For those who live close to one of the poles, snow and ice sculptures are serious art forms. Whether it's a massive ice castle or a fully functional ice piano, the sky's the limit for what these sculptors can create.

 

There are contests and festivals around the world dedicated to this skill, from the International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival in Harbin, China, to the World Ice Art Championships in Fairbanks, Alaska.

 

Here are 15 wintry creations that will give your backyard snowman a serious complex. (Text: Caitlin Leary)