Ice Alaska welcomes sculptors from foreign countries. Over the years, we have had participants from 32 countries besides the United States, and we encourage sculptors to bring materials such as flags to hang at your sculpting site or traditional costumes to wear at the Welcome the Sculptors Social. We have also had performances by our multi-talented international sculptors.

1. VISA SUPPORT
Sculptors who need a visa to enter the United States should first send us:
Full Name (first name, patronymic or middle name, family name)
Address
Date of Birth
Place of Birth
Citizenship
External passport number and Type of Passport
Place of Issue of Passport (or Authority number)
Date of Issue / Expiry of Passport
Telephone, FAX and email (if possible--or a contact)
(for each sculptor that wishes to come.)

When we receive this information from you we will send you the invitations for you and your team members by the method that you prefer. In most cases, the American embassy has accepted invitations from our organization that were faxed to the sculptors or emailed as .jpg or .pdf or .doc attachments on Ice Alaska stationery, and then printed out by the sculptors. (Sculptors are responsible for paying the cost of expedited mail service such as DHL or FEDEX, and we must receive payment in advance.) THE FINAL DATE TO RECEIVE INFORMATION FROM YOU IS JANUARY 22.

Sculptors are reminded that when you go to the American embassy or consulate for your visa interview, you will need to bring proof that you have strong ties to your native country (a steady income, property, family) to prove that you do not wish to emigrate to America, and proof of your experience ice sculpting, participation in competitions, and so forth. Previous participation in international competitions is helpful. If your visa application is denied, please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can write a letter of support. The more information that you provide to us (pictures, references, information) the better.

2. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from Fairbanks.
Ice Alaska will cover the costs of your lodging and food ONLY DURING THE
TIME OF THE COMPETITION AND AWARD CEREMONY.

3. Please let us know as soon as possible the dates and time of your
arrival and departure. We need this information in order to make
arrangements for your lodging in Fairbanks. It may be possible for us to
arrange for you to do some "commercial" ice sculptures in return for the
costs of food and accommodation before and after the competition, if your
travel schedules require that you arrive earlier or later.

4. Chainsaws and electric tools are a real necessity for sculpting the
huge blocks of ice (see our web site for details). Ice Alaska has some
chainsaws for rent. Our power supply will only work with American
electric tools, so do not plan to bring electric tools using 220 power
unless you will bring a transformer.

Last year's prices for chainsaw rental were as follows: (these prices are
subject to change)
Large saw $35.00 half day $65.00 full day
Medium, small saw $25.00 half day, $45.00 full day
Electric saw $20.00 half day, $30.00 full day
For general information about Fairbanks, winter temperatures, etc., please
refer to the website of the Fairbanks Convention and Visitors Bureau.
http://www.explorefairbanks.com