Cold temperatures in the Upper Peninsula continue this week setting us up for some of the best climbing conditions we have seen in years! All formations in the front and backcountry seem to be in and folks are tagging some of the classic pillars and lakeshore climbs. An exception is the Amphitheater in the front country which has just touched down but folks should stay off the very thin fang until it stabilizes enough to climb.
Lake ice to Grand Island has NOT solidified enough to warrant safe crossing but we are still optimistic that we may have access to it during Ice Fest! East Channel climbs and the West Shore are looking great and we are crossing our fingers for the continued cold temperatures and favorable wind conditions.
After your climbing adventures, remember to stop by the Guide Service Center on Saturday nights starting January 18th, as Down Wind Sports and the Michigan Ice Fest Guides will be hosting a climbing movie night at 112 Elm Ave in Munising! Grab your climbing partner and head on down to the guide center to enjoy a variety of new and vintage climbing flicks all winter long. We will supply the popcorn; you share the adventures of the day with friends at our Cinematic Saturdays!
Looking to venture deep in the backcountry but just not sure where to start? The Michigan Ice Fest Guides offer guided ice climbing trips seven days a week all season long. Its a great way to get introduced to some of the amazing pillars and climbs out over the lake. Don’t have all day to climb? We also offer night climbing trips as well! Be sure to check it out the guide service here!
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. BEFORE MAKING THE LONG DRIVE UP– please call Down Wind Sports for up to the minute conditions: 906-387-8020
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. Looking to rent gear? If your group needs to rent gear Down Wind Sports in Munising which offers Ice Gear rentals and are open 7 days a week. Check out the rental details here!