The inaugural Winona Ice Fest is set to take place from February 22 to 25, 2024, promising an exhilarating celebration of ice climbing in Winona, Minnesota. Organized through a collaboration between the City of Winona, the Recreation Alliance of Winona, and Big River Climbing Guides it aims to showcase the Winona Ice Park and the exciting world of ice climbing.
The festivities kick off on Thursday with free half-day Intro to Ice Climbing Clinics exclusively for Winona residents. The evening features a climber check-in and social gathering at Island City Brewery, complete with live music at No Name Bar by Mike Munson, open to the public.
Friday offers a full day of Climbing Clinics at Sugarloaf/Ice Park Trailhead, featuring equipment demos from top brands like CAMP, RAB, LaSportiva, Scarpa, Petzl, and more. The evening continues with another climber check-in and social gathering at ICB, with Firefly Sauna rentals for a cozy experience and live music at No Name Bar by Ghostland Radio, open to the public.
Saturday’s schedule includes morning yoga at the brewery, additional Climbing Clinics at Sugarloaf/Ice Park Trailhead, delicious trailhead food, and a warm campfire. The evening brings climber check-in, Firefly Sauna rentals, an Apres’ Climb Social at 2 Brothers with special discounts for registered fest-goers, a chainsaw ice carving demo, the WIF Gear raffle, and the WIF Afterparty at No Name Bar featuring special guests Texas Toast, requiring registration.
Participants can register for the festival at a cost of $30, receiving benefits like a free pint at a local brewery, complimentary coffee, discounts at local establishments, access to the Saturday after-party, a raffle ticket, demo cards for vendor gear demos, and early clinic registration.
For those seeking a more in-depth experience, Climbing Clinics are available at $120, covering various options such as Intro to Ice Climbing, BIPOC Intro to Ice Climbing, Women/Trans/Femme Intro to Ice Climbing, Family Intro to Ice Climbing, Advanced Movement Skills, Free Thursday Intro clinics for Winona Locals, and Climbing Anchors & Top Management Skills, taking place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. The festival promises a unique blend of adventure, education, and community engagement for ice climbing enthusiasts and locals alike.
original post at Jack and Kitty