Category: Events

Ice Fest Gold Sponsor Scarpa

Bill

For years Scarpa has been very generous by sending huge amounts of demo gear so that participants can test out the latest and greatest ice climbing gear.  Scarpa, like our other Gold Sponsors, has sent amazing athletes to our event  ensuring that we get the highest quality instructors, and are entertained in the evening with inspiring stories of climbing around the world.   This year Scarpa is  graciously sending Fabrizio Zangrilli.

 

Fabrizio is 38 years old, lives in Boulder, Colorado and has been climbing for 22 years. His climbing has taken him around the world, attempting and putting up new routes or speed ascents in the Himalaya, Alaska, Patagonia and Queen Maud Land, Antarctica – to name just a few of his expeditions. He has guided and or led expeditions to Everest, K2 (5 times) Makalu, Cho Oyu and the Gasherbrums, Nuptse South Face, Ama Dablam (5 times), Pumori and Cerro Torre. Fabrizio is one of the few climbers to go from K2 base Camp, 5000m, to camp 4, 7900m, and back to base camp in a day (36 Hours). His main belief is speed is safety in the mountains, and really enjoys helping clients reach their goals!  You can follow Fabrizio’s adventures here!

 

 


Phantom Guide

Besides sending Fabrizio, Scarpa will be supporting our event by sending their demo fleet of top notch ice boots.  As you might know, our demos are an opportunity to try out the leading ice climbing manufacturers gear- so take some time out of the weekend and give one of our personal favorites- the Phantom Guide, a try.

From HMR to the west shore of Grand Island, the Scarpa Phantom Guide is a lightweight alpine climbing boot for all your ice climbing and mountaineering needs. The Phantom has an ErgoFit system that allows you to flex your feet naturally so you can get a better grip on small rock flakes when you’re ascending technical terrain.

    • PrimaLoft lightweight insulation and multilayer upper adds warmth when you’re hitting the ice
    • Waterproof t-zip and integrated gaiter provide protection from the elements so you can climb hard all day long
    • Synthetic Cordura uppers with a DWR coating provide dryness inside of the t-zip
    • Quick lace system can be tightened or loosened easily with cold fingers or gloves
    • ErgoFit sole allows your foot to flex naturally
    • Midsole construction uses microporous polyurethane to improved shock absorption and durability
    • Tough Vibram TT sole for superior grip and traction on variable alpine terrain

Thanks Scarpa for committing to support Mid West ice climbers and sending Fabrizio to this years Michigan Ice Fest!

Did Someone Say Free Beer?

Bill

Not only are we saying free beer- we’re going to throw in a free pint glass as well!  When you register at the door our staff will be handing out Official Michigan Ice Fest stainless steel pint glasses (while supplies last).

One of the best things about attending the Michigan Ice Fest is the people. At Ice fest you will find men, women, children, first-time climbers and guys who get paid to climb. During the day everyone sort of does their thing, but in the evenings we pack everyone together in a room above Sydney’s and listen to the professionals tell us stories of their latest adventures. This is also a great time to meet new people or catch up with old friends.

We will kick off the festival on Thursday night 7pm with  the “Participants Slide Show: Beers with Bill ” while enjoying a tasty beverage of choice with our own Bill Thompson of Down Wind Sports. If you have great pictures to show that you took, and just love, please submit them to Bill at downwindsports@gmail.com (in digital form please) and he will put them all together for the show.  Feel free to cheer during the show for your personal favorites!  Following Beers With Bill the evening will really take off with Ben Erdmann sharing his passion of wild places and climbing adventures!

Friday night at 6pm with  Scarpa  and Ames Adventure Outfitters will providing the refreshments. This night Joe Josephson and Fabrizio Zangrilli will be presenting.

Saturday night we will again get things going around 6pm but tonight Trango, and Montane will be around to help keep your mouth from drying out. On this night Zoe Hart and Will Gadd will be presenting.

A HUGE thank you goes out to Trango, Montane,  Osprey, and Scarpa for sponsoring the climbing socials all weekend long!  THANK YOU!!!!

MONTANE® is a British company that create technical clothing and equipment for mountainous and extreme environments. Founded almost 20 years ago, MONTANE® work with leading innovative expeditions to the worlds polar and mountainous regions, support athletes in climbing, polar exploration and endurance trail running and headline the world’s leading ultra-distance endurance events. MONTANE® is available in high quality specialist outdoor dealers across the USA.

 

Trango is a company built by climbers, for climbers. We are committed to bringing high quality, high performing products to the climbing world and are passionate about stewardship for the planet. Our brands include: Tenaya, eGrips, SMC, and PMI.

