Michigan Technological University’s Winter Carnival 2025 showcased a dazzling array of snow sculptures, with student organizations dedicating immense effort to bring their snowy visions to life. The grand prize in the month-long contest was awarded to Phi Kappa Tau for their impressive creation, “In Search of a Maiden So Fair, Our Hero Enters the Dragon’s Lair,” featuring a detailed castle, a majestic dragon, and various outbuildings, all crafted from snow. Tau Kappa Epsilon secured second place with their masterful piece, “Knights and Snow, Wizards Aglow, Hogwarts Shines with Winter’s Show,” while Sigma Tau Gamma and Alpha Gamma Delta took third place with their entry, “Dragon Skull Lies Where Gothic Towers Rise.”
In the men’s division, Phi Kappa Tau and Tau Kappa Epsilon placed first and second, respectively, while Delta Sigma Phi captured third with their entry, “A King’s Legendary Tale, Shown Through Winter’s Veil.” Alpha Sigma Tau took first place in the women’s division.
Sigma Tau Gamma and Alpha Gamma Delta took the top spot in the co-ed month-long division.
Michigan Tech celebrates with snow sculptures
Catholic Campus Ministries at St.
Albert the Great University Parish earned first overall in the one-night building competition with their entry “A Work in Progress Reconstruction of Notre Dame with a Soldier Taking a Knee to Show Reverence.”
The carnival features more than just snow sculptures, with festivities continuing throughout the weekend, including dog sled rides, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and an ice church service. A traditional fireworks display will conclude the festivities at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday at Mont Ripley Ski Area, best viewed from Houghton along the Portage Canal. Snow Statue Chair Nicholas Pierce, from the winning co-ed team Sigma Tau Gamma and Alpha Gamma Delta, expressed his pride in the team’s achievements, stating, “I didn’t quite expect to win as many awards as we did, but I’m really proud of the work that we put in throughout the entire process.”
Overall Winter Carnival winners will be announced later this weekend.
For a complete list of all the Winter Carnival statue winners and events happening throughout the weekend, visitors can explore the carnival’s official website.