Snowman Contest: A Winter Team Activity Guide for Companies
How do you run a snowman contest? Snowman building tips, the material kit, jury criteria and a medal ceremony: a winter team activity for companies.
A snowman contest is a winter team activity in which teams race to build the most creative snowman within a set time using the materials they are given. It is calmer than a snowball fight, but just as competitive and very photo friendly.
In the video, teams build their snowmen at the edge of a snowy pine forest and dress them with orange buckets, tinsel, ties and baubles; the jury takes notes while the winners put on their medals.
How do you build a snowman? Tips for a sturdy body
- Choose the right snow: slightly wet snow that holds together when squeezed works best; powder snow does not pack.
- Start with a small ball and roll it through the snow to grow it; changing direction as you roll keeps the ball rounder.
- Make three spheres: the biggest is the base, the middle one the body and the smallest the head.
- Flatten the top surface slightly before stacking the spheres and pack snow between them to secure them.
- Use the kit materials for the eyes, nose and buttons, and leave accessories until the end.
How do you design a snowman contest for a company event?
At the start we give every team the same material kit: a bucket instead of a hat, a scarf, a tie, tinsel garlands, baubles and something for the nose. A theme card can give each team a topic, such as one of the company's values, a department or the goal for the year. When time is up, teams briefly present their snowman to the jury.
- Creativity: how originally the materials are used.
- Sturdiness: whether the snowman is still standing at the end of judging.
- Theme fit: how well the given topic is reflected in the snowman.
- Presentation: how the team explains its snowman to the jury.
- Teamwork: task sharing and use of time.
The best-loved part of a snowman contest is that it leaves a lasting memory. The finished snowmen become the most photographed moment of the event; teams pose with their creations and, during judging, walk around to see the other teams' snowmen too. After the intense pace of a snowball fight, this round also works as a calmer break where colleagues chat with each other.
What should you combine a snowman contest with?
Opening with a snowball fight for energy and continuing with a snowman contest creates a good rhythm. For a longer winter day, the Sled Race & Triathlon, where teams build their own sleds, and the Snow Globe & Ice Sculpture Workshop to continue indoors can be added to the programme. For more game ideas, see our team games guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
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