Wow! We could not have asked for a better start to the season! Lots of snow fell over the weekend (12 inches in Munising overnight on Saturday) combined with freezing cold temperatures, have formed most of the areas classic climbs. It has been awhile since we have had these kind of climbing conditions in December and we are so thankful. It has been great to see climbers returning to the area to get their first swings of the season on some pretty fat ice! Many of our guides have been out scouting and sending photos back so that we are able to put together these conditions reports.

A majority of the front country climbs are in with the exception being the Ampitheater which needs a bit more time to fully form. With the amount of snow that fell over the weekend, back country access along Miners Castle Road is now via ski or snowmobile as the snow is just too deep for vehicles. HMR is getting a slow start simular to last year. Hopefully a bit warmer temperatures will melt some of the snow and get some water flowing which is what this classic seep needs to form up to its usual size. Big thanks to Angela Miller for being the first to pack in the trail into HMR making this long approach much easier for climbers to follow.

Here is a quick look as some of the areas formations from the last few days. Once again we are super stoked on how good conditions are right now. If you are considering a trip before the holiday do it! There are less climbers in the park and tons of fresh ice to get forst sticks on!

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!

Looking to rent gear? If your group needs to rent gear Down Wind Sports in Munising offers Ice Gear rentals and are open 7 days a week.  Check out the rental details here!

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