Ice castles are an enchanting winter destination for the entire family

By SanDi Barrett ContriButing Writer

REGION - Tucked away in North Woodstock, N.H., is a frozen fairytale castle perfect for a family gathering. From toddlers to grandparents, everyone will love the magical ice sculptures that come together to form an ever-changing, crystal-like design. The castle is built and designed by ingenious ice artisans who then give up control to the temperature, wind, and water allowing them to hone the icy abode.

Childhood inspiration

Backyard ice and snow forts were the inspiration for Brent Christensen’s epic Ice Castles. As you wander through and around the castles, you encounter an ever-changing view of the sparkling walls of ice shimmering with colored backlighting.

The ice castles are open-air structures that envelop you in frozen beauty. It’s difficult to remember you are outside wandering around enormous piles of ice and snow. Proper outerwear is necessary.

The New Hampshire night-time temperatures can drop significantly below freezing, and it can become ex- tremely cold once the sun goes down. When visiting the Ice Castles plan on dressing warmly. From the young to the young at heart, snow boots, snow pants, a warm jacket, hat, and gloves are a must. You will be wandering around outside on ice and snow―cozy wool socks and warm boots will make your visit much more pleasant.

Best time to go

The Ice Castles are beautiful to visit before sunset. The White Mountains’ winter sun sparkles off the glittering, ice-coated surface. After dark, the Ice Castles literally glow. They are lit internally with LED lights, making the walls a canvas for the colorful rainbow of ice.

In addition to the stunning castle of ice, you can enjoy a winter hike―a quarter-mile trail through the woods― where you will find beautifully lit winter wonderland tableaus. Trees with twinkling lights and curtains of hanging snowflakes light the hard-packed, snow-covered path. Be sure to stop by the icicle growing garden where icicles used to craft the castles hang, dripping slightly, from metal frames.

The little ones will love crawling through the ice tubes and slipping Ice castles | 7