We are STOKED for Michigan Ice Fest! Our goal is to make this as much fun as we can. On this page you’ll find a ton of information and tips about the event and how to make the most of it. Please read this information carefully.
Festival Sign In
When you arrive in Munising you will need to sign in at the event. You can come to our headquarters and our friendly staff will get you all set for the weekend. You will get your official lanyard, which is your ticket into all things Ice Fest, as well as any updates to the schedule and any important information.
Our Headquarters
Our headquarters is located at the Central Community Center inside the old elementary school. This will be the center of the Ice Fest Universe. You’ll get your demo gear here, meet athletes and reps, shop, and see some of the presentations.
You can see a map of the building here.
Schedule
There is a lot going on during the weekend, both on and off the ice, and you don’t want to miss any of it. There are schedules in the festival guide and at the headquarters.
The schedule is also available here
Demo Gear
If you paid for the demo you have access to our gear for the weekend. If you did not pay the demo fee, the gear is not included in the $65 registration fee. If you need gear and didn’t pay for the demo you can add it to your registration at the check in when you arrive.
Every morning after the classes get gear (See event schedule) we start checking out demo gear for the day. You’ll go to our demo room where our staff will get you fit with the equipment you need. The line can get quite long on Saturday and Sunday morning so showing up early and being patient goes a long way. You’ll be required to leave a credit card or drivers license in exchange for the gear. We have a limited number of helmets and harnesses so if you have your own we encourage you to bring it as we will certainly run out of these. If you don’t have these two critical pieces of gear, it may be a good idea to purchase one. They are discounted at our headquarters to make it more affordable.
To speed up the demo process and get you more time on the ice we’ve made a few videos to ensure you get everything set before you head out into the cold. Please watch our videos on how to fit your boots and how to fit your crampons.
All demo gear must be returned by 6PM every evening. No exceptions.
Other Gear to Bring
There are some other basics that we don’t provide that will make your class much more enjoyable. We recommend bringing:
- Good Attitude – It goes a long way, in both climbing and life
- Warm Clothes – Dress in layers and how you would usually dress for all day outside.
- Extra gloves – Thin gloves to climb in and thicker gloves to not climb in. You can never have enough gloves
- Snacks and Hot Drinks – Keep your energy up and your belly full
- Camera – This will be an experience you’ll never forget and you’ll want pictures.
- Backpack – It’s always nice to have something to carry your gear
- Skis or snowshoes are really helpful when accessing backcountry climbs
Discount
Don’t worry if you don’t have all the gear you want, or if you fall in love with the gear you demo. Down Wind Sports will have a store setup at Headquarters where they will have all the gear you need and even more that you want, and best of all, everything will be on sale!
Transportation
We will have a shuttle that runs continuous loops from the headquarters to Sand Point. This is the best way to get around as there is NO PARKING AT SAND POINT. If you are planning on going somewhere other than Sand Point driving is your best option.
Backcountry shuttles may be available to the Miner’s Castle area. Please inquire at headquarters.
Parking
Our headquarters is attached to an active school, so please do not park in any school parking lots during the school week. You may be towed. Please don’t block driveways or hinder the school operations in any way. Munising is a very walkable town. If possible, please walk to the headquarters from where ever you are staying and use our free shuttles to get to the climbs.
Where to climb
Ice fest is a busy time at Pictured Rocks. Really busy. But that doesn’t mean that there is no ice to climb. The popular and easily accessed climbs see huge crowds, but climbers are friendly and this is Ice Fest so we get the best people in the world attending, share your ropes, share your climbs, share your festival. We’re a family, let’s make everyones experience a great one.
If you’re looking for a little more solitude and are willing to work for it, grab an Ice Fest staff member. We can point you in the direction of climbs that receive only a handful of ascents a year.