Ice Hotel
Overview
An Ice Hotel is a temporary hotel made up entirely of snow and sculpted blocks of ice. They are promoted by their sponsors and have special features such as ice sculptures and ice furniture. Ice hotels exist in several countries, and they have varying structural designs, services, and visitor experiences.
History
The concept of an ice hotel was first introduced by Yngve Bergqvist who was inspired by the Japanese ice sculpting festivals. In 1989, he started an ice sculpting event near the village of Jukkasjärvi, Sweden. This led to the creation of the first ice hotel in 1990. The success of this venture led to the establishment of other ice hotels in countries such as Canada, Norway, Romania, and Finland.
Construction and Design
The construction of an ice hotel involves a combination of architecture, design, and art. The process begins in March, when around 2500 tons of ice is harvested from the Torne River in Sweden. The ice is then stored in a production hall with room for over 1000 short tons of ice and 30,000 short tons of snow. The ice is then used to create the walls, ceilings, and even the beds of the hotel. The construction typically starts in November and is completed by December, employing around 100 people. The design and themes of the rooms are unique each year, often designed by various artists from around the world.
Visitor Experience
Staying at an ice hotel is a unique experience. The rooms typically maintain a temperature of -5 to -8 degrees Celsius. The beds are made of ice but are covered with reindeer skins, and guests are given special sleeping bags suitable for extremely cold conditions. Some ice hotels also offer warm rooms. Ice hotels often feature ice bars and ice restaurants, serving food and drinks on ice dishes. Activities such as ice sculpting classes, snowmobile tours, and northern lights excursions are also offered.
Environmental Impact
Ice hotels have a minimal environmental impact as they are built every year from natural materials. The water used in the construction returns to its original river source in the spring during the melting process. However, the energy required for maintaining the cold rooms and the transportation of visitors can contribute to CO2 emissions.