These festivals are the perfect way to kick off the ice climbing season. From clinics to competitions, they offer incredible climbing spots and plenty of opportunities to connect with the community. These are the ice climbing events you won’t want to miss this winter.
1. Bozeman Ice Festival
When: December 11-15, 2024
Where: Bozeman, MT
Link: Bozeman Ice Festival
The Bozeman Ice Festival is a big deal in the climbing world. Hosted in the stunning Hyalite Canyon, you can learn from the best at clinics or just enjoy the social vibes at the evening events. Gear demos, film screenings, and the camaraderie of the ice climbing tribe are all part of the fun.
2. Wyoming Ice Festival
When: January 2-5, 2025
Where: Cody, WY
Link: Wyoming Ice Festival
Set in Cody’s wild South Fork Valley, the Wyoming Ice Festival offers a more personal climbing experience with smaller clinic sizes and nearly 1,000 ice pitches to explore. It’s perfect for all skill levels, whether you want a guided alpine adventure or just to sharpen your skills on some of the best ice in the U.S.
3. Ouray Ice Festival
When: January 23-26, 2025
Where: Ouray, CO
Link: Ouray Ice Festival
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the Ouray Ice Festival is one of the biggest ice climbing events in North America. Over three days, climbers from around the globe flock to Ouray for elite-level clinics, gear demos, and the mixed climbing competition in the Scottish Gullies. The festival also offers presentations, movies, and plenty of ways to get involved. It's the largest fundraiser for the Ouray Ice Park, helping keep this premier climbing destination free for all.
4. Smuggler's Notch Ice Bash
When: January 24-26, 2025
Where: Smugglers Notch, VT
Link: Smuggler's Notch Ice Bash
For East Coast climbers, the Smuggler's Notch Ice Bash is where it’s at. It’s a smaller, laid-back festival but still packs in the fun with ice climbing workshops, demos, and comps in a super chill setting.
5. Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival
When: January 30-February 2, 2025
Where: North Conway, NH
Link: Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival
Now in its 31st year, the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest is one of the top ice climbing events in the Northeast. It offers a range of clinics for all skill levels, gear demos, and epic slideshows. With a fun, inclusive atmosphere, it's the perfect place to learn, connect with other climbers, and enjoy local food and beer.
6. Winona Ice Climbing Festival
When: January 30-February 2, 2025
Where: Winona, MN
Link: Winona Ice Festival
The Winona Ice Park is a unique manmade ice climbing destination, built within an old quarry, perched high above the Mississippi River. With its stunning views of the city below and its easy accessibility, it’s become one of the top spots for ice climbers in the Midwest. The festival offers a great winter adventure for climbers of all skill levels, making it a must-visit for anyone in the region.
7. Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest
When: February 1, 2025
Where: Duluth, MN
Link: Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest
The Duluth Ice & Mixed Fest at Quarry Park is a great event for climbers of all levels. Whether you're an experienced ice climber or just making the transition from rock, there are clinics for everyone. With Quarry Park's unique ice farming system, you’ll find plenty of climbing opportunities even if natural ice is limited. It’s a fun, casual event where climbers can come together, learn, and enjoy the local ice climbing scene.
8. Lake City Ice Climbing Festival
When: February 1, 2025
Where: Lake City, CO
Link: Lake City Ice Climbing Festival
The Lake City Ice Climbing Festival is a laid-back, community-driven event set in the scenic Lake City Ice Park. With men’s and women’s competitions, it offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere for climbers of all levels. The festival is a great way to enjoy Colorado’s winter beauty while supporting the local ice park.
9. Valdez Ice Festival
When: February 20-23, 2025
Where: Valdez, AK
Link: Valdez Ice Festival
The Valdez Ice Festival is an adventure in the heart of Alaska’s wild Keystone Canyon. With epic frozen waterfalls and challenging routes, it’s perfect for climbers looking to push their limits. Whether you’re competing or just enjoying the rugged scenery, this festival offers a true Alaskan ice climbing experience in one of the most stunning spots on earth.
10. Sandstone Ice Festival
When: January 10-12, 2025
Where: Sandstone, MN
Link: Sandstone Ice Festival
Celebrating its 20th year, the Sandstone Ice Festival has grown from a grassroots effort to a staple of the Midwest ice climbing community. Held at Robinson Park, climbers can enjoy a mix of clinics, gear demos, and access to Minnesota’s first ice park. The festival began in 2005 with the help of local climbers and has since seen major milestones, such as expanding to include more routes for beginners. With support from Hard Water Sports and the city of Sandstone, this festival continues to offer a great weekend of climbing and community.
