We are so excited to announce that Black Diamond is returning as our Title Sponsor!  Not only do they make incredible climbing gear and clothing, they were one of the first climbing manufacturers to come to our event back in the days where there were only a handful of participants at the event. Because of their commitment to the event we are able to offer Ice Fest participants a much greater experience and for that we will be forever grateful.

Black Diamond Equipment’s history dates back to the late 1950s, when climber Yvon Chouinard began hand-forging pitons and selling them from the trunk of his car in Yosemite Valley. Chouinard’s pitons quickly gained a reputation for quality, and Chouinard Equipment was born soon after in Ventura, California. 

Black Diamond was founded on December 1, 1989, when the assets of Chouinard Equipment Ltd. were purchased by a group of former company employees led by (now former CEO) Peter Metcalf, and a few outside investors. They continue to bring innovative climbing gear and apparel to the market, many of which will be on display at their booth at the Michigan Ice Fest headquarters.