MUNISING, Mich. (WZMQ) – Winter events around Lake Superior may have been delayed, shortened, or even canceled, but it hasn’t bothered athletes who are looking to climb. The Michigan Ice Fest is just two weeks away and it’s a festival that brings thousands of climbers and climbing professionals to the Upper Peninsula.
“I’ve been Ice Climbing for about 25 years,” said John Miller, a Climbing Guide for Michigan Ice Fest. He mentioned that even though this winter season has seen some challenges, the ice is suitable to climb on.
“I think I’m on the 25th day of Ice climbing so far this year and there’s always ice to climb, a lot of it’s North facing so it doesn’t see any sun and has lower water volume so it doesn’t melt super fast, the show will go on,” continued Miller.
Michigan Ice Fest is well known by the climbing community and is the oldest ice climbing festival in North America.
“It started with 4 guys, getting together and going that was fun we should do it again and invite more people,” commented Michigan Ice Fest Organizer Bill Thompson. Now, 34 years later, the festival has grown to be quite the attraction in Munising, right on the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.
“Pictured rocks are unique in that it is formed with sandstone and the sandstone is super porous,” commented Thompson. All the snow and rain throughout the year add moisture to the stone, creating large ice formations. To top that, organizers pride these climbs as some of the few places in the world that suspend above water.
“It makes for a very unique experience and that’s what draws elite climbers to this area,” continued Thompson.
Some of the guided climbs are for seasoned athletes, while other tours help newcomers get used to the process.
“It’s a really beautiful area the climbs are unique it has like curtains you can go behind them,” commented Michigan Ice Fest Preparations team member Trevor Lassila. Organizers noted that either way, there’s something for everyone at Michigan Ice Fest.
