Well Santa delivered the good to the Upper Peninsula this past weekend! Munising received over 30 inches of snow during the weekend blizzard. While this sets us up for an amazing winter, the blowing snow has created severe drifting. That means if you are coming up this week you will have to plan accordingly as trails have not been packed in to most of the backcountry climbs.

The other good news is that we have had our first stretch of colder temperatures and the pillars are starting to touch down! Low flow climbs such as the Dryer Hose are in but it will take a bit more time for the higher flow pillars like Giddy Up to be climbable. The traditional seeps along Sand Point Road are coming along nicely but still relatively thin.

Because Michael Ganley wants to know, The Dryer Hose has formed and has seen a few ascents this week. This is good news as the backcountry pillars that are similar to the Hose but taller can’t be far behind!

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: 906-226-7112

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!