Trying to find something that actually excites you enough to travel out into the chill? Do you really want to spend another weekend trapped inside thinking about when spring will arrive? Don’t let “Hibernating Bear Syndrome” hit you this winter. Stay active, learn a new skill, and have a thrilling rush by ice climbing this winter.
“But how?” you may be asking yourself. Apex Adventure Alliance has the answer. It’s two ice picks, teeth on your feet, 150 foot ice towers, frozen waterfalls, and sweating your tush off while enjoying the beautiful winter wilderness. It is the great sport of ice climbing. And you can do it without leaving the Midwest!
Where and when:
You don’t have to go out west for this sport. Surprisingly, the Midwest yields some very nice ice formations. Governor Dodge State Park and Wyalusing State Park in Wisconsin; Starved Rock in Illinois; and Stillwater and Sandstone, Minnesota are most preferred by Apex Adventure Alliance. There are variable difficulties at each of the areas that cater to beginner and advanced climbers.
Join us on a weekend outing, an open group, or create your own group or trip. Check out our “Upcoming Packages” tab on the website to see what’s up our sleeve. The ice climbing season runs from mid-December to the beginning of March. Of course, it all depends on the weather. Ice is formed based on how much precipitation we have in the fall and the temperature (sometimes it needs to be warm to get run-off and other times it needs to be freezing to, well, freeze the ice). With the right conditions, ice starts to form at the end of November or beginning of December.
What to expect:
Call it insane, but you will surely be hooked on this winter thrill after the first time.
Here is what you can expect of the day! An Apex guide will meet you and get you all of the gear you need. You will then hike to the ice climbing spot. After the ropes are set and all of the safety and technical know-how is explained, you can start climbing.
Don’t worry about being any kind of expert the first time. A community of people cheering you on, be excited to be a part of the day and to celebrate a wonderful winter tradition. After five hours of enjoyment, you will start to speak the lingo and work the moves.
Prep:
What kind of prep work do you need? Apex guides cater to your needs. No prep work is necessary for ice climbing. You just need to dress for the weather. Wear layers because your warmth will fluctuate all day. Snow pants, a warm jacket, wool socks, a pair of thick and thin gloves (or mittens), a scarf, and a hat, are all that is necessary to have an enjoyable day.
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