Snowmen have been a beloved winter tradition for centuries, symbolizing the joy and creativity that snow can inspire. Among the most remarkable snow creations is Olympia, a snowwoman built in Bethel, Maine, which in 2024 still holds the record for the tallest snowperson ever constructed. This world record has stood for about 25 years.
Origins of Snowmen
The history of snowmen dates back to ancient times. The earliest known depiction of a snowman was found in a manuscript from 1380 in Switzerland. Over the years, snowmen evolved from simple piles of snow into intricate sculptures adorned with various materials such as carrots for noses and coal for eyes. This playful winter activity has become a cherished tradition across many cultures.
Olympia: The Record-Breaking Snowwoman
In 2008, residents of Bethel, Maine, took the art of snowman building to new heights—literally. Named after former U.S. Senator Olympia Snowe, Olympia was constructed over a month-long effort involving hundreds of volunteers. Standing at an impressive 122 feet and 1 inch tall, she became the tallest snowperson in history, as recognized by Guinness World Records.
Construction Details
- Height: 122 feet 1 inch (37.21 meters)
- Weight: Approximately 13 million pounds of snow
- Base Diameter: 125 feet
- Materials:
- 48-foot-wide fleece hat made by local students
- 8-foot-long nose crafted from chicken wire and painted cheesecloth
- Lips made from five red car tires
- Arms formed from two 30-foot spruce trees
- Eyelashes created using pairs of skis
- Buttons made from large truck tires
The Building Process
The construction of Olympia involved a collaborative effort where large construction trucks transported snow to the site. A crane was utilized to lift and position the snow in concentric circles, while volunteers packed it down to ensure stability. The project was overseen by local engineer Jim Sysko to guarantee safety during its assembly.
A Lasting Legacy
Despite melting away by July 30, 2008, Olympia’s legacy endures as a testament to community spirit and creativity. The record for the tallest snowperson has faced challenges; however, attempts to surpass it have been unsuccessful. A notable contender was Riesi, a snowman built in Austria in 2020 that reportedly exceeded Olympia’s height but was later disqualified by Guinness World Records.
To this day, Olympia remains a symbol of winter joy and ingenuity in Bethel, Maine. The town continues to celebrate its snowy heritage with hopes of breaking their own record once again in the future.
Read More
[1] https://snoweleadershipinstitute.org/olympia-snow-world-record/
[2] https://www.foxnews.com/world/worlds-tallest-snowman
[3] https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/tallest-snowman
[4] https://escapeadulthood.com/blog/2009-01-08/the-worlds-tallest-snowman-i-mean-snowwoman.html
[5] https://wblm.com/bethel-maine-still-holds-the-guiness-world-record-for-tallest-snowman-time-to-break-our-own-record/
[6] https://www.bangordailynews.com/2023/01/31/news/maine-holds-world-record-tallest-snowman-joam40zk0w/
[7] https://fox23maine.com/news/local/maine-still-holds-the-world-record-for-the-tallest-snowman-snow-people-guinness-world-records-bethel-climate-change-angus-king-of-the-mountain-olympia-snowwoman
[8] https://www.bethelmaine.com/snowpeople/