Warm Weather Boosts Ice Climbing Fun at Winona Ice Park in Minnesota
Discover the unexpected joy of ice climbing in warmer weather at Winona Ice Park – perfect conditions are making this season one of the best yet! #IceClimbing #AdventureTravel #Minnesota
Winona, Minnesota – In a surprising twist, the Winona Ice Park is thriving thanks to the warm weather sweeping through. While you might think cold spells are better for ice, it turns out a bit of warmth is just what this Minnesota hotspot needs. The secret? Warm temperatures actually help create perfect ice climbing conditions, making the ice smoother and more stable.
Eric Barnard, who helps create the ice formations at the park, explains that keeping an eye on the weather is crucial for them. They watch everything from temperature highs and lows to humidity to ensure they can craft the ideal ice for climbing enthusiasts. This week, Winona has seen temperatures ranging from the low 40s to the low 50s, which is just right for natural ice to form beautifully.
Join Jack and Kitty’s Newsletter!
Too cold, and the water freezes before it can spread over the cliffs, creating what climbers call “chandelier ice” – fragile and not great for climbing. But with the current conditions, the ice is just right, attracting climbers from far and wide, including Chad Groer from Kansas, who’s made the 7-hour journey for the past three years.
The park, one of only five artificial ice parks in the country, stretches over with thousands of feet of piping to mist water down the cliffs, creating a winter wonderland for climbing aficionados. With the upcoming Winona Ice Park Climbing Festival from February 22nd to the 25th, it’s the perfect time for adventurers to give ice climbing a try in some of the best conditions the park has ever seen.