 

Scarpa   Innovation and tradition share equally deep roots at SCARPA, which today remains a family owned company with its headquarters and performance footwear manufacturing facilities in the same regions of northern Italy where it got its start in 1938.

Founded in Asolo, in the Montebelluna region, an area long known for its quality, handcrafted footwear, SCARPA’s initial mission was to bring together all the best shoemakers in the Asolo area toward the goal of producing the best footwear anywhere. SCARPA stands for Società Calzaturiera Asolana Riunita Pedemontana Anonima, which means Associated Shoe Manufacturing Company of the Asolo Mountain Area.

 

Ames Adventure Outfitters is a Manufacturers’ Representative for top quality indoor & outdoor clothing and equipment, water proofing supplies, packs, tents, solar and monitoring devices, trail running, approach, and mountaineering shoes/boots, socks, and other accessories. The manufacturing firms that we represent consistently offer merchandise that leads the industry in new technology and are regularly awarded accordingly. It is our belief that outstanding customer service and integrity in all business transactions are essential for long term success in this industry.

Help!

Bill

Ok folks this is really scary! No one has submitted photos for the “Beers with Bill 2” slide show……come on guys and gals- don’t make me pull out the family vacation shots! Send me 4-5 of your favorite climbing shots and we’ll get them into the show! New to the Beers With Bill concept? It really is “The Participants Slide Show”. While enjoying a tasty beverage of choice with our own Bill Thompson of Down Wind Sports,  participants will be entertained with fantastic slides of climbing adventures from all over the country! Feel free to cheer during the show for your personal favorites! If you have great pictures to show that you took, and just love, please submit them to Bill at downwindsports@gmailcom (in digital form please) and he will put them all together for the show. If not we will be watching slides of Bill’s latest family vacation. PLEASE SEND ME YOUR SHOTS!

Breaking News! Joe Josephson To Present At Ice Fest!

Bill

The 2013 Michigan Ice Fest is developing into one of our strongest line ups ever with the breaking news of Joe Josephson joining our list of presenter/instructors.  Fresh off of organizing a successful Bozeman Ice Fest Jojo will bring his expertise to the Michigan Ice Fest this year.  Don’t miss this unique opportunity to climb with some of the best athletes in the industry- book your course now as they are beginning to fill up fast!

 

Joe Josephson

Joe Josephson “JoJo” has a broad and diverse background as a publisher, photographer, business owner, sales rep, hard rock miner, community organizer, French cook, stunt man, mountain guide and is the self-proclaimed “least sponsored sponsored climber in history.” Born and raised in the wilderness of Montana but living in the Canadian Rockies for over a decade, he was established in the 1990s as the “resident route poacher” climbing many new rock and waterfall routes.

Author of the seminal “Waterfall Ice in the Canadian Rockies” and “Winter Dance Select Guide to Montana and Wyoming” JoJo has more recently been spending his energy organizing the Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival and the 501c3 “Friends of Hyalite” despite working full time at a day job with the Greater Yellowstone Coalition. Author of an upcoming “How to Ice Climb” book with Falcon Press, JoJo will share stories, films and images from his history in the Canadian Rockies, epicing up the longest ice routes in North America in the Yukon, to finding solace in 40 meter flows hidden in the House of Hyalite.

We are so fortunate to have someone of JoJo’s caliber coming to our event to present and instruct.  Welcome JoJo!

Just Added! Rigging and Rescue Clinic With Ben Erdmann

Bill
Photo credit AlpineEndeavors
We are very fortunate to have a deverse group of instructors this year and Ben Erdmann has offered to instruct a Rigging and Rescue clinic!  Make sure you take advantage of this interesting and informational clinic.
RESCUE AND RIGGING CLINIC FRIDAY FEBRUARY 1ST 10:00am $120.00
While none of us plan on getting hurt while climbing, it is important to plan and practice what to do in the event it happens. In this clinic we will cover basics for high-angle rescue that are applicable to many of the ice climbs we find in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore area. A number of the falls require the climber to rappel in and climb out, in the event of an injury or bad conditions making ascent difficult, it is required that the person is either hauled out or is able to ascend the ropes to reach the top.
Some of the techniques and concepts we will cover:
-scene size-up and patient handling
-rigging of a mechanical advantage system for hauling a casualty
-ascension
We will focus on a minimalistic approach to the equipment used. The gear and techniques will form the foundation for rigging and rescue in glacier travel and more complex multi-pitch rescues.
While its a serious subject, we are certainly going to have plenty of fun!  To sign up please call 906-226-7112

Zoe Hart Returns To Ice Fest!

Bill

Michigan Ice Fest is proud to announce that Zoe Hart will be joining us for the 2013 Ice Fest,  instructing our courses throughout the weekend and presenting  Saturday evening.  We are so fortunate to have our Gold Sponsor Patagonia sending Zoe to this years event!

