Ice Climbing Festivals
Written by: adeguia
Ice Climbing has become a tradition that people of all ages enjoy during the winter season, so it is not surprising that numerous festivals are attributed to this sport. Take a look at the different Ice Climbing Festivals that people celebrate every year.
Kandersteg Ice Climbing Festival
This Ice Climbing Festival has been celebrated annually since 2000. It has been named as the largest Ice Climbing Festival in the Alps and it is held every 4th to 6th of January in Kandersteg, Switzerland. Over 500 ice climbers (beginners) from Europe, USA, Canada, and Australia join this festival. In this event, people have the rare opportunity to compete with famous climbers in different Ice Climbing competitions. Mountaineers like Rich Marshall and Jack Muller also share their expertise through workshops.
Ouray Ice Festival
Ouray Ice Festival in Colorado is an international gathering of ice climbers, gear manufacturers who want to exhibit their products, and other Ice Climbing enthusiasts. Jeff Lowell, one of the Ice Climbing pioneers, founded the festival in 1996. In 2001, the festival was officially sold to Ouray Ice Park Inc., a local and non-profit organization that runs the Ouray Ice Park. Now, the festival is held annually, from January 9 - 13.
The visitors of this festival can join numerous clinics. They can also try the latest pieces of gear and equipment. Famous ice climbers participate in this event. Beginners can climb with their favorite ice climbers. Even the kids are welcome to the festival as the management added climbing walls for the young ones. Gear auction is also an annual feature in the event.
Adirondack International Mountainfest
This festival is a product of the partnership of The Mountaineer and Adirondack River and Rock. It is held at Keeney Valley, New York every second week of January.
Every year, the festival offers different clinics and courses like levels of ice, mixed and alpine climbing, avalanche awareness, expedition planning, snowshoeing, mountain and high altitude medicine, and other Mountaineering subjects. Visitors can also test some pieces of demo gear. Lastly, there is a big spaghetti feed in which all the participants gather to eat spaghetti.
Local and regional charities benefit from the proceeds of the event..
Michigan Ice Fest
Michigan Ice Fest began in the 1980s when a group of friends promised to meet every first weekend of February to climb. This group started to grow and more and more people meet in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to climb. Now, Michigan Ice officially organizes the Michigan Ice Fest to promote climbing in the area.
In the festival, world-class climbers share their expertise in instructional courses like equipment modification, the basics of Ice Climbing, and other related subjects. The participants can also try out the latest climbing gear and clothing. Moreover, numerous slide shows can catch the interest and even inspire the aspiring ice climbers.
The event is dedicated to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Sometimes, it is devoted to remarkable people. The 2006 festival was celebrated in memory of Robert Drake, one of its founding members.
Mount Washington Valley Ice Festival
This festival is held every second week of February. Mount Washington is known as one of the finest waterfall Ice Climbing destinations. The fanatics of the mountain’s slopes have organized an annual festival especially dedicated to the mountain and its climbers.
Every year, people enjoy Ice Climbing and rescue clinics for all skill levels, gear demo programs, celebrity slide shows, and aprčs climb parties. Numerous guided climbs are also available.
The main purpose of this event is to encourage people to make Ice Climbing as part of their lives. The festival shows the fun and camaraderie in Ice Climbing and Winter Mountaineering.
South Fork Waterfall Ice Festival
South Fork Waterfall Ice Festival is celebrated every second to third week of February in Cody. Don Foote, Jr. first organized it in 1998. The festival is named as the “Friendliest Little Ice Festival in the Northern Rockies”.
The festival features Jackson Hole Mountain Guides in their on-ice clinics and famous staff members and climbers.
Numerous Ice Climbing Festivals take place every year in different parts of the world. If you are a climbing enthusiast, these festivals are great venues for you to meet like-minded people and experience Ice Climbing at its best.
|
|
|
|
|
Basics & Backgrounds
Home
Print Article
Comment on Article
Write New Article
Search Articles