The construction of the ice hotel just outside Fairbanks Alaska at Chena Hot Springs Resort has been shut down by the State Fire Marshall.

"People have to find something humourous about having a Fire Marshall close down an ice hotel," said a Chena Hot Springs spokesperson, "but this frozen asset isn't about to be turned to snow rubble anytime soon."

"We are still going forward full bore," said owner, Bernie Karl. "We are creating ice art, the largest sculpture in the state. We are no longer allowed to build an ice hotel so now we are sculpting the finest art creation in the known world."

Ice sculptor Steve Brice is still sculpting ice and snow gargoyles, jousting knights and ice chandeliers, with his team of ice carvers.

"The State Fire Marshall has tried to put a square peg in a round hole. What makes this artwork exciting is that it is new, different, and on the edge," says Karl. "Just because they don't have a law allowing it doesn't mean that it shouldn't be allowed. It is a tourist attraction, something that will bring positive attention to our city and our state."

Karl is confident that the ice sculpture will be finished by mid-December and says the carvings should be available for viewing in the next few weeks. www.chenahotsprings.com