This weekend the Upper Peninsula experienced some brutally cold temperatures- minus 24 degrees with a windchill of -44 in some areas! These temperatures certainly cause issues with climbers but did you know they also cause probles for the pillars that Pictured Rocks is known for? Through the Petzl Foundation and in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Geosciences (IGE) in Grenoble, conducted in-depth studies on waterfall ice stability, including how cold temperatures affect ice structure. This research, which took place from 2006 to 2010, aimed to understand the behavior of waterfall ice and its safety for climbers. Read the interesting findings at our blog page!
Ice Conditions 1-26-26
Third time is the charm! We need to give special recognition to Angela as this was her third time this season breaking trail out to scout conditions at HMR and it is finally in! It’s great to see this iconic formation develop just in time for the fest so if you are in town the next few weeks and are able to climb HMR (or anything else in the Chapel Area), make sure you find Angela and give her a high five!
The cold temperatures that gripped the entire Midwest, and south for that matter, certainly was a factor in how many people climbed this past weekend. Not a ton of action in the park but those who did get out enjoyed a rarity in these parts, sunshine! Thanks again to Angela and Trevor for battling the cold and getting these shots for the report
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 25/26 season! Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!
The Michigan Ice fest Guides have openings if you or a group would like a specialized guided trip of the park or if you are just in need of some rentals remember our store is located at 112 Elm in Munising and are now open all weekend long! Looking to rent gear? If your group needs to rent gear Down Wind Sports in Munising offers ice gear rentals. Check out the rental details here!
BEFORE MAKING THE LONG DRIVE UP– please call Down Wind Sports for up to the minute conditions: 906-387-8020. 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
Great news for ice making! Here is the 6 day forcast and its looking pretty good as the ice will continue to grow as we head towards the festival. Don’t have a warm enough belay parka or puffy? Be sure to stop by Down Wind Sports at 112 Elm in Munising for the largest selection of warm jackets, climbing gloves and ice climbing gear in the Midwest!
