Local Olympian Passing the Torch: A New Chapter for Aspen Vail Ice

The Vail Valley is no stranger to extraordinary talent, but few stories capture the spirit of artistry and collaboration like the partnership between local Olympian and world-champion ice sculptor Scott Rella and Bryan Park, a long-time Vail Valley craftsman. Together, they are forging a bold new future for Aspen Vail Ice (AVI), a Colorado-based ice sculpting powerhouse that blends tradition with innovation.

From World Stages to Local Legacy

Scott Rella’s journey to founding Aspen Vail Ice is as awe-inspiring as his sculptures. Before becoming an ice sculpting pioneer, Scott spent 15 years as an executive chef in New York City, cooking in elite venues like the Waldorf Astoria and La Caravelle. By chance, his culinary career led to a groundbreaking artistic endeavor—establishing the first ice sculpting company in the United States.

In 1995, Scott was invited to the Vail Valley to create large-scale ice sculptures for the Vail Valley Tourism Bureau, with unforgettable works like the Nutcracker and the Butterfly Woman. These installations became cherished public art displays, earning Scott national recognition, including first place in Art in Public Places in America and a feature in Sculpture Magazine.

---

---

Realizing the demand for a dedicated ice sculpting business in Colorado, Scott sold his first company in New York and relocated to Vail, where Aspen Vail Ice was born. Over the years, the business thrived, serving Aspen, Vail, and beyond, while Scott’s global acclaim grew. He represented the U.S. at the Lillehammer Olympics and multiple World Championships and founded Fear No Ice, a performance ice sculpting company known for its high-energy shows and Fortune 500 clientele.

A New Vision with Bryan Park

In 2021, Scott began searching for a local artist to apprentice with him, ensuring Aspen Vail Ice’s legacy would continue. Enter Bryan Park, a Battle Mountain High School and CU Boulder alumnus with deep roots in the Vail Valley. Bryan had honed his craft working in his family’s business, Sign Design, which has created iconic signage for local landmarks like the Legendary Back Bowls sign on Vail Mountain.

---

---

The two artists quickly formed a friendship, and by 2023, Bryan officially purchased Aspen Vail Ice, ushering in a new era of creativity and growth. Under Bryan’s leadership, AVI now operates out of a 3,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility in Gypsum, equipped with advanced freezer space, with multiple CNC machines, and a team of world-class sculptors.

Expanding the Art and Impact

The partnership between Scott and Bryan has elevated Aspen Vail Ice to new heights, blending Scott’s global expertise with Bryan’s local craftsmanship. Today, AVI serves not only as a creative hub but also as a cornerstone of the Vail community. The company has donated countless sculptures to fundraisers and nonprofit events, reinforcing its commitment to giving back to the valley.

The expanded facility enables AVI to tackle ambitious projects, from stunning wedding sculptures to elaborate installations for corporate events. The growing popularity of custom cocktail ice cubes has added another unique offering, with shapes and sizes limited only by imagination.

Meanwhile, Fear No Ice continues to shine on the global stage. Recent highlights include a Nike shoe store made entirely of ice for the NBA All-Star Game in Salt Lake City. With Bryan and Scott working in tandem, the future promises even more extraordinary projects and performances, blending video art, soundtracks, and pyrotechnics to create unforgettable experiences.

A Community-Driven Future

For Scott, bringing Bryan on as a partner is a natural step in building a legacy of artistry and community. Together, Scott and Bryan, along with their talented team–including champion sculptors Joe Srholez, and Matt Ounsworth–are ready to propel Aspen Vail Ice into the future, preserving the core values that make it a local treasure.

From the Vail Valley to the world stage, Aspen Vail Ice is a shining example of the power of collaboration, creativity, and community spirit. With Scott and Bryan at the helm together, this exceptional business is poised to inspire and amaze.

Connect with Aspen Vail Ice:
AspenVailIce.com
Instagram: @AspenVailIce
Email: Bryan@IceSculpture.com