SnowHotels

SnowHotels are temporary lodging facilities constructed entirely from snow and ice, typically in Arctic or sub‑Arctic regions. The concept, combining architectural design with natural materials, emerged in the early 1990s when artists and engineers sought new ways to engage with winter landscapes. The most famous example is Sweden’s Icehotel, built near Jukkasjärvi, which reopened in 1999 after initial experiments in 1989–1990. Each year, the hotel is redesigned by a different international artist, producing one of the world’s most rapidly changing art installations.

Related projects exist in northern Finland, Russia, and Canada. Finnish “Snowman” hotels are often smaller, focused on local tourism, while Russian “Siberian Snowhotel” in Krasnoyarsk incorporates regional motifs. All structures rely on sub‑freezing ambient temperatures to maintain stability; some incorporate insulated blocks of ice for interior scenes, but the overall design prioritizes energy efficiency.

Typical rooms are small, ranging from 3 to 8 square metres, and provide basic sleep surfaces such as mattress packs. Guests often participate in guided tours explaining construction techniques, thermal insulation, and safety protocols. Many snow hotels also offer cultural programmes, including traditional music and cuisine, linking the visitor experience to local heritage.

Because the buildings melt within the spring thaw, they leave minimal ecological footprints and require only local materials, such as snow collected from the site and artists’ supplies. SnowHotels have become a niche form of ecotourism, drawing poets, photographers, and architects who are interested in temporality, sustainability, and the intersection of art and environment.