Holy Wah a lot of climbers were up for the holiday weekend!  Great to see some old friends coming up for some pre Ice Fest laps on some old classics.  As a friendly reminder – if you would like to get away from the crowds be sure to pick up a copy of An Ice Climbers Guide to the Upper Peninsula, which is a comprehensive guide to all of the climbs in and around Munising.  Many of these climbs were untouched over the weekend and are begging for folks to climb them!

Visiting climbers found the best conditions of the season so far with all formations in except for some of the true waterfalls which are close but not yet climbable.

The Dryer Hose

 

The Ampitheater PC John Miller

Nic Dobbs and David Hixenbaugh of the Michigan Ice Fest Guides, did a bit of exploring in the backcountry and found a mixed bag of climbs that were in and some that were not. If you are checking out the back country climbs along the lakeshore trail, there is a boot packed trail out to Dairyland.  Over the weekend Munising recieved around 10 inches of snow so if you are heading out to the climbs along Miners Castle Road or out to HMR you will need skis! Here is what the guides found out the Lakeshore Trail

*Giddy Up- Not in

*The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly was in but thin and delicate.

*Midnight Rambler – In

*Suck it Up- Not in

*Dairyland- Lots of snow on top over a thick crust of ice.  They found the conditions too wet to climb but Sunday saw an ascent of the formation and it was reported as “intense”.

Sweet Mother Moses PC John Miller

 

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly PC Nic Dobbs

 

The top of Dairyland PC Nic Dobbs

While the forecast for the upcoming week is not setting any records for being cold, it looks like we will maintain what ice we have and it should be another great week of climbing!  The Michigan Ice Fest Guides does offer a wide array of climbing gear for rent during the ice season. With gear from Black Diamond, Petzl, CAMP, La Sportiva, LOWA and many other great brands, we have what the gear you need to enjoy a day on the ice with friends.

If you have the skills and experience and are only lacking the gear, this a great way to get out. You can reserve any gear here.

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!