Over 40 snow artists from nine countries will compete in the third Russian Cup held in Perm from Jan. 11 to Jan. 19, organizers said Monday.

As part of cultural programs for Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, the competition has attracted snow artists from Russia, Lithuania, Latvia, Germany, Italy, Canada, the Netherlands, France and China, all of whom were winners or prize holders at other famous snow art festivals in Russia and abroad.

The competition gives the public a unique chance to appreciate the first-class snow and ice artists of "various schools and styles and admire their sculptures," the Itar-Tass news agency reported, quoting Alexei Tyutnev, chairman of the Council of the Fund of Sculptors of Russia.

Players will be divided into 15 teams, and the winner will be awarded the Cup of Russia title and also the right to compete in future international contests, according to Tyutnev.

The first Russian Cup festival of snow and ice sculpture took place in Salekhard in 2007. The second was held in Perm in 2011.