Say What? 2016 Michigan Ice Fest Registration Is Offically Open!

 

 

17562974851_0a3816de84_z

 

Well it is May and the ice season has just ended here in the Upper Peninsula and we are already stoked to start climbing again!  Our big news is that registration for all of Michigan Ice Fest 2016 courses is now officially open!  We have been working really hard for the last few months to organize and offer a spectacular event for the 2016 season.  Check out the new additions to your Michigan Ice Fest!

NEW FOR 2016

*Intermediate Course

*Intermediate Women’s Course

*Advanced Leading Course

*Back Country Adventure

*Photography/Rigging Workshop

*1/2 Day Clinics

*Ice Climbing Teaser Course

* Belay Station and Transitions on Multi Pitch Course

* Equipment Modification Clinic

* Ice Screw and Anchor Placement Clinic

* Decreased Registration Fee

* Decreased Demo Fee

*Class participants will get demo gear for their class day only

*Ice Fest starts a day earlier on Wednesday Feb 10th 2016!

12297289803_816991c8f5_z

Our clinics are the perfect opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from some of the best climbers in the world!  We have scheduled our athletes to teach our Saturday through Sunday courses.   All courses Wednesday – Friday will be taught by local climbers.  All MIF clinics are first come first served, so we highly recommend you sign up as soon as possible to ensure you get into the clinic you are interested in. Space is limited in all of our clinics!   For a complete list of of clinics please click HERE

 

We are so excited for the 2016 event with the release of the Michigan Ice Film, new courses, and an excitement building around ice climbing in the Midwest.  Please help spread the word to your friends that registration is now open.  Just like last year, our registration is online so if you are interested in locking up a spot in one of the clinics click HERE

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS IF PARTICIPANTS CANCEL! 

THESE CLINICS FILL UP FAST!

Unfortunately we must adhere to a strict no refund policy due to high demand of our clinics. If you have any questions regarding Ice Fest please dont hesitate to contact bill at:  downwindsports@gmail.com  or by calling 906-226-7112

 

 

2015 Michigan Ice Fest Registration Now Open!

12297237653_866f60cfa8_z

Registration for all of Michigan Ice Fest courses is now officially open!  This is a record early open for us, so sign up today as these classes usually fill by the holidays.

Our clinics are the perfect opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from some of the best climbers in the world!  We have scheduled our athletes to teach our Saturday through Sunday courses.   All courses Thursday and Friday will be taught by local climbers.  If you are interested in signing up, act quickly as space is limited!  All clinics meet at the upper level of Sydney’s for introductions and to distribute equipment.

 

The courses are one day courses- please sign up for the day you would like to take the course.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS IF PARTICIPANTS CANCEL! 

THESE SPOTS FILL UP FAST!

 

Our clinics are the perfect opportunity to gain experience and knowledge from some of the best climbers in the world!  We have scheduled our athletes to teach our Saturday through Sunday courses.   All courses Thursday and Friday will be taught by local climbers.  If you are interested in signing up, act quickly as space is limited!  All clinics meet at the upper level of Sydney’s for introductions and to distribute equipment.

 

The courses are one day courses- please sign up for the day you would like to take the course.

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS IF PARTICIPANTS CANCEL! 

 12297553224_c276189f26_z

 

Introduction to Ice Climbing: Thu/Fri/Sat/Sun 9:00am

What better way to shorten your learning curve and learn proper ice climbing technique then to take a class from one of our professional instructors!  Learn equipment selection, tool placement, stance, and ice climbing technique.  Class is limited to 10 participants and with two routes selected there is sure to be plenty of climb time.   Space is limited for this one day course. $130 per person includes gear

Women’s Introduction to Ice: Saturday or Sunday  9:00am

What better way to learn proper ice climbing technique then to take an all women’s class from one of our professional instructors!  Learn equipment selection, tool placement, stance, and ice climbing technique.  Class is limited to 10 female participants and with two routes selected there is sure to be plenty of climb time.   Space is limited for this one day course. $130 per person includes gear

Introduction to Leading on Ice: Saturday or Sunday 9:00am

This class is designed to introduce the beginning ice climber to the gear and techniques associated with leading on ice. Students will learn proper use of gear and equipment and will be shown different techniques and when to use them. Upon entering this class the student must have knowledge of the basic gear and techniques associated with ice climbing. $130 per person includes gear.  STUDENTS WILL NOT BE LEADING– All students will be on a top rope clipping a trail rope to the protection.

Building Top Rope Anchors: Thursday or Friday 10:00am

One of the essentials of safe climbing is the ability to create and/or identify safe anchors. This course will give you hands on instruction on how to build a solid top rope anchor. The course is designed to give you knowledge and background information and to give you actual anchor building experience under the watchful eye of our instructor. Through the course of the day, you will have the opportunity to build anchors, and have your anchors critiqued. By the end of the day you should have the confidence to set up your own anchors in just about any situation.  $130 per person includes gear

Rescue and Rigging Course: Friday and Saturday 10:00am
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.  $130 per person includes gear for this two day course.

 

Kid’s Climb: Sat 10:00am

Ages 9-14 will be able to join the fun and learn how to climb ice!  Participants will learn about ice climbing in a safe and super fun environment! Space is limited so sign up early. $45 per person includes gear.

Register for the event HERE!