Ever feel tempted to get wild with a block of ice in a snowy mountain setting? Your chance is coming up at the Ice Sculpting Workshop in Grand Lake, Colorado, hosted by the town of Grand Lake Creative District. On Feb. 7, Rocky Mountain Folk School offers a hands-on ice sculpting workshop as part of the Grand Viking Winter Carnival.

© Heather Lee Schumann

The class takes place from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, with expert-led instruction provided by professional ice sculptors from Denver-based Colorado Ice Works. Included are a safety and tool use demonstration, along with training on design transfers and various carving techniques.

“Watching ice transform under skilled hands reminds us that even the most fleeting materials can hold incredible beauty — bringing people together through shared moments of art, creativity and winter wonder,” said Gillian Horne, executive director, Rocky Mountain Folk School.

Participants each get their own block of clear ice and all the hand tools required. Then, guided by their imaginations and Colorado Ice Works teams, class members create their own icy masterpiece. After its completion, each piece of art will be briefly subjected to heat to “polish” the ice, resulting in a crystal-clear effect. Each sculpture will be wrapped and boxed so the newly forged sculptors can transport their ice works home.

© Heather Lee Schumann

Along with the ice sculpting workshop, events at the Grand Viking Winter Carnival include snowmobile races, axe-throwing, miniature golf, bed sled races, lawn darts and the Winter Carnival Ball. Also not to be missed: teapot curling, where colorful teapots take the place of traditional curling stones in a precision ice game. Viking-themed dress is encouraged for the festival. Pre-registration for the ice sculpting class is necessary, and spots are limited.