Snow Carvings

I have been a snow sculptor in Alaska for 20 years. I am captain of an 8-time state champion team that has represented Alaska at the US National Snow Sculpting Championships 6 times. This gallery is a small selection of some of my designs.

Seasons of Life

1st Place, 2024 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This sculpture was a tribute to the life cycle of Alaska’s salmon, from the young fry stage through adulthood at sea, and the heroic upstream trek home to spawn before dying.

Seasons of Life

1st Place, 2024 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This sculpture was a tribute to the life cycle of Alaska’s salmon, from the young fry stage through adulthood at sea, and the heroic upstream trek home to spawn before dying.

Seasons of Life

1st Place, 2024 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This sculpture was a tribute to the life cycle of Alaska’s salmon, from the young fry stage through adulthood at sea, and the heroic upstream trek home to spawn before dying.

Strength in Our Light

Utqiagvik, Alaska, 2023. Detail view of one of the 8 Alaska Native figures that were carved for this snow sculpture. Each figure is unique and different, meant to symbolize the diversity of a community and village.

snow sculpture angler fish abstract crazy eyes and giant teeth in front small fish swimming into mouth — When Love Hurts

2nd Place, 2023 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando

Strength in Our Light

This snow sculpture was carved for the community of Utqiagvik, Alaska (formerly called Barrow) as a part of the Blue Christmas event on the winter solstice. It was designed to symbolize a circle of support and strength for those that are grieving during the darkness of the mid-winter.

snow carving three otters playing on a slide having fun smiling — Seward’s Ice Box

1st Place, 2023 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando.

side view snow carving otters sliding down with feet and paws in the air smiling — Seward’s Ice Box

1st Place, 2023 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando.

snow carving smiling otter sliding on belly with ice cubes balanced on nose — Seward’s Ice Box

1st Place, 2023 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando.

snow sculpture realistic moth emerging from earth globe fine details eyes and wings — As We Emerge

2022 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. The symbolism of the moth is that of transformation through wisdom and optimism. This sculpture depicts this process occurring from the shell of a fractured globe, with the cradling hands of Spirit underneath it all.

abstract cubist snow carving Alaska bear and salmon fishing fine symbols and delicate details — Ursus Cubist

1st Place, Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Eric Breese. An abstract snow sculpture of a classic Alaskan theme, the majestic bear plucking a salmon from a swift river. We adopted a cubist approach for this piece and had a TON of fun with it!

snow carving abstract cubist Alaskan bear fishing for salmon cubes lines and blocks delicate details — Ursus Cubist

1st Place, Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Eric Breese. An abstract snow sculpture of a classic Alaskan theme, the majestic bear plucking a salmon from a swift river. We adopted a cubist approach for this piece and had a TON of fun with it!

snow carving Jand and the Beanstalk leaves giant hand reaching — What’s Up Jack??

1st Place, 2021 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This was our rendition of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale.

snow carving Jack and the Beanstalk story golden goose harp giant hand — What’s Up Jack??

1st Place, 2021 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This was our rendition of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk tale.

Ocean of Intelligence

2024 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This robotic squid depicts the unsettling prevalence of recent artificial intelligence technologies.

Cooperation in Whaling and Hunting Traditions

Utqiagvik, Alaska, 2024. This carving was for the annual Blue Christmas event. The sculpture symbolized group support and strength. School mascots from across Alaska’s north slope region were all depicted working together in a traditional hunting context. This photo shows a group of them in an Umiaq, a traditional whaling vessel.

Husky dog and native Alaskan trapper snow sculpture — Cooperation in Whaling and Hunting Traditions

Utqiagvik, Alaska, 2024. This carving was for the annual Blue Christmas event. The sculpture symbolized group support and strength. School mascots from across Alaska’s north slope region were all depicted working together in a traditional hunting context. These two mascots are participating in inland activities but were still part of the overall composition.

Ocean of Intelligence

2024 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This robotic squid depicts the unsettling prevalence of recent artificial intelligence technologies.

