Well its Ice Fest week and as usual our weather has not let us down!   Traditionally this week the weather gods have pulled out all of the stops and have greeted visiting climbers a taste of what winters in the U.P. are all about!  So, whats in store this week?  COLD, COLD, COLD!

This past week it was a cold  but on the upside nothing fell down yay! Also rare for us the sun was shining helping to take the edge off the bitter cold.

While it has been cold, and it’s going to get colder,  the crossing to Grand Island is not quite ready yet. 4 snowmobilers found that out as their machines were headed to the bottom of the East Channel last week.  Will it be ready by this weekend?  Maybe.  Best to check with locals if you are coming up this weekend before venturing out onto any lake ice.

Erik Olsen ready for the sharp end. Dairyland

All climbs are in (with the exception of the Ampitheater) and are growing each day!  Just a friendly reminder that Pictured Rocks is a very large park and there are amazing experiences to be had beyond the Sand Point Road area.  Not sure where to go?  Be sure to pick up the guidebook to the area or stop by Down Wind Sports for some beta.

While we won’t be gathering as an Ice Fest Family, we do hope you spend the evenings after climbing tuning into our live #covidfest virtual presentations starting Feb 11th @ 8pm! The presentations have always been a big part of the event, and we just can’t imagine a year without the injection of inspiration they provide, pandemic or not. So we’ve gotten together with a few friends and sponsors and we’re putting on a few virtual slideshows during what would be the festival weekend. These will be broadcast on Facebook Live so tune in and engage!

If you’re coming up for the weekend don’t forget to stop into Down wind Sports for Ice Fest gear along with ice climbing gear rentals! You can reserve any gear here. Not coming?  You can still get your discount on any climbing gear or clothing at our online site .  Recieve 20% off all winter by using code COVIDFEST2021 at checkout.

Been to Munising this winter? Our photo contest for free entry to Ice Fest 2022 is still going on remember to tag your photos with #michiganicefest2021

 

At Michigan Ice we take pride in being your go to site for current ice climbing conditions for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well as climbs throughout the Upper Peninsula. Planning a trip to Pictured Rocks? We have you covered for all the latest snow and ice conditions on all of your favorite climbs. Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!