If you're lucky enough to live in a snow-prone part of the country, chances are you've already dug out your winter boots and oversize jackets, which means chilly temperatures will soon bring flurries to the skies. If you think your annual snowman is impressive, check out these 10 phenomenal snow sculptures that will have you wishing for your own winter wonderland.
Fairy Tale Castle
We aren't sure if the students who made this had a "fairy tale" ending, but this snow castle from Michigan Tech's annual Winter Carnival thrived in the state's Upper Peninsula region during the cold winter months. Photo courtesy of Kyle Rokos via Flickr.com.
Fantasy Forest
Idaho's McCall Winter Carnival featured this uniquely carved forest made of snow. The creation, which includes individual facial expressions for each tree trunk, was from the 2009 festival. Photo courtesy of Kevin Rank via Flickr.com.
Palace
The Sapporo Snow Festival in Japan has attracted sculptors from all over the world since it started in 1950. This extravagant palace was one of many works created at this event. Photo by Getty Images.
The Chronicles of Narnia
If you enjoyed these fantasy novels as a kid—or the recently released movies based on them—you will probably love this snow sculpture from the Sapporo Snow Festival that showcases Prince Caspian on his mighty horse with his castle as the backdrop. Photo courtesy of Sasakei via Flickr.com.
Disney Castle
To mark the 25th anniversary of Tokyo Disneyland, this castle—including Disney fairy Tinker Bell—was on display at this year's Sapporo Snow Festival. Photo courtesy of Anne Kim via Flickr.com.
Pagoda
Yet another construction from the famous Sapporo Snow Festival, this tiered tower is a replica of the popular pagoda-style architecture seen in parts of Asia. Photo courtesy of Jason Morley via Flickr.com.
Namdaemun
This sculpture is a replica of the historic Namdaemun gate located in Seoul, South Korea, and was on display at the 2009 Sapporo Snow Festival. Photo courtesy of David Boyd via Flickr.com.
Chinese Castle
Every year China hosts the Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin, the capital of the Heilongjiang province. This intricately designed snow building makes for quite an impressive castle. Photo by Getty Images.
