This publication provides introductory technical guidance for civil engineers, marine engineers and other professional engineers and construction managers interested in the bearing capacity of ice sheets in cold regions. Here is what is discussed: 1. INTRODUCTION, 2. BEARING CAPACITY OF ICE BLOCKS, 3. BEARING CAPACITY OF FLOATING ICE SHEETS, 4. ANALYTICAL METHODS FOR SHORT-TERM LOADS, 5. EMPIRICAL METHODS FOR SHORT-TERM LOADS, 6. MOVING LOADS, 7. LONG-TERM LOADS