FestRider Photo Blog

Igloo City Made of Snow: Sun Above and Ice Below

Novosibirsk, Boomerang Beach
Full Story: 129 photosQuick Impression: 36 photos
A sunny winter Saturday morning sets a positive vibe at the Boomerang Beach
Eager for an exciting day, many are quick to share their good mood
If we come back to this team in four hours, we’ll be attending a housewarming party
It’s truly amazing how snow of the right density combines lightness and strength
Family teams are quite common here
The blocks must fit tightly together: the judges will deduct points for every gap
Let’s watch how the labor is divided: some carry the “building materials”…
Just a few final touches remain
A properly built igloo can support around 400 kg of weight
Since 2016, the Eskimo City has been built as a full‑fledged competition
Back then, outdoor‑tourism enthusiasts tried their hand at igloo building for the first time
This is how the festival became a highlight of February and a signature winter event for Novosibirsk
But back to our observations: another hut is being covered with snow to hide any gaps
For example, you can design the entrance area if you have at least half an hour to spare
The huts standing side by side are similar yet each has its own distinct look
After all, bringing families and communities together is one of the festival’s most important goals
Letting the judge inside, the builders wait hopefully for promising scores and honest praise
Its creators have put together a real winter celebration for everyone who came to the Ob Sea
Plus, building igloos can even strengthen romantic relationships!
The cheerful owner of this tiny “studio,” just an hour’s drive from the subway, invites everyone to visit
Many people are having a meal beside their “new builds”…
In some places, the scenery looks downright otherworldly
Only the occasional snowmobile reminds you that this is still part of Earth’s civilization
But once they disappear from view, the huts feel like something from another planet again
The sun is about to set, but the vivid impressions will stay with people for a long time
A heated outdoor plunge pool helps visitors shake off the day’s fatigue
Finally all the tallest, largest, and otherwise “most‑most” igloos have been recognized with prizes
A major part of the program is given to the “Druzhina” folk‑music ensemble
Each new number invites a creative dialogue with the audience
The lively tunes make one’s feet itch to dance
A spontaneous choreographic improvisation to live vocals wraps up the concert program
…never forgetting to reward them with enthusiastic applause
That’s exactly how artistic director Nikolay Gnuchev planned the performance
The tongue‑in‑cheek name “Snowdrift Builders, Inc.” could suit any team here today
Now we’ll turn back time and revisit the sunny snow city once more
Let’s wish the organizers continued success and a future expansion to the federal level!

Continuing with the Theme

And in the meantime, there’s time for a photo session — the kind you can only get at Winter Farewell!132 shots

Say Goodbye to Winter, Say Hello to Pancakes

Omsk, Krutaya Gorka Neighbourhood

The last keepsake photos are taken129 shots

Bear Lake Fun: A Mud Festival Adventure

Novo‑Ilyinskoye (Kurgan Region)

Their impressions are overwhelmingly positive81 shots

Time for Ice Swimming!

Omsk, Green Island Park

A patron and philanthropist, Maria Shanina would surely have supported the flashmob…108 shots

The Magnetic Magic of Red

Omsk, City Garden

Just one more minute, and the main Father Frost will give the signal to start the parade66 shots

Celebrating Winter Wizard’s Birthday

Kalachinsk (Omsk Region)

…and take unique memorable shots36 shots

Fire of Ligo: Latvian Heritage with Siberian Hospitality

Bobrovka (Omsk Region)

All Photo Stories: 48