Guinness World Record Achieved by Mongolia’s New Snow and Ice Festival

Mongolia, renowned for its expansive landscapes, verdant valleys, and nomadic traditions, has typically been viewed as a destination best explored during the summer. However, a new initiative seeks to entice global travelers in search of an authentic Mongolian winter experience.

The inaugural Mazaalai International Snow and Ice Festival, launched on January 14 and running until January 28 at Sky Resort, a golf and ski resort on the outskirts of Ulaanbaatar, aims to elevate Mongolia’s winter tourism sector. The event is seen as a significant milestone, according to Mongolia’s Culture Minister Nomin Chinbat, who stated, “Over the next two weeks, visitors will be captivated by our winter landscapes and the beauty of the sculptures on display, and I hope many more from around the world will be inspired to visit our country during the winter season.”

Within the first few days, the event reportedly achieved a Guinness World Record for the most people descending an ice slide in one hour. The record-setting moment involved 408 participants sliding down the festival’s 16.4-meter-long ice slide consecutively, garnering the attention of a Guinness official to validate the successful attempt.

The festival boasts various attractions, including a five-meter-high snow and ice sculpture depicting the country’s endangered Gobi bear (known as Mazaalai in Mongolian) and her cubs. This creation aims to raise awareness about the critically endangered animal. Additionally, 52 ice Mazaalai statues were erected to represent the 52 Gobi bears remaining in the wild. The festival features a 56.4-meter-long snow and ice sculpture alongside a large ice skating rink.

On January 17, the Mazaalai International Ice Competition took place as part of the festival, showcasing the talents of 24 artists from six countries, including China, Thailand, France, Russia, the United States, and Mongolia.

While winter in Mongolia may not appeal to everyone, especially given Ulaanbaatar’s reputation as one of the world’s coldest cities, the season has its advantages. Winter visits offer more affordable hotel and tour rates and present the opportunity to witness breathtaking snow-covered landscapes. Mongolia hosts various unique winter events, such as the annual Khuvsgul Lake Ice Festival in early March, held on the country’s largest lake.

Culture Minister Chinbat emphasized that the Mazaalai International Snow and Ice Festival aligns with the government’s goal of attracting one million international tourists annually to Mongolia. In 2019, before the pandemic, the country received 637,000 international travelers, according to the World Bank. To achieve this ambitious goal, Mongolia has implemented several measures, including expanding the list of countries whose citizens can visit without a visa, a policy in effect until the end of 2025. Furthermore, discussions are reportedly underway to launch direct flights between Mongolia and the United States in the coming year.