Here are a few tips to help you get the most out of your Michigan Ice Fest Experience:
- Sign up early. Not only does it save you money, but our classes tend to fill up. You can register at michiganicefest.com
- At The Door Registration- If you do not pre register the fee increases to $85.00 registration/$85.00 Demo Fee
- Show up early! Doesn’t matter if it is a class, the demo, a presentation or for the free beer social. If you are late you will most certainly miss out.
- Prepare for anything. The weather on Lake Superior is unpredictable at best. Be ready for cold, snow and wind.
- Take a course/clinic. This is a sure fire way to increase your skills, gain some valuable knowledge, get on some amazing ice, all the while being instructed by one of the country’s best alpinist/ice climbers..
- Corner a manufacturer’s sales rep. These folks come from all over the country to support our event and represent the leading manufacturers of climbing equipment and clothing. They bring with them a vast knowledge of this gear and are more than willing to share their insights and experiences. If you have questions, they have answers.
- Have a drink with a professional athlete. Many of the world’s best climbers are in attendance at Ice Fest and are often found milling about Headquarters. It is a rare opportunity to be able to socialize with a sports elite athletes and the ability to share stories with them is priceless.
- Enjoy Munising and Pictured Rocks. The ice climbing in the Munising area is immense. Try to get off of Sand Point Road and explore the backcountry where you will find solitude, incredible scenery, and the opportunity to climb on the shores of the world’s largest freshwater lake!
Below is some more general info about the event that might be useful:
Registration
Online registration fee is $65. This gets you into all of the Ice Fest socials, slideshows and the famous raffle. If you sign up at the door the registration fee will be $85. You’ll get the same benefits but registering online will save you some money.
Cancelations
No refunds will be given if you can’t make it to the event. You are more than welcome to sell or trade your registration, but please let us know before doing so.
Demo Gear
Demo gear is available to rent for the entire weekend. The demo fee is $65 ($85 at the door) and gets you boots, tools and crampons for Wednesday through Sunday. Gear must be returned each evening and checked out again in the morning. If you are taking a class the gear is provided for the day of the class only and you must pay the demo fee to receive gear for the rest of the weekend. Non-climbing classes do not get demo gear.
Headquarters
Our headquarters is in the Central Community Center in Munising Located right in town, most off ice activities will take place here including: registration, class meeting spot, gear demos, gear sales, shuttle pick up, slideshow after parties. Have questions about the festival? The headquarters is where you will find the answers. Maps, schedules and official Ice Fest memorabilia will also be found here.
Spectating & Photography
If you are traveling up to Munising and looking to watch the climbers or exploring the possibility of catching the action on film- for your safety please do not walk under or around the ice while climbers are climbing. Ice can and will fall during the ascent and could easily injure a spectator/photographer. The best location for catching a glimpse of the climbers is along Sand Point Road. Take the shuttle from the Munising Community Center parking lot and the driver will drop you off right at the trail head. A short but steep walk will take you to the base of the climbs. We ask that all photographers please remain at the bottom of the climbs at the demo area.
Useful Numbers and Web Sites
Down Wind Sports Ice Conditions / Gear – 906-226-7112
Michigan Ice Fest – michiganicefest.com – 906-226-7112
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Visitors Center – 906-387-3700
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Headquarters – 906-387-2607
Michigan State Police Munising – 906-387-4550