Now that the fest is over we are continuing to see many climbers coming up to enjoy fantastic ice conditions at PRNL and over at Grand Island. Cold weather is continuing and the forecast looks promising for a long season. We have also received a good amount of snow the last couple of days so prepare to bust a trail if you are heading into the backcountry.
Having said that, on Saturday the Dryer Hose did spring a leak and we are hoping that it will heal up this week. The left side was still climbable but straight on and climbers right were defiantly a no go. See video here!
This past holiday weekend we saw many climbers up and down Sand Point Road which is a good thing but remember there is great ice to climb, many formations still untouched this season, scattered throughout the park. Our friend Captin Scott Gnas sent us the following photos of routes in the Mosquito area that had nobody on the both Friday and Saturday of Ice Fest!
Grand Island has seen lots of action at Trout Bay. Just a reminder- it is never safe to cross the East Channel to access the East Channel Curtains. Please use the public access dock for Grand Island. As always, when planning to venture out to the island check with the Park service, Forrest Service, local Sherriff or Down Wind Sports in Munising to see if lake ice has changed.
Captin Scott also sent these photos of the seldom climbed formations on the east side of Trout Bay
For those looking for a bit of solitude, The Millers went out to the Rock River Canyon Wilderness Area and found the Subway in pristine condition. If you are looking for fresh ice and no other climbers, we recommend picking up the guidebook and checking this area out as many of these smaller formations never get climbed in a season.
Our extended forecast is still looking amazing for continued ice growth and excellent climbing conditions! Be sure to check our website of social media channels for the latest ice conditions reports. If your group need 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!
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!