Photo by @wilkinsonvisual - www.wilkinsonvisual.com

MUNISING — The 2025 Michigan Ice Fest is only one week away, and there’s still time to register and get your adrenaline pumping.

As ice climbing enthusiasts from all around the world gather to scale the glistening, frozen walls of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the festival offers classes, adventures and socials for anyone looking to learn something new about the sport.

There are also opportunities to listen to presentations from folks who have had some spectacular climbing adventures, such as Tim Emmett, who completed the hardest ice climb in the world — Mission to Mars WI 13 in Helmcken Falls, British Columbia — back in 2020.

The festival, presented by Black Diamond Equipment, takes place from Feb. 12-16. Those five days are jam-packed with a variety of events, including classes in night climbing, basic first aid, climbing photography and introductions to climbing at multiple locations around the Munising area. There are also specific climbing classes, adventures and socials being offered for women and gender-expansive folks, climbers of color, and youth looking to enter the sport.

Whether you’re a newcomer, a professional climber or just there to experience the atmosphere, Ice Fest has events for people of all interests and skill levels. Local bars and breweries will be open for designated after-parties following the day’s events, and special events offer participants the chance to experience ice climbing through other mediums, such as mountain literature, vintage climbing information and climbing gear crafts.

Down Wind Sports in Munising is the place to pick up rental gear that you request for the week, and if you’re looking for additional expertise before or after the festival, you can also hire one of their guides in advance.

Ice Fest headquarters can be found at Central Elementary School in Munising, located at 101 E. Chocolay St. Here, participants will be able to pick up registration materials, check out and return demo equipment, receive more information about the festival, and shop at the vendor booths.

Safety is also important to keep in mind, as the weather on Lake Superior can be unpredictable this time of year and ice climbing can be a dangerous activity. The festival website provides specific videos on climbing safety, such as anchoring and ascension. Climbers are encouraged to dress warmly and make sure they bring gear that allows them to enjoy the festival in a safe manner.

People involved in the climbing classes will be transported via official Ice Fest shuttles, and there will be a continuous shuttle running from the headquarters to the Sand Point area, as there won’t be parking at Sand Point. If you’re looking to travel elsewhere, the festival recommends that you make sure to drive.

It’s also recommended to leave your car at your hotel or travel by foot where possible.

Interested parties can register for the festival online at michiganicefest.com/register/. Additional pricing regarding registration fees, classes, gear rental, and more can also be found on the website.

Registration will still be available at the door if you do not register during the online window.

All festival information can be found online at michiganicefest.com. Upper Peninsula ice climbing gear and information can also be found on Down Wind Sports’ website at shopdownwindsports.com/pages/ice-climbing.

The Munising store, Down Wind Sports is located at 114 Elm Ave., and the Marquette branch is located at 514 N. Third St.