The Bozeman Ice Festival returns to Southwest Montana for its 28th annual event, Wednesday through Sunday, December 11th–15th. 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. 11th at 6pm, prior to the main events at the Emerson. Join for dinner, drinks, raffle and four short, incredibly inspiring, wild and heartfelt presentations about the lives and adventures of some amazing mountain women. Presenters include Shayna Unger, Nicole Edwards, Lindsey Hamm and Quinn Mawhinney. For women and gender queer folks. Free admission.
The first adventure films will premiere on Dec. 12th in the Emerson Crawford Theater. The Best of Reel Rock will screen at 7:30pm. The program will feature a curated selection of the many films and shorts presented over the years, sure to inspire!
For two decades, Reel Rock has been sharing the biggest stories from the world of climbing, celebrating the human side behind the sport’s greatest adventures and achievements. Founded in 2005 by Josh Lowell, Peter Mortimer and Nick Rosen – creators of the iconic feature documentaries Valley Uprising, The Dawn Wall and The Alpinist – Reel Rock has grown into the premier global platform for award-winning climbing films.
The following night brings the inspiring stories, insights and images from the projects of four alpinists on Dec. 13th. Deaf climbers Scott & Shayna (Seeing Beyond), alpine misadventurer Sam Hennessey (Near & Far), Piolet d’Or recipient Graham Zimmