History

1950	The first Sapporo Snow Festival was started by local junior-high-school and high-school students who created six snow sculptures and situated them in Odori Park.
1953	The first big snow sculpture was created. It was “Shoten” that was 15-meter high.
1955	The Self Defense Force participated in the festival and challenged making a massive snow sculpture.
1959	2,500 people participated in the 10th festival, and it was introduced in news and TV programs for the first time.
1965	Makomanai Site was officially opened as the second festival site.
1972	The city of Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympic Games 1972, and the Sapporo Snow Festival was widely acknowledged in the world through international media.
1974	The International Snow Sculpture Contest started as a part of the festival. Since then, a number of teams from regions in overseas countries such as Shenyang (China), Alberta (Canada), Munich (Germany), Sydney (Australia), and Portland (USA), each of which has a close relationship with Sapporo, have participated in the contest.
1983	Susukino Site was opened as the third festival site in the 34th festival, adding a new aspect of the festival by featuring ice sculptures illuminated by neon tube lighting.
1984	Festival period was extended by two days, and it became 7-day festival.
2005	Makomanai Site was regrettably closed after forty years of its history.
2006	Satoland Site was opened temporarily.
2009	Tsudome Site was officially opened as the second festival site.