Lake Geneva’s ice castle set to open in January
By Sandra Landen Machaj
Correspondent
This winter there will be a new mansion along the shores of Geneva Lake. But this mansion is actually a castle and is unlike any other that has been built on the lakeshore.
The structure is not a private home, or for that matter, even a permanent structure. Instead it is Lake Geneva’s newest winter attraction – an ice castle built on the sand along the lakefront.
The acre-sized castle, which weighs about 25 million pounds, is at 812 Wrigley Drive, next to the Riviera and set to open in January. Organizers originally planned a December opening, but recent warm weather has pushed the start date into the new year.
“The ice castle will remain on the shore until approximately the end of February or beginning of March, if the winter weather allows,” said Joe Tominaro of Visit Lake Geneva.
According to Tominaro, the ice castle will bring in visitors to Lake Geneva throughout the winter season unlike activities that are only available for a day or a week or two.
Winter wonderland
The castle is a fantasyland, a life-size winter playground built entirely by hand. It is constructed of more than 10,000 handmade icicles carefully placed by a team of ice artisans. Once the icicles are in place they are covered with water, which allows them to meld into a unique wall design. The walls are made only of these icicles – there are no other support structures.
Unlike some ice structures these are not built from blocks of ice, which creates a very symmetrical structure. The icicles allow more intricate designs because of the shape and manner in which the icicles adhere to each other.
The walls themselves are often as much as 10 feet thick as the icicles drip and merge into one giant block of ice. Each day new icicles are added to replace those that may have melted from wind or warm temperatures.
A variety of frozen thrones and fountains are positioned in the castle. Tunnels and slides are cut through the castle by the ice artisans with chain saws. For the larger slides, people must measure at least 42 inches in height to take the plunge.
Lights at night
At night the ice castle is lighted by multi-colored LED lights that are embedded inside the ice, which twinkle to music.
The pathways are of crusted snow and in some places ice. Visitors are advised to wear good boots that can grab the snow and ice. Boots with high heels and flat-bottomed dress boots are not the best choice for walking through the castle. Lightweight shoes and even athletic shoes may also not be appropriate or safe as they become wet and do not provide a good grip on the snowy paths.
And don’t forget gloves or mittens and a warm coat. Adding snow pants for children is a smart move.
Strollers are not accommodated in the castle but it is suggested that children be pulled on a small sled.
The first creation
The creator of the ice castles was Brent Christensen of Alpine, Utah. In 2009 he built an ice cave in his front yard as a way to encourage his family that includes six children to enjoy the outdoor weather. The ice cave, while not nearly the size or as intricate as the ice castles, became a popular site for not only his children but also neighbors and friends.
In 2011 Christensen teamed with Ryan Davis and Ice Castles was founded and became a favorite winter experience for visitors as each new location was built. Christensen developed the icicle construction technique. As in the movie, “Field of Dreams” – where the famous line “If you build it, they will come,” is used to explain why the field was built – the ice castles have attracted large numbers of visitors.
The concept has continued to grow with ice castles currently in six locations. Five are located in the United States and one in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Lake Geneva is the newest of the ice castles and promises to be a successful destination.
Other ice castles are located in Dillon, Colorado; Lincoln, New Hampshire; Midway, Utah; and Stillwater, Minnesota.
All of the ice castles are on the shore of a natural water source. This is done purposely so the water that is used in the ice castle can be returned directly to the environment.
Many people questioned why the ice has a beautiful blue color. The ice has that color, just as lakes and other water surfaces do, because water absorbs every color of the spectrum except for the blue hue. The blue becomes more visible in the ice as the thickness of ice increases.
Pets are not allowed in the ice castle. The one exception is certified service animals. Service animal owners must have proof of certification to be allowed to enter with their animals. Ice Castles asks owners to take every precaution to avoid “yellow ice” when bringing in a service animal.
Tickets needed
Tickets for the Lake Geneva ice castle will be available as soon as it is known when the ice castle will open.
Visit www.icecastles.com for more information about tickets.
Based on experience at other ice castles, organizers recommend that tickets be purchased in advance for visitors to be assured of entry to the ice castle on the day and near the time of choice.
Tickets are issued with a half-hour time block to enter the structure. Once inside visitors may stay as long as they wish. Most people spend at least a half hour and many spend more time.
Tickets purchased online in advance are priced at $10.95 for children from 4 to 11 years of age and $15.95 for adults on weekdays. Weekend prices for tickets in advance are $14.95 for children and $18.95 for adults. Children younger than 4 are admitted free of charge.
Walkup tickets can be purchased on the day of visit if they are available. Purchase of ticket on site does not guarantee admission at a particular time or even on that day. Onsite ticket prices are weekdays $15 for children and $20 for adults. Weekend fares on site are $20 for children and $25 for adults.
