A man climbing ice in Winona, MN. Winona Ice Fest

Winona Ice Fest: A Cool Adventure Coming to Winona, Minnesota

Just announced! Get ready to conquer the cold & join us at the first-ever Winona Ice Fest. Celebrate the exhilarating world of ice climbing! ❄️❄️ #WinonaIceFest2024 #AdventureAwaits #WinonaMN

Winona Ice Fest in Winona, MN: February 22 to 25, 2024

Are you ready for an icy adventure like no other? Get your crampons and ice axes ready because Winona, Minnesota, is gearing up for its first annual Winona Ice Climbing Festival! This exciting event is a collaboration between the City of Winona, the Recreation Alliance of Winona, and Big River Climbing Guides. It promises to be a frosty extravaganza celebrating the Winona Ice Park and the exhilarating world of ice climbing.

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Registration Now Open!

Mark your calendars from Thursday, February 22nd, to Sunday, February 25th, 2024, for a weekend filled with icy fun. But that’s not all—Winona residents can kick things off on Thursday with half-day Intro to Ice Climbing Clinics absolutely free of charge!

Frosty Fun Schedule

  • Thursday: Half-day Intro to Ice Climbing Clinics for Winona Residents (FREE!)
  • Thursday Evening: Climber check-in and social gathering at Island City Brewery, featuring live music at No Name Bar by Mike Munson (open to the public).
  • Friday: Full day of Climbing Clinics (9 am – 3 pm) at Sugarloaf/Ice Park Trailhead. Equipment demos will be available from top brands like CAMP, RAB, LaSportiva, Scarpa, Petzl, and more!
  • Friday Evening: Climber check-in at ICB and another social gathering. You can even rent Firefly Saunas for a cozy experience. Plus, enjoy live music at No Name Bar by Ghostland Radio (open to the public).
  • Saturday: Begin your day with morning yoga at the brewery, followed by more Climbing Clinics (9 am – 3 pm) at Sugarloaf/Ice Park Trailhead. And don’t forget the delicious trailhead food and a warm campfire!
  • Saturday Evening: It’s Climber check-in time again at ICB, and there’s even more to look forward to: Firefly Sauna rentals, an Apres’ Climb Social at 2 Brothers (registered fest-goers get a BOGO discount and a special Winona Ice Park treat), a thrilling chainsaw ice carving demo, the WIF Gear raffle, and the WIF Afterparty at No Name Bar with special guests Texas Toast (registration required).

And the best part? Keep an eye out for exciting additions as the festival approaches!

A woman climbing ice in Winona, MN. Winona Ice Fest

Registration Details:

To join in the icy fun, secure your spot by registering for the Winona Ice Climbing Festival here. Registration costs just $30, and your support helps cover the festival’s organizing costs. As a registered participant, you’ll enjoy sweet deals from local partners, access to the Saturday after-party, and a raffle ticket for the Saturday gear raffle. Plus, if you’re keen on clinics, registered participants get first priority.

What’s Included:

  • A free pint at a local brewery
  • Complimentary coffee at Ridgelands Coffee Co.
  • Delicious Elote’ Fries at Heirloom Bistro
  • BOGO (Buy One, Get One) drink offer at 2 Brothers
  • 50% off an appetizer at Muddled Thyme
  • A $5 credit at The Winona Hatchery
  • Access to the Saturday after-party with Texas Toast
  • One raffle ticket for the Saturday raffle
  • Three Demo Cards for vendor gear demos
  • Early access to register for clinics
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Climbing Clinic Adventure

For those seeking an even deeper dive into ice climbing, consider the Climbing Clinics, which cost $120 and include all the necessary equipment. These clinics run on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, offering various options, including:

  • Intro to Ice Climbing (Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm)
  • BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) Intro to Ice Climbing (Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm)
  • Women/Trans/Femme Intro to Ice Climbing (Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm)
  • Family Intro to Ice Climbing (Saturday, 10 am – 2:30 pm)
  • Advanced Movement Skills (Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm)
  • Free Thursday Intro clinics for Winona Locals (8:30 am – 12:30 pm & 1 pm – 4:30 pm)
  • Climbing Anchors & Top Management Skills (Friday & Saturday, 9:30 am – 3 pm)

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Conclusion: Winona Ice Fest

So, whether you’re a seasoned ice climber or a newbie looking to try something new, the Winona Ice Climbing Festival has something for everyone.

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Don’t miss out on this chilly thrill! Register now, pack your winter gear, and get ready to conquer the ice in Winona. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

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