Ocean of Intelligence

2024 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This robotic squid depicts the unsettling prevalence of recent artificial intelligence technologies.

snow sculpture angler fish abstract with large tail in the air scales detail — When Love Hurts

2nd Place, 2023 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando

When Love Hurts

2nd Place, 2023 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando

snow carving abstract cubist jazz upright bass player tall thin delicate snow strings — What Feelings Sound Like

1st Place, 2019 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpting Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. An abstract jazz band, with all the elated emotions and gravity-defying forms that made this one a winner. Detail view of the upright bass player.

snow sculpture abstract jazz band bongo percussion player smiling floating hands and music notes — What Feelings Sound Like

1st Place, 2019 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpting Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. A detail view of the bongo player. This guy wasn’t born until 4:00 AM, the same morning that judging was to occur at 10:00 AM. We’re glad he ended up filling that space, he sure made us smile!

abstract cubist snow carving jazz band tiny notes bass saxophone singer percussion delicate details — What Feelings Sound Like

1st Place, 2019 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpting Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. An abstract jazz band, with all the elated emotions and gravity-defying forms that made this one a winner.

abstract cubist snow carving jazz saxophone player with small delicate notes and keys — What Feelings Sound Like

1st Place, 2019 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpting Championships, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. An abstract jazz band, with all the elated emotions and gravity-defying forms that made this one a winner. Detail view of the saxophone player.

snow carving abstract salmon stylized eyes shapes and delicate thin carving fish artistic — Upstream

2nd Place, 2018 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Eric Breese. An abstract rendition of the Alaskan salmon struggling against the current on their path towards their spawning grounds.

snow carving sculpture tree frogs baby siting on mothers face on tree leaf — Tree Frogs

1st Place, 2010 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. Moms and their babies are always cute, no matter what the species!

snow carving abstract owl hunting flying wind in wings intense eyes — Focus

2018 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Connor Bethka. Another abstract rendition of an iconic Alaskan scene, an owl swooping down onto its prey. Special attention was given to the wings and their motions as the owl descends.

snow carving circus elephant with long tusks mouse on trunk and delicate jewelry hoop earring — You’ve Gotta Meditate to Levitate!

2nd Place, 2008 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. A detail view of the elephant’s face and jewelry.

snow carving circus elephant on floating flying carpet small jewelry and mouse on trunk — You’ve Gotta Meditate to Levitate!

2nd Place, 2008 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. Our “levitating” elephant snow sculpture pulled off the illusion of weightlessness using a deep undercutting technique. The jewelry was the icing on the cake!

snow carving robotic mechanical cat chasing toy mouse climbing down books gears and springs — Instinct

1st Place, 2022 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This mechanical cat snow sculpture can’t help but stalk its prey, a vintage toy mouse, and have a bit of amusement over the sport of it all… :)

snow carving mechanical robotic cat stalking smiling gears toy blocks — Instinct

1st Place, 2022 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Tom Lewando. This mechanical cat snow sculpture can’t help but stalk its prey, a vintage toy mouse, and have a bit of amusement over the sport of it all… :)

snow carving abstract figures reaching frost snowflake patterns floating heart halves touching love — The Flirtations of Frost

2nd Place, 2020 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. A challenging abstract piece that was intended to push the physical limits of snow’s strength as well as its capabilities of delicacy. The main theme was two frost crystals in love with each other.

abstract snow carving frost patterns figures reaching floating heart pieces — The Flirtations of Frost

2nd Place, 2020 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition, Anchorage, Alaska. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. A challenging abstract piece that was intended to push the physical limits of snow’s strength as well as its capabilities of delicacy. The main theme was two frost crystals in love with each other.

abstract snow sculpture frost patterns — The Flirtations of Frost

2020 US National Snow Sculpture Competition, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Chuck Mazurek. This was our entry that collapsed one hour before judging due to above freezing temperatures and was therefore disqualified from judging. For a lengthier essay on this event, check out my blog post “On Impermanence.”

snow sculpture Godzilla in progress with carver Paul Hanis — Godzilla!

1st Place, 2007 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. Me and the Beast. I’ve never been that close to the jaws of a monster and felt so comfortable!

snow carving of Godzilla roaring holding city bus in hand sculpture — Godzilla!

1st Place, 2007 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. Detail view of the finished Godzilla monster holding a city bus (of course).

snow carving Godzilla destroying city buildings footprints — Godzilla!

1st Place, 2007 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Sarah Wallner. The wreckage. We utilized the “waste” cutoffs from the block for this part of the composition - just carve little windows into the pieces and leave them behind the monster!

snow sculpture carving of Forget Me Not Alaska flowers — Alaska Forget-Me-Not

2004 Fur Rondy Alaska State Snow Sculpture Competition. My first snow sculpture. I entered this event late, on a whim, as a solo artist with no previous experience or instruction. What better subject matter than the Alaska state flower? It’s crazy to think about the entire career that “blossomed” immediately after this experience. Once my tools touched the frozen water I was hooked!

snow carving abstract cubist salmon swimming upstream delicate lines details blocks and curves — Upstream

2nd Place, 2018 US National Snow Sculpture Championships, Lake Geneva, WI. Team AK Department of Snow: Paul Hanis, Patrick Boonstra, Eric Breese. An abstract rendition of the Alaskan salmon struggling against the current on their path towards their spawning grounds.