What we’re about
If you are looking for groups to climb with, partners, mentoring, route beta, or just want to hang out with other climbers! - Kristian Woyna
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Upcoming events (4)
See all- Bozeman Ice Festival 2025Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture, Bozeman, MT
The Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival is the signature event of the Montana Mountaineering Association (MMA). Our mission is to support the Montana community with education and mentorship regardless of economic background, previous experience, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fulfill our mission by offering a variety of instructional experiences and educational programs focused on alpine endeavors. We are excited to elevate our mission and continue championing the ice climbing community in Montana—and beyond.
The Bozeman Ice Festival (BIF) teaches on-ice instruction in Hyalite Canyon, one of America's longest and most influential histories in waterfall ice climbing. While sharing the beloved wilderness experience of Hyalite during the day, Ice Fest brings to town demos of the latest gear, world-class athletes and guides, inspiring films and evening entertainment, and the legendary camaraderie of the climbing tribe.
The Festival began as two separate events in the mid-1990s by Barrel Mountaineering and Northern Lights Trading Post. Considering recent weather trends, it is almost hard to believe but the first Barrel event was held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Barry Blanchard, Joe Josephson and Jack Tackle were the original clinic instructors. For a decade, Barrel put on one of the best ice festivals in the country as the sport exploded with new gear and generally became more accessible to a wider diversity of participants. The Northern Lights event, held after Thanksgiving, was a smaller event but with better ice – provided the road wasn’t snowed in already.Our alumni include many of the best climbers in the world: Guy Lacelle, Jack Roberts, Alex Lowe, Kitty Calhoun, Pete Tapley, Roger Strong, Ian McLeod, Jack Tackle, Sarah Hueniken, Pat Callis, Steve House, Marc Twight, Conrad Anker, Will Gadd, Ines Papert and many more. Some, like Whit Magro learned to ice climb at BIF and are now teaching our clinics and putting up new routes around the world.
- Lillooet Ice Festival 2026Lillooet Brewing Company, Lillooet, BC
Join us for a weekend packed with laughter, socializing, the latest gear, and fantastic ice climbing clinics. Bring your desire to learn. In addition to full day climbing clinics, we added shorter 3 hour skills clinics, and 1 hour workshops.
With music, delicious food, and amazing prizes, the Lillooet Ice Festival brings ice climbers together in a celebration of our community. This festival values inclusivity and strives to break down barrier’s allowing all climbers to participate and feel a sense of belonging.
Don’t let the cold feet stop you - we can’t wait to see you there!
This event will take place on the unceded and ancestral territory of the St’át’imcets speaking peoples of the St’át’imc Nation**, and has been stewarded by them since time immemorial. The term unceded acknowledges the dispossession of the land and the inherent rights that St’át’imc Nation hold to the territory. The term serves as a reminder that St’át’imc have never left their territory and will always retain their jurisdiction and relationships with the territory. We are visitors - please be respectful.
- Lake City Ice Festival 2026Lake City Ice Park, Lake City, CO
Lake City’s Ice Climbing Festival is a terrific, low-key event for those looking to escape the chaos of the popular resort towns. Spend the weekend in a winter wonderland with various activities amongst the friendly Hinsdale County locals.
There will be men’s and women’s categories and other levels for participants to compete. There will also be awesome prizes in store for the best climbs which will be given at the award ceremony immediately after the event.
This festival is the brainchild of Lake City Ice Climbs, Inc. which is a non-profit organization that aims to provide a unique climbing experience at the Lake City Ice Park. Because they are a volunteer-based organization, the festival hopes to gather donations to help keep the park going.
For those who will be traveling to participate in the event, there are some sponsors that offer discounts on hotel accommodations. There are also small bars and restaurants where people can hang out and have a drink before or after the event.
There are minimal costs per climber to compete. The festival is free to watch. What's included:
- Registration at 9:30 AM Saturday
- Ice climbing competition at 11 AM
- Access to the beer garden at Lake City Ice Park
- Opportunity to win prizes
- Access to awards, food, and the climbing community at Lake City Arts
