Michigan Ice Fest

11/04/2026

We are excited to be able to offer this new course based on feedback from previous participants and instructors. We travel to Kona Hills Campground in Marquette for this course as Pictured Rocks is not conducive for mixed climbing. Our participants will also be in good hands as we have some of the best mixed climbers in the world as our instructors!

This course is designed for climbers looking to advance their skills on routes that combine rock, ice, and tools. Participants will refine techniques such as efficient tool placements, dry tooling movement, footwork, and body positioning while learning strategies for conserving energy on more technical terrain. With guidance from experienced instructors, climbers will practice route reading, sequencing, and transitioning between rock and ice features. This clinic is ideal for those who already have mixed climbing experience and are ready to push their mixed climbing abilities to the next level.

Space is limited- Register today!

11/03/2026

Our popular AM Coffee Talk programs are an opportunity where we invite Ice Fest participants to come in and start their day with a delicious cup of coffee, at Gallery Coffee Company, and learn about hot topics and current issues in the climbing world. All of our presentations start at 8AM & 9AM and are finished by 9:45AM just in time for climbers to head on out to the ice!

Coffee Talks sponsored by Gallery Coffee Company

Thursday 9am- Adaptive Climbing Roundtable Discussion

Join adaptive athletes, climbers, guides, and advocates for a roundtable celebrating accessibility
in ice and rock climbing. Explore adaptive techniques, specialized equipment, and innovations
expanding access to climbers of all abilities. Hear firsthand stories and discover ways to help
build a more inclusive climbing community. Hosted and moderated by Todd Middleton of
Adventurtle.

11/03/2026

The Michigan Ice Fest has always prided itself on having some of the best instructors and athletes in the country attend our event. Our Athlete Spotlight celebrates the talented athletes who inspire our climbing community through their achievements, passion, and dedication to the sport. These athletes make Michigan Ice Fest a place to learn, grow, and push personal limits. Quality instruction is at the heart of the festival, providing climbers of all experience levels with the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence to climb more safely and responsibly. Our world-class athletes foster a welcoming community, and help make every Michigan Ice Fest experience unforgettable.

Today we feature Allie Oaks who comes to the festival thanks to our Title Sponsor Black Diamond

Allie Oaks comes from midwestern roots; born in Indianapolis then moved to Wisconsin for high
school. She moved to Arizona for nursing school and that’s when her identity started to shift from eclectic hobbyist to climber. Her college roommates used to make fun of her for the random array of things she would become involved in (women’s rugby, volunteering locally and abroad, sorority life, campus tour guide, etc) so when she brought home a harness and shoes after her first time rock climbing they pointed out it’d be fleeting like everything else. But, as it turns out, climbing stuck! Climbing grounds Allie and grows her in a way she hasn’t found reproducible through anything else. The pristine beauty of the places she finds herself, feelings of accomplishment when pushing past physical limitations, and the deep connections built through climbing partnerships keep her coming back.

11/02/2026

Our Munising store is preparing for the ice season with an expanded Mountain Hardwear section. Before hitting the ice this season be sure to have Angela Miller or Trevor Lassila show you around the Mountain Hardwear product!

11/02/2026

The Michigan Ice Fest has always been a place where climbers can come and get a first look at the most innovative new climbing products on the market. This year we will give a preview here as well as having it available at our online store as well as “in person” at the Michigan Ice Fest Headquarters during the Festival!
During Ice Fest our headquarters is the ultimate “toy shop” that a climber can dream of. From clothing to gear if it is made for ice climbing, you’ll find it here! All of the leading manufacturers will have booths set up displaying and selling the latest and greatest gear with sales representatives on hand to answer any questions you might have. And that’s not even the best part! As a participant at the Michigan Ice Fest you are entitled to a 20% discount on all purchases made during the festival.

The BLUE ICE Blast helmet sets a new standard for alpine protection. As the market´s most compact and lightweight option, its innovative hybrid construction masterfully balances minimal weight with robust durability. Featuring an ultra-slim profile, it utilizes an EPS insert and Aramid reinforcement for optimal safety without hindering movement. Engineered for high-intensity alpine pursuits, it boasts superior ventilation and an adjustable, featherlight harness for a secure, comfortable fit, even with a beanie. The Blast seamlessly integrates with essential gear, offering a stable headlamp mount and compatibility with all eyewear types. Built for extreme performance and durability, it´s the trusted choice for serious alpinists

10/30/2026

10/29/2026

The Michigan Ice Fest has always prided itself on having some of the best instructors and athletes in the country attend our event. Our Athlete Spotlight celebrates the talented athletes who inspire our climbing community through their achievements, passion, and dedication to the sport. These athletes make Michigan Ice Fest a place to learn, grow, and push personal limits. Quality instruction is at the heart of the festival, providing climbers of all experience levels with the knowledge, technical skills, and confidence to climb more safely and responsibly. Our world-class athletes foster a welcoming community, and help make every Michigan Ice Fest experience unforgettable.

Today we feature Sam Elias who comes to the festival thanks to our Title Sponsor Black Diamond
He started climbing in 2005 at 23 years old after college and a serious ski racing pursuit. He’s done 5.14d sport, 5.14- trad, V12, M13, Ice comp podiums, international climbing development, Mt. Everest, and more.

Sam is the son of a Syrian immigrant father and a Polish-American mother, and was born around Detroit. He feels deeply connected to the cultures of his parents and also to the place where he grew up. He believes in the blue-collar way of life, and in earning your keep, and also in taking active roles in community.

10/28/2026

The Heartland Grant is designed to help Midwest climbers and weekend warriors chase their ice climbing dreams. Our community is rich with dreamers and extraordinary climbers and it’s time we foster that.

We’ll be giving out $1,000 in cash to make those dreams reality. We think you can do great things, prove us right.
How to Apply
Step 1. Dream up a great trip.
Step 2. Make a one minute video explaining your trip and telling us why it should win the grant
Step 3. Fill out the application and upload your video.
Step 4. Our committee will select the top project.

Important Dates
July 1st – Application Period begins
November 30th – Application period ends
December 15th – Winner will be announced
2027 Saturday Night Ice Fest – Grant will be awarded to the winner on stage at the festival (attendance required)

GRANT CRITERIA
Applications will be considered using the following criteria:

The Heartland Grant is open to climbers 14 years old or older (parental permission is required for climbers 14-18 years old) of all abilities
Applicants must be residents, or students attending school, in one of these Midwest States: Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, and Indiana or the Canadian province of Ontario.
Project must be an ice climbing trip. Expeditions, notable first ascents, competitions, new area for your, community service, as long as its primary focus is ice climbing it’s good with us.
The committee is looking for fun and interesting trips. Surprise us with remote destinations, unique challenges, community service, and, above all else, impeccable style.
Applications are considered for projects that occur within one year of the date awarded.

Apply at the link in our bio!

10/28/2026

Getting into climbing later in life and interested in learning how to ice climb in a class with your peers? Join our “Senior Guides” for a fun introduction to ice climbing class with the 50+ community. We will be climbing at a location with a short approach and fantastic climbing!
Space is limited- register today at the link in our bio!

10/27/2026

The official 2027 Michigan Ice Fest program is in hand! Going to send them out to specialty retail shops and climbing gyms so who should we them to?