Adrian Günter built his first igloo in 1996, to better enjoy the
mountain and first powder snow of the day. Following an avalanche of
interest from friends wanting to sample an igloo night, he increased the
number of igloos and opened the "small world in white" in 2006, with 7
villages across Andorra, Switzerland and Germany now accepting guests.
Moving three thousand tons of snow every December to build each
village, Adrian invites artists from all over the world to craft
sculptures inside each village. With only an ice pick, motor saw and
shovel, artists produce seals, arctic wolves, polar bears and whales as
well as swirling designs and patterns illuminated by candle light to
look over the guests from the walls.
The villages are open from Christmas day through to the beginning of
April each year, snow conditions permitting. With 10,000 visitors in
2010, all ages have enjoyed the cosy hospitality of an expedition
sleeping bag and sheepskin rug, from the youngest 19mth old baby to an
83 year old lady guest.