Not to sound like a broken record but not much has changed in the last week as the Upper Peninsula is still experiencing warmer than normal temperatures. We have received snow which is good as we need the snow to melt a bit during the day and then freeze over night to build up the ice formations, and more importantly to form the ice pillars that Munising is so famous for.

Lets start with the good news! HMR was climbed by Michigan Ice Fest Guides Colton Harris and Tyler Davis a few days ago and they reported great ice and that it was fat! There are climbs in the back country to be found and like the front country, if the are seeps, they are climbable.

The front country is pretty much the same as it was last week. Seeps are the only thing climbable right now and they include Prelude Curtains, Opening Curtains, Boomer Falls, 2 lines at The Curtains, Drake Seep, The School Room, Big Pine Pillar, and Lakeshore Curtains.

Also as a reminder there is other great ice climbing in the U.P. including a few climbs in Marquette and quite a few places in the Keweenaw Peninsula. These locations can be found in the guide book, An Ice Climbers Guide to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Most of the climbs outside of Munising tend to be seeps, which are what is in, and are certainly fun to climb in a beautiful wilderness setting.

Please be mind full that Munising early season formations are extremely delicate and knocking any pillars down at this point may take a month to reform. BEFORE MAKING THE LONG DRIVE UP– please call Down Wind Sports for up to the minute conditions: (906) 387-8020

Weather and ice conditions can change hourly and what may appear to be “good conditions” to one climber may not be so to another. Please remember that just because a conditions report says that a particular climb is “in”, each individual is ultimately responsible for making his/her own climbing decisions.

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. We also offer a full guide service and are currently booking guided ice climbing trips for the 22/23 season! Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!