This is one of those things that happen and we just roll with it.  Black Diamond was set to send Pete Tapley to this years Ice Fest but due to some unforeseen circumstances he will not be able to attend this years event.  With some scrambling, Gold Level Sponsor Black Diamond has booked Ice Fest favorite Sam Elias to join the 2014 Michigan Ice Fest line up. We welcome Sam Elias back to Ice Fest and can’t wait to see his amazing slide presentation! Super big thanks goes out to Black Diamond for stepping up and sending Sam!

Sam Elias —

I was born on August 25, 1982 in southeastern Michigan, USA it is where my family still resides. I currently live in the state of Colorado. Climbing is a driving passion for my life. I have been fortunate to feel an innate connection to its practice from the beginning, and I have structured my life so that I can be dedicated to it.

Before climbing, my life was consumed with alpine skiing and ski racing. I have skied since I was 2 ½ years old. I began racing at the age of 12, and when I was 16, I moved from Michigan to Salt Lake City, UT to attend Rowmark Ski Racing Academy. After that, I was recruited to ski race for the College of Idaho. I still ski frequently, both on and off piste.  It is such a pleasure to be outside and in the mountains, and I experience a great sense of freedom and peace there.

I was introduced to climbing through sport climbing, and it is my main pursuit. However, I enjoy many styles; traditional climbing, bouldering, deep water soloing, and most recently ice and winter mixed (M) climbing/dry tooling. The quest to understand myself through climbing has deeply enriched my life, and for this I am eternally grateful. As a result, I feel a responsibility to continue to explore within the pursuit for as long as I am motivated and capable.

Highlights
• Climbing up to 5.13c within a year, and 5.14a in 2 years
• Rock red points up to 5.14c
• Rock on sights up to 5.13c
• Ice up to WI6
• Mixed up to M12+
• First ascents up to 5.14b and M12
• 2nd place at 2010 Ouray Ice competition
• 1st place at 2011 and 2012 Winter Mountain Games mixed competition in Vail, CO
• Summiting Mt. Everest in May of 2012

For more information, and to see what’s going on with Sam check out the Book of Sam.