The MIF is proud to offer a powerful opportunity for POC to learn and develop ice climbing skills from our professional guides, providing POC the opportunity to not only learn alongside other POC Climbers, but to learn directly from POC instructors and mentors. The People of Color Clinic is open to all genders and is held in cooperation with Black Diamond and Climbers of Color.

Class is limited to 9 participants and with two routes selected there is sure to be plenty of climb time.   Scholarships may be available, please contact the staff at MIF for more information.  Space is limited for this course.

The equipment you bring can really improve your day out on the ice.  You’re only as warm as your clothing layers and only as comfortable as your jacket and pants. Join a Michigan Ice Fest Guide as they discuss the perfect gear selection that professionals utilize before tackling the big routes.   During this off ice clinic we’ll help to steer you in the right direction, including our guide’s picks for their favorite clothing and equipment.  We have partnered with Down Wind Sports in Marquette to offer you a $50.00 gift card AND a 20% discount on any ice climbing gear or apparel as part of your registration so if you don’t have the right apparel and want to purchase we can help you out.

This will be a non-climbing class and participation is limited to 15 people. Preregistration is required

More and more Midwest climbers are traveling into the bigger mountain ranges and whether they are tackling big mountains or remote waterfall ice, it is prudent to wear avalanche beacons. Avalanche transceivers, or beacons, are the best tools we have to find someone buried in an avalanche. Join us and learn how to use one and effectively carry a beacon on your next mountain adventure. The MIF Guides encourage you to learn as much as you can about snow, weather, and avalanches prior to venturing out into the backcountry and this clinic will be a great start!

This will be a non-climbing class and participation is limited to 15 people. Preregistration is required

From the moment, the first tool is placed and the first step is taken, there are many minute muscle that are triggered to keep you stable on the route.

Our friends at La Sportiva are offering this informative course to help improve your footwork and to greatly improve your success on the ice.

Participants will climb in La Sportiva boots and receive instruction on precision foot placement, weight transfer, hip position, resting on steeper terrain, and leg driven movement.

All of these components should be considered when making a single move and having success on steep ice.

Michigan has always been known as a place with steep and intimidating ice.  Become a better ice climber by putting new skills and tricks for efficient movement in your climbing quiver during this informative clinic taught by Nate Sackett. Gain knowledge on improving footwork and leashless climbing techniques required to tackle the sustained, steep ice in the WI4 to WI5 range.

Improve your ice climbing technique!  This intermediate course will focus on improving footwork, developing efficient tool placements/rests, and creating ease in both your style and your experience of the route.  The goal of the course will be to develop the tools necessary to conserve energy for longer and harder pitches of steep ice.  Participants should have prior ice climbing experience.

This class is designed to introduce ice climbers to the gear and techniques associated with beginning to leading on ice. Students will learn proper use of gear and equipment and will be shown different techniques and when to use them. Student will also be able to demo the just released Blue Ice Screws! Upon entering this class the student must have knowledge of the basic gear and techniques associated with ice climbing.

Each participant will walk home with their choice of a 16 or 19cm screw!

This clinic is designed to introduce climbers to a vast array of climbing anchors, tricks and tips! Dale loves helping both new and experienced climbers to achieve their goals and this clinic will be loaded with helpful information for clients. Dale is an Internationally Licensed Mountain Guide (IFMGA) and Technical Director of the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA). Never one to focus on a single aspect of climbing, he is an accomplished all around climber with high-end skills that cover all disciplines of climbing including; sport, trad, mixed, ice and alpine. His passion is teaching clients the finer points of climbing anchoring and safety.

Improve your ice climbing technique!  This intermediate course will focus on improving footwork, developing efficient tool placements/rests, and creating ease in both your style and your experience of the route.  The goal of the course will be to develop the tools necessary to conserve energy for longer and harder pitches of steep ice.  Participants should have prior ice climbing experience.

This class is designed to introduce the beginning ice climber to the gear and techniques associated with leading on ice. Students will learn proper use of gear and equipment and will be shown different techniques and when to use them. Upon entering this class the student must have knowledge of the basic gear and techniques associated with ice climbing.

This class is designed to introduce the intermediate ice climber to some of the back country formations along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  Participants will be shuttled into the back country where we will split the group and climb Bridal Veil Falls and Potatoe Patch Falls. Students will review proper use of gear and equipment and will be shown different techniques and when to use them. Upon entering this class the student must have knowledge of the basic gear and techniques including rappelling, associated with ice climbing.

This class is designed to introduce the beginning ice climber to the gear and techniques associated with leading on ice. Students will learn proper use of gear and equipment and will be shown different techniques and when to use them. Upon entering this class the student must have knowledge of the basic gear and techniques associated with ice climbing.

What better way to get absolutely the most out of your trip is to climb at night! Not only will a night session extend your climbing time but it will offer a unique perspective of climbing a frozen pillar by the light of a headlamp. Each participant will be given a new Petzl headlamp to use for the night and keep for future climbing trips!