LAKE GENEVA — For years, Lake Geneva locals have watched as crews fill large cylinders with snow ahead of the U.S. Nationals Snow Sculpting Competition.

But this year, things are looking a bit different: the cylinders have been replaced with a rectangular cuboid.

Why the change?

According to Visit Lake Geneva, it turns out the sculptors prefer the hard angles of a square form versus a cylinder.

So this year when it came time to replace the old forms, the switch was made.

This year’s event is set for Feb. 1-5, 2023 at the Riviera Plaza and Flat Iron Park along the Geneva Lake shoreline.

The event is free with free weekend shuttle bus service. For all the details, log on to www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR THIS YEAR

The centerpiece of this event is the snow sculpting competition, where 15 teams representing states from coast to coast carve into massive blocks of snow starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday before putting down tools at 1 p.m. on Saturday, with some of the most gravity-defying, ephemeral works of art you’ll see anywhere in the world taking shape over those 74 hours, according to a news release.

Last year’s national champs, the Sculptora Borealis team from Wisconsin, returns to defend their title.

They’ll face challenges from a field of teams hailing from Alaska, Illinois, Colorado, North Dakota, Vermont, New York, Iowa, Illinois, New Hampshire, Minnesota, Michigan, and Iowa.

The winning team, selected by the sculptors themselves, will be announced Saturday at a 3 p.m. at a public awards ceremony in the Riviera Ballroom. Visitors can also vote for the People’s Choice award.

The sculptures remain on display until they melt. https://www.visitlakegeneva.com/winterfest/teams/