What’s New- Black Diamond Technician RECCO Harness

January 13, 2023January 13, 2023 Bill

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.

Here’s a look at the latest greatest gear in ice climbing and beyond for the 2023 season! Remember when you sign up for the Michigan Ice Fest you can get 20% off your purchases at Down Wind Sports at the event or pre event over at www.shopdownwindsports.com

Today we feature the Black Diamond RECCO Harness

From steep ice and rime crusted alpine faces to granite big walls and limestone sport routes the Black Diamond Technician Recco Harness is a durable quiver-of-one that tackles any climb on the calendar. Featuring Recco Technology, this harness has an integrated Recco Reflector which is a passive transponder consisting of a diode and an antenna that’s lightweight and requires no power or activation to function. In the case of an accident, the Recco Reflector will make you searchable to rescuers. Made with adjustable leg loops and the lightweight support of our Fusion Comfort Technology, the Technician Recco features a quick-drying, durable shell that stands up to abrasive rock and foul conditions. Speed buckles on the waistbelt and leg loops offer a wide range of adjustability to accommodate changing layers throughout the seasons. Four gear loops, a rear fifth loop, and four Ice Clipper slots secure any sized rack.

What’s New- Petzl Meteor Helmet

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 Bill

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.

Today we feature the Petzl Meteor Helmet

Are you passionate about climbing, mountaineering, or ski touring? The METEOR helmet offers efficient protection for these three activities! Lightweight, compact, and with excellent ventilation, it’s comfortable in any season. The shape provides greater coverage for enhanced head protection and was specifically designed to be worn with ski goggles. Additionally, METEOR is the first CE certified helmet for ski touring (please note this helmet does not meet the requirements of the EN 1077 standard for alpine skiing helmets).

Ice Conditions Report 1-10-23

January 10, 2023January 10, 2023 Bill

Not to sound like a broken record but not much has changed in the last week as the Upper Peninsula is still experiencing warmer than normal temperatures. We have received snow which is good as we need the snow to melt a bit during the day and then freeze over night to build up the ice formations, and more importantly to form the ice pillars that Munising is so famous for.

Lets start with the good news! HMR was climbed by Michigan Ice Fest Guides Colton Harris and Tyler Davis a few days ago and they reported great ice and that it was fat! There are climbs in the back country to be found and like the front country, if the are seeps, they are climbable.

The front country is pretty much the same as it was last week. Seeps are the only thing climbable right now and they include Prelude Curtains, Opening Curtains, Boomer Falls, 2 lines at The Curtains, Drake Seep, The School Room, Big Pine Pillar, and Lakeshore Curtains.

Also as a reminder there is other great ice climbing in the U.P. including a few climbs in Marquette and quite a few places in the Keweenaw Peninsula. These locations can be found in the guide book, An Ice Climbers Guide to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Most of the climbs outside of Munising tend to be seeps, which are what is in, and are certainly fun to climb in a beautiful wilderness setting.

Please be mind full that Munising early season formations are extremely delicate and knocking any pillars down at this point may take a month to reform. BEFORE MAKING THE LONG DRIVE UP– please call Down Wind Sports for up to the minute conditions: (906) 387-8020

Weather and ice conditions can change hourly and what may appear to be “good conditions” to one climber may not be so to another. Please remember that just because a conditions report says that a particular climb is “in”, each individual is ultimately responsible for making his/her own climbing decisions.

At Michigan Ice we take pride in being your go to site for current ice climbing conditions for Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore as well as climbs throughout the Upper Peninsula. Planning a trip to Pictured Rocks? We have you covered for all the latest snow and ice conditions on all of your favorite climbs. We also offer a full guide service and are currently booking guided ice climbing trips for the 22/23 season! Check back often for updates, pictures, and trip reports!

