WHAT IS ICE CLIMBING?

Meditative may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think about climbing a frozen sheet of ice. Extreme, adrenaline, muscular — those words make sense, but for many first-timers it can be difficult to bridge the gap between pulling yourself up a wintry rock wall and finding inner peace.

According to Sarah Wiesner, a Duluth climber who was introduced to the sport in 2009, “You can compare it to rock climbing, but that’s a little like comparing running to figure skating. It’s more peaceful, and I feel like it’s a greater puzzle.” 

Observing someone scale a wall of ice may look impossible at first, but expert climber Phil Huston insists it's easier than it looks. “After learning some simple pointers, you start swinging your tools into the ice and climbing," he explains. "It’s easy on the body, a great workout, very challenging and keeps you warm on a cold day.” 

WHAT ARE THE BEST PLACES TO GO ICE CLIMBING IN MINNESOTA?

DULUTH

Quarry Park (a.k.a. "Casket Quarry") has been a mainstay of the local ice climbing scene since the '70s. These days, the quarry has nearly 20 ice and mixed (a combination of rock and ice climbing) routes where you can “hone your skills and dull your tips.” 

A popular local group, Positive Energy Outdoors, provides ice climbing guides and instruction seven days a week from December to mid-March.  Advance reservations are required, as space is limited, and sessions often sell out quickly. Rates vary depending on the time and location. 

LAKE SUPERIOR

Dozens of waterfalls dot the shores of Lake Superior as you head further north from Duluth. As the mercury dips, their once-thunderous cascades of water freeze into massive ice walls — absolutely perfect conditions for ice climbing. 

The lower section of Gooseberry Falls State Park is a popular and moderately simple climb, with another, more difficult climb located near the second falls. Further up the shore, Grand Marais houses two of Minnesota’s best (and longest) ice climbs: Nightfall and Cascade Falls.  

SANDSTONE

Hard Water Sports offers guided climbing sessions and lessons within Robinson Park, the first park in Minnesota designated specifically for ice climbing. Its paths range from moderate routes you can tackle on your first climb to epic climbs that will challenge and taunt you for years to come. 

Beginners can attend an introductory clinic (co-ed or women’s-only) to learn about safety on the ice, climbing equipment, and basic movements needed for a safe and successful first climb. Intermediate and advanced clinics are offered to more experienced climbers, too. 

WINONA 

Unlike the relatively short ice quarry routes at Sandstone, the farmed ice flows in Winona cascade hundreds of feet towards the city’s towering bluffs overlooking downtown. Despite its youth, the Winona Ice Climbing Park is already making a name for itself as one of the country’s top spots for ice climbing. It features approximately 100 climbing routes and is officially the second biggest ice park in the country. 

The park was created through collaboration between climbing enthusiasts, the Winona State University Outdoor Recreation Center, and the City of Winona. The free attraction aims to attract climbers from across the Midwest and beyond. Big River Climbing Guides offers classes for beginners, group sessions, and offers development classes to build upon your existing skills. 

HOW ABOUT ICE CLIMBING GUIDES AND CLASSES?

If you’re looking to learn more about ice climbing or would like to give it a try, many outfitters and groups offer guided hikes across the state, including: 

• Big River Climbing Guides, Winona 

• Hard Water Sports, Sandstone 

• Twin Cities Rock and Ice, New Brighton 

• Positive Energy Outdoors, Duluth 

• Vertical Endeavors, Duluth and Minneapolis-St. Paul 

WHERE CAN YOU RENT ICE CLIMBING GEAR?

Once you’re feeling comfortable enough to guide your own expeditions, you can rent climbing equipment from any of the aforementioned outfitters, or from the University of Minnesota, which rents ice climbing gear to the public at both its Twin Cities and Duluth outdoor recreation centers. 

Discover more Minnesota ice climbing adventures on Mountain Project, an online, crowd-sourced climbing guidebook. Just remember that although ice climbing is a relatively safe activity, it's important to stick to designated ice climbing areas and proceed along each route carefully. 

Learn more about winter sports in Minnesota.