All hail the return! The Bozeman Ice Festival returns to Southwest Montana for its 27th annual event, Wednesday through Sunday, December 6th–10th. Events will include local premieres of adventure film, presentations by famed alpinists, Aprés Climb featuring Bridger Brewing’s exclusive release, as well as outdoor clinics and so much more! Nightly events will be held at the Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture. Here’s a look at a few of the highlights.
Broad Beta’s live storytelling night, The BROADcast!, will be held at Uphill Pursuits on Dec. 6th at 6:30pm, prior to the main events at the Emerson. Join for a night of inspiring short stories of women’s climbing adventures, from the ordinary to the heroic, comic to tragic, all with heartfelt honest challenges. Presenters will be Priti Wright, Christina Lusti, Mo Beck and Darcy Chenowith. For women and gender queer folks. Event hosts will offer a raffle, along with beer and pizza from LaFoley Kitchen. Free admission.
The first adventure film will premiere on Dec. 7th in the Emerson Crawford Theater. Jirishanca will screen alongside commentary by its stars, Vince Anderson and Josh Wharton, at 7:30pm. Wharton is the most accomplished alpinist you’ve never heard of. But while he’s been quietly crushing ambitious objectives to little or no fanfare, fatherhood and warming weather have begun to reshape the world he knew. When he and his climbing partner (Anderson) attempt to take the 2003 Italian Route to the summit of Jirishanca in Peru, they’re forced to account for risk as never before.
The evening will also include panel discussion “The Bold Future of Alpinism” highlighting the current state and future of alpine endeavors with Jack Tackle, Anne Gilbert Chase, Whit Magro, Molly Kawahata, Matt Cornell and Andres Marin.
The following night brings the story of alpinist and businessman Aaron Mulkey to the Emerson. The Dec. 8th events include a presentation, Hall of Fame film screening, and live entertainment by Bear Canyon Singers & Dancers at 7:30pm.
The odds that the term “pioneer” finds its way into any description of Aaron Mulkey are better than even. After all, his nearly 30-year quest to discover unclimbed ice – both in his Wyoming backyard and across the globe – has yielded no shortage of exploratory adventure. The presentation will highlight Mulkey’s ability to balance his callings as both an avid winter outdoorsman and American executive.
‘Hall of Fame’ – high above Kandersteg in the Swiss Alps, is widely seen as probably the most difficult mixed-route in the world. Ice climbing pioneer Ron Koller discovered and developed the route some 8 years ago. Earlier this month, young Swiss mountain guide and professional alpinist Yannick Glatthard succeeded in making a first ever free ascent.
Dec. 9th will include a screening of adventure film Jannu Ascent with Q&A, a climbing presentation by Tim Emmett and the Full Circle Everest panel. Events begin at 7:30pm.
Over the last three years, Matt Cornell, Jackson Marvell and Alan Rousseau have spent the fall trying to climb the north face of Jannu in alpine style. In October the stars aligned, and over seven days they completed the first alpine style ascent of the feature by their new route, ‘Round Trip Ticket’ (M7, AI5+, 3000 meters).
Tim Emmett is one of the world’s most well-rounded climbers – his pursuits have proven that. In February 2016 he climbed “Interstellar Spice,” the first Ice Climb in the world graded WI 12 at Helmcken Falls, Canada. He has also established some of the hardest rock climbs in Cuba, Mongolia, and Wales; and achieved podium position four times at the World Ice Climbing Championships. Most recently, he completed the first ascent of “Mission to Mars” (WI 13) at Helmcken Falls – estimated to be the world’s hardest ice climb. He’ll share his story and perspectives on the sport after 25 years of climbing.
Join in welcoming Phil Henderson, Eddie Taylor, Manoah Ainuu and Adina Scott from the Full Circle Everest Expedition as they share details of their experience before, during and after the 2022 expedition.
And of course, Aprés Climb will be held in the Emerson Ballroom from 5–7:30pm every night of the festival. Meet with sponsors and athletes, troll for belay partners, and enjoy dinner with food available from local food suppliers. Don’t miss out on a pint of the special signature brew from Bridger Brewing. And don’t forget your tickets for the legendary Black Diamond Stoke Package for all the gear and apparel needed to be an ice climber!
The festival closes with the Local Legends Dinner and Wrap Party featuring a film screening and presentation by Scale of Hope star Molly Kawahata on Dec. 10th. See host website for additional details.
Ice Fest tickets are on sale now at www.bozemanicefest.com, where you can find further event information and clinic registration. •