Ice Conditions Report- 1-6-23

January 6, 2023January 9, 2023 Bill

It was a tough week for building ice in Munising. Heavy wet snow and warm temperatures blanketed the Upper Peninsula this past week and put lots of water into our streams and watershed. The effect of this is that many of the pillars and waterfalls are now blown out. Some seeps are still climbable such as Lakeshore Curtains, Big Pine Pillar, School Room, Drake Seep, Opening Curtains and Prelude Curtain. With the heavy snow, if you are heading into the backcountry snowshoes will be needed! An exception is that a group from Ohio has packed in the Lakeshore Trail to Cliffs Campsite, the route to Dairyland. The good news is that a report came in from a party that HMR is in as is FAT!

What’s New- Scarpa Phantom 6000 HD

January 3, 2023January 3, 2023 Bill

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.

Today we feature the Scarpa Phantom 6000 HD

There are boots that can make it up a peak, and then there are boots that are made for the job. The SCARPA Phantom 6000 falls into the latter category. As a lightweight, trimmed-down version of the Phantom 8000L HD, this mountaineering boot is perfect for high altitude peaks up to 6000 meters in elevation. Redesigned to tell a more sustainable story, we used more environmentally-friendly materials while still offering the same great performance you know and love from our mountaineering boots. With a fully waterproof shell and mid-calf gaiter, the Phantom 6000 can keep out even the heaviest of storms. The PrimaLoft synthetic insulation lining on the inner boot wraps your feet in a warm shell, no matter how fast the temps drop. And with a lightweight Vibram Precision Tech Roll sole with a shock-absorbing midsole, you’ll feel fresh no matter how many steps it takes to get to the top.

Full Circle Everest Team to Present!

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 Bill

In May of 2022, a group of climbers made history as the first all Black team to summit Mount Everest, the highest mountain on earth.

The Full Circle Everest Team represents a zenith in generational perseverance, tenacity and strength. Their expedition has inspired many people around the world and will continue to be a guiding light for the next generation of outdoor enthusiasts, educators, leaders, and mountaineers of color to continue chasing their personal summits. Come meet expedition leader Phil Henderson and the Full Circle Everest Team as they share personal stories of this historic achievement, Friday February 10th 8pm Mather Auditorium.

The ice climbing community is rather small and, like many outdoor activities, has often excluded the underserved communities where these activities take place. During our BIPOC program, participants will socialize, build friendships, and develop a broader, more inclusive community by accessing the amazing resource found here in the Upper Peninsula. The program will focus on creating opportunities that
would be otherwise unavailable to many people, fostering a love of climbing in a safe and encouraging environment.

The Michigan Ice Fest would like to thank Brad Garmon, Executive Director of the Michigan DNR’s Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry and our Title sponsor Black Diamond Equipment for sponsoring the BIPOC Programs at the Michigan Ice Fest.

What’s New- Grivel Mutant Helmet

December 27, 2022December 27, 2022 Bill

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.

Today we feature the Grivel Mutant Helmet

Light mountaineering helmet with captivating design.

Mutant is a helmet made of EPP, with an ABS reinforcement at the top. This combination of technologies allows a low weight with good all-round protection (on the top and sides) and ventilation nonetheless.
It features an innovative design with a symmetric hexagon-covered top and a different pattern left to right.
Minimal adjustment system to reduce weight and allow compact storage.
The Mutant comes in two sizes to cover a wide range from 48 to 62.

Ice Conditions Report- 12-26-22

December 26, 2022December 26, 2022 Bill

Well Santa delivered the good to the Upper Peninsula this past weekend! Munising received over 30 inches of snow during the weekend blizzard. While this sets us up for an amazing winter, the blowing snow has created severe drifting. That means if you are coming up this week you will have to plan accordingly as trails have not been packed in to most of the backcountry climbs.

The other good news is that we have had our first stretch of colder temperatures and the pillars are starting to touch down! Low flow climbs such as the Dryer Hose are in but it will take a bit more time for the higher flow pillars like Giddy Up to be climbable. The traditional seeps along Sand Point Road are coming along nicely but still relatively thin.

Because Michael Ganley wants to know, The Dryer Hose has formed and has seen a few ascents this week. This is good news as the backcountry pillars that are similar to the Hose but taller can’t be far behind!