Tag: Grand Island Ice

Ice Conditions Report- Grand Island 3-6-15

Bill

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With bluebird skies, part of the Michigan Ice Fest staff spent the day circumnavigating the island scouting and climbing some beautiful ice.  Travel to the island is still good with lake ice holding strong.  With the recent cold but sunny days some of the ice on the west shore is starting to be sun baked.  If you are looking to get on some Grand Island ice, particularly the East Channel or West Shore, I would make the pilgrimage within the next two weeks.  The north side, and the mainland climbs, seldom see the sun so the climbing season is certainly going to last much longer there.  Remember Down wind Sports continues to rent gear so come on up and get after it!  If you are looking for any route beta be sure to give us a call at 906-226-7112

West Shore
West Shore

 

 

Between Gull Point and West Shore
Between Gull Point and West Shore

 

 

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Near Gull Point
Near Gull Point

 

North East Shore
North East Shore

 

Topping out North East Shore
Topping out North East Shore

 

 

 

Endless bouldering North East Shore
Endless bouldering North East Shore

 

 

 

Ice Conditions Report 2-16-14 Michigan Ice Fest Staff Goes Climbing!

Bill

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For all of our Michigan Ice Fest fans cold temperatures have not released their grip on the Upper Peninsula (thankfully) and our ice conditions are excellent!  Several of the Michigan Ice Fest staff gathered Sunday to travel out to Grand Island for a wee bit of climbing along the West Shore.  Right now conditions are EPIC with big fat beautiful blue ice and it really looks like long term forecast show the ice is not going to go anywhere anytime soon.  If you haven’t been to Grand Island be sure to get up here in the next month or so as you will be treated to long routes, perfect ice and NO CROWDS!

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The West Shore of Grand Island has more routes concentrated together than any other climbing location in the Upper Peninsula!  Only a ten minute snowmobile ride from the Grand Island public access, the West Shore is the closest major ice formation to the mainland.  Unlike the major climbs at Pictured Rock National Lakeshore, many of the West Shore climbs are less than vertical, offering moderate leads well above the waters of Lake Superior.

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Death and/or old age is coming…..we must live sweet.
The time is now. Why ration passion?
Dream big…..and climb those dreams.
After all, it is not only life, but the quality of this life.

Mike Libecki

As our good friend Mike says- The time is now!  Don’t wait….start planning your trip up and get after the amazing ice that Grand Island has to offer.  If you have any logistical questions about the island or the climbs don’t hesitate to drop us a line.

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