show entertainer to set up your event, contact ISA Attractions today.
