Last week, Munising played host to an exhilarating frosty spectacle as Michigan Ice Fest 2024 unfolded, showcasing the unwavering resilience of ice climbers and the unbreakable spirit of our tight-knit community. In its 34th iteration, this annual celebration brought over a thousand climbers and enthusiasts from every corner of the nation to Munising, transforming our town into a vibrant hub of ice-clad excitement.

Organized by the dedicated Bill Thompson, Ice Fest shattered records with an impressive 1,034 pre-registrations, a marked increase from the previous year. The event, boasting over 150 staff members ensuring its seamless execution, evolved beyond a mere climbing experience; it became a cherished tradition ingrained in the very fabric of Munising.

“Ice conditions are the number one question everybody is asking, and we’ve adapted. That’s kind of what climbers do. They adapt,” shared Thompson. Despite grappling with unseasonably warm weather, the decision not to cancel the fest was deeply rooted in the understanding of its significance to Munising, particularly during a season when snowmobiling business has faced a noticeable downturn.

Thompson highlighted the positive impact of the accessible ice walls, usually hard to reach due to heavy snowfall. “We have enough ice to pull off Ice Fest. People are really stoked. We are climbing really big ice,” he enthused, encapsulating the can-do spirit of the festival.

What makes Ice Fest truly unique isn’t just the climbing; it’s the community spirit it fosters. Thompson emphasized, “This event has always been a community-building event. It’s like a family reunion. Ice Fest is about ice climbing, but it’s also about being together.”

Munising’s wholehearted support, particularly from the city providing facilities and the AlTran Shuttle for spectators, solidified the community’s commitment to this annual tradition. The festival’s main sponsor, Black Diamond, echoed the sentiment, expressing their love for the festival’s size and the warmth of Munising’s community. As a leading name in the ice climbing world, Black Diamond’s involvement extended beyond sponsorship – they offered everything an ice climber could need, making the Gearnasium an essential stop for festival-goers.

The National Park Service (NPS) played a crucial role in Ice Fest, with representatives Ryan Hardy and Willa Williams highlighting the renewable nature of ice and its minimal impact on natural resources. However, concerns arose about inexperienced climbers accessing more dangerous climbs due to the unusually warm weather.

On February 8th, the NPS announced the temporary closure of Sand Point to ice climbing, prioritizing the protection of trails and natural resources. Chief Ranger Joe Hughes explained the closure, stating, “We noticed water running under the rocks and some of the ice and rocks falling away.”

This decision, though impacting the festival, underscored the commitment to safety and resource preservation. Hughes clarified, “We aren’t worried about Ice Fest, but in February, we’ll see between 10 and 12 thousand people come to the park, and most of those are ice climbers that aren’t with the festival.”

Interviews with ice climbers provided poignant insights into the festival’s profound impact. Sam R and Victor Munoz, first-time ice climbers, praised Munising’s beauty and friendliness. Despite challenging conditions, they appreciated the adaptability of the festival and the camaraderie it fostered.

Douglas Diamond, a seasoned climber attending his seventh Ice Fest, spoke of Munising’s intimate and friendly vibe. Despite weather challenges, Diamond found solace in alternative activities, such as skiing at Valley Spur.

Michigan Ice Fest 2024, though faced with unexpected warmth, stands as a resounding testament to the resilience of ice climbers and the unity of the Munising community. The festival not only showcased the thrilling world of ice climbing but also emphasized the importance of preserving our natural resources. As the frosty extravaganza concludes, Munising remains a beacon of adaptability and warmth, proving once again that the spirit of Ice Fest is truly unbreakable. In the face of challenges, the festival emerges victorious, reinforcing Munising’s status as a haven for ice climbing enthusiasts and a community that thrives on shared passion and resilience.