After of 10 years of perpetual motion, climbing her way around the corners of the globe Zoe Hart settled in the Valley of Chamonix, France. After arriving in the valley, somewhat by luck and somewhat by accident, Chamonix is now her permanent residence with her husband Maxime Turgeon, an equally avid and accomplished climber. They live in a small apartment perched beneath the hanging glaciers of the Aguille du Midi, where Zoe has learned the value of climbing in her own back yard.

In 2006 Zoe became the 4th American Female to pass the UIAGM certification allowing her to work as a Mountain Guide around the world. Zoe currently holds many hats, Professional Mountain Guide, Professional Alpinist, Director of the Chamonix Adventure Festival, Degree Candidate at the Harvard Extension School for a Masters in Sustainable Development and Environmental Management, Freelance Writer, Lecturer and Speaker, each day holds a different challenge.

Having grown up in suburban New Jersey and arriving in Chamonix to learn to ski, on a pair of telemarks none the less, Zoe has come a long way from her East coast roots. Now her days entail long alpine routes, or adventures on classic alpine ridges with clients, ski tours, or sunny rock climbing in France, Italy, and Switzerland. Rather than the perpetual motion of her 20’s Zoe continues to travel and explore the greater ranges of the world a few times per year, most recently to climb Madagascar’s big granite walls.

To read more on Zoe click here!

Beers With Bill II- Anyone Thirsy?

Bill

Join us for the second annual “Participants Slide Show: Beers with Bill II ”- while enjoying a tasty beverage of your choice with our own Bill Thompson of Down Wind Sports, Thursday evening at Sydney’s.  The idea is to have everyone submit their favorite ice climbing photos and Bill will put them together in a slide show set to music.  During the show feel free to cheer for your personal favorites!  If you have great pictures to show that you took, and just love, please submit them to Bill at bill@downwindsports.com (in digital form please) and he will put them all together for the show.

Sue Nott Scholarship Available

Bill

We all wished that we were introduced to the sport of ice climbing at a younger age……right? Are there any young women in your life you’d like to give that gift to?  The Michigan Ice Fest is proud to offer an amazing opportunity for young women between the ages of 9-17 to be introduced to the sport of ice climbing at the Fest.

Sue Nott was a native of Vail, Colorado, and began climbing rock and ice at the age of 20. In the winter of 1998, Sue was involved in an ice climbing accident where she was speared by a large piece of ice, when it crumbled from underneath her. Suffering from serious abdominal injuries, Sue took only two months to recover and was out climbing as soon as she could.

Over the next couple of years Sue focused on alpine climbing. She would winter in Chamonix, giving her access to many of Europe’s alpine classics including the famed Eiger. Then spend the spring season in Alaska, climbing on Hunter, Foraker and Denali. All of this was preparation for her major expeditions which took her all over the world, climbing in such locations as India’s Garwhal Himalaya, the Peruvian Andes, and the mountains of Patagonia to name a few.

It was her drive, focused direction and experience that lead her to become one of the world’s top women alpine climbers. But it was her lust for life and infectious energy that left a permanent impression on everyone she met. Whether it was teaching a clinic, traveling abroad, in a restaurant or even competing against others, her warmth, energy and good natured spirit affected everyone.

Sue dreamed big, lived a large life, and wanted you to be a part of it. She was always there to encourage and cheer you on with whatever you were doing, no matter who you were. For those of us lucky enough to share some time with her, we will be forever changed and will forever miss her.

For two years Sue was also an instructor for the Michigan Ice Fest teaching our women’s courses. Unfortunately, Sue was killed while attempting the Infinite Spur on Mt. Foraker in Alaska in the spring of 2006.  In honor of Sue,Down Wind Sports has created the Sue Nott Scholarship Fund.  The purpose of the scholarship is to promote, inspire, and introduce young females to the sport of ice climbing. One scholarship will be awarded every year for female’s age 9-17 years old. The scholarship will include admission to the ice fest, instruction in the women’s course, as well as some other surprises!

Do you know a young girl who might be interested in learning how to ice climb?  Our Sue Nott Scholarship is still available!

Applicants need to submit:

 

1. A one page written letter explaining why they are interested in ice climbing and the Michigan Ice Fest.

 

2. A copy of their most recent report card.  Applications will not be based on the best grades but that students are trying hard and making an effort at school.

 

3. A letter of support from someone other then the applicant’s parents.

 

4. Deadline for application is December 20th 2012

PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

DOWN WIND SPORTS

514 N. Third

Marquette, MI. 49855

ATTENTION SUE NOTT SCHOLARSHIP

Applications will be presented to a panel and will be responded to in writing by Jan. 1st