For 2024 we are dialing it up by adding several unique clinics for the ages!  We are offering a course for the 40+ crowd, a university half day class and for the first time a youth intermediate clinic! For veterans of the Ice Fest, we are offering a Thin Ice Clinic as well as expanding our Night Climbing program with a new Night Photography class. Be sure to register early as many of our classes fill up fast!

40+ INTRODUCTION TO ICE CLIMBING

Getting into climbing later in life and interested in learning how to ice climb in a class with your peers? Join “Senior Guides” and and AARP members Bill Thompson & Arni Ronis for a fun introduction to ice climbing class with the 40+ community. We will be climbing at a location with  a short approach and fantastic climbing! short approach and fantastic climbing!

ICE CLIMBING FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

This clinic is specifically designed for those college kids who want to experience ice climbing but may not have a full day (we know you have to get back to study!) This half day clinic will shorten your learning curve and learn proper ice climbing technique then to take a class from one of our professional instructors!  Learn equipment selection, tool placement, stance, and ice climbing technique in this fun supportive clinic. Available Sunday only and you must be a registered student!

This half day course will be offered Sunday and will last approximately 3hrs.

INTERMEDIATE ICE FOR PEOPLE OF COLOR

The MIF is proud to offer a powerful opportunity for POC to expand their ice climbing skills from our professional guides, providing POC the opportunity to not only learn advanced techniques alongside other POC Climbers, but to learn directly from POC instructors and mentors. The People of Color Clinic is open to all genders and is held in cooperation with Black Diamond.

MULTI-PITCH ICE TRANSITIONS & TECHNIQUES

Looking to transition from single pitch routes to multi pitch?  In this clinic learn how to make transitions more efficient, stance management and how to manage a party of 3 in tight belays on longer ice routes. This clinic also covers how to read a route prior to climbing it, and transitions into rappelling from climbing. 

TOP ROPE SOLOING CLINIC

As much as we preach that ice climbing and the Ice Fest are very social, sometimes it is hard to line up partners to climb.  Top Rope Soloing is a type of top roping that doesn’t require a partner (belayer). Join us for this informative, hands on clinic to learn the specific techniques to climb when you do not have a partner to join you.  The cost of the clinic includes a Petzl Mini Triaxion and Petzl Nano Traxion!

THIN ICE CLINIC

Thin ice is challenging terrain even for the most experienced climber.  During this clinic we will search out the thinnest lines in the park to learn techniques on how to gauge thin ice and how to move confidently over it.  

ICE CLIMBING PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

This clinic is designed for climbers who want to improve their photos of their climbing partners without being disruptive to their partners, or creating a safety hazard. This clinic will focus on how to set-up and photograph from a fixed line. It is also geared toward people who are already comfortable with using their camera, but do not know how to ascend a rope, but want to start taking top down photos of ice climbing. We will focus on a minimalistic approach to the equipment used.

ICE CLIMBING NIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

This clinic is designed for climbers who want to improve their photos of their climbing partners without being disruptive to their partners, or creating a safety hazard. This clinic will focus on how to set-up and photograph from a fixed line. It is also geared toward people who are already comfortable with using their camera, but do not know how to ascend a rope, but want to start taking top down photos of ice climbing. We will focus on a minimalistic approach to the equipment used. Each participant will be given a new Petzl headlamp to use for the night and keep for future climbing trips!

YOUTH INTERMEDIATE ICE

Over the years we have offered introduction to ice climbing courses for youth and this year we would like to take the kids to the next level!  This intermediate clinic will lay down a solid foundation of climbing skills with a strong emphasis on safety. This program is designed to get kids to feel enthusiastic about ice climbing and to expand their understanding of gear, as well as advance their climbing technique.  Participants should have ice climbing experience.