Ice Conditions Report 12-12-22

December 12, 2022 Bill

The Michigan Ice Fest Guides were out in force this weekend exploring all parts of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore looking for any climbable ice and documenting climbs as they become closer to becoming climbable. The good news is that they were successful on the ultra classic HMR! The climb is reported to be thin but remarkably dry!

*Colton Harris getting the goods. Pc David Hixenbaugh*

Elsewhere in the park, John Miller explored some of the front country climbs which are starting to form but not climbable yet. The good news is that the ice is building each day and hopefully soon the front country will open up!

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: 906-226-7112

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 11-30-14

November 30, 2014December 1, 2014 Bill

With colder temperatures returning to Upper Michigan we went out looking to see what damage the rain and warm weather did to our early season ice.

While it is hard to see this ice come down, by mid season these climbs sure will have interesting bases. All waterfalls are still flowing pretty good and won’t be climbable for a while.

From Prelude Curtain to the Curtains proper there are three climbable climbs. All climbs are thin at the bottom and the top outs are super sketchy as the turf is still not frozen.

Check back next week as we will try to post more information on different climbs with hopefully some fat conditions!

Ice Conditions Report 2014/2015

November 23, 2014 Bill

Early snow and cold temperatures the last few weeks have local climbers itching to get out and get this season started! Conditions this weekend have seen a warm up with temps in the 40’s and rain threatening for tonight. We thought we would head out this morning to see if there might be any ice that would be climbable before it deteriorates any more.

While all waterfalls are not climbable yet, (Munising falls pictured above) we did find some small seeps that were thick enough to climb on. Things may change drastically tonight depending on the amount of rain we will get, but in the long run more water in the ground table will produce bigger and better climbs for us this season.

Start sharpening those picks as this ice season is REALLY close to starting! As always this time of year please call (906-226-7112), for up to date conditions before planning a long road trip up.