18th Annual Bozeman Ice Festival - From a Local Event to World Cup
The Bozeman Ice Festival (BIF) which has been held in the U.S. state of Montana since 1996 has now grown into the biggest and best ice climbing festival in the country. Dedicated to promoting and protecting the world-class ice and mixed climbing in Hyalite Canyon, home to the longest season of accessible ice in America and also home to over 250 ice and mixed climbs, the location has become a international destination, drawing each year hundreds of climbers to Bozeman from around the world. For the first time in its history, BIF is now part of the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup and there are already commitments from multiple countries to send teams including France, Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Italy and Canada.
Starting Dec. 10th through Dec. 14th, thousands of winter sports and outdoor enthusiasts as well as over 50 of the best competitive climbers in the world will descend on Bozeman to experience world-class ice and mixed climbing in Hyalite Canyon and to witness the inaugural UIAA Bozeman World Cup and North American Ice Climbing Championships.
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
Black Diamond Equipment and other BIF sponsors will be on hand to provide all the gear and expertise needed. Regardless of one’s ability level, each clinic presents a rare opportunity to experience Hyalite Canyon through the lens of the world’s top professional instructors and guides, including Barry Blanchard, Kitty Calhoun, Jack Tackle, Jim Shimberg, Yae Nagi of Japan and many more. Space is limited to 60 participants per day, ensuring a high quality, firsthand experience for all.
Less than one hour from downtown Bozeman, Hyalite Canyon offers the most reliable concentration of accessible ice and mixed climbs in the U.S. This provides the ideal setting for BIF to offer unique clinics for all abilities and ages, including the largest ‘Women’s Only’ clinic in America, presented by Black Diamond Equipment. Participants can also choose from introductory classes offered in downtown Bozeman, two-day intensive rescue courses, or the country’s most sought-after full-day clinics in the beautiful wilderness setting of Hyalite.
BIF invites everyone, including families and children, to take part in the ice climbing tradition through four days of special events in downtown Bozeman, including the only UIAA World Cup event in North America. The event will start off with Speed Climbing World Cup comp on Friday, Dec. 12th to continue with the Lead Difficulty World Cup on Saturday, Dec. 13th. To conclude the events on Sunday, the public is invited to test their mettle on the World Cup routes, along with special introductory ice climbing clinics for all abilities and ages.
“It’s been amazing to see the festival evolve from a local event teaching a few clinics to hosting the only internationally sanctioned UIAA Ice World Cup in North America,” says Joe Josephson, Festival Director for BIF. “Bozeman is at the center of ice climbing in America and the forefront of developing an emerging Winter Olympic sport. It’s an honor and privilege to be part of this historical movement.”
Surrounding the Olympic-caliber World Cup and clinics includes gear demos, food, and beer from Big Sky Brewing, activities, and fun for the whole family. All in-town events and UIAA World Cup are conveniently located in downtown Bozeman at the Emerson Cultural Center. The Festival and World Cup schedule of events, live broadcast times, evening films, community parties and registration details can be found online.
For more information or to register for a clinic, please visit bozemanicefest.com
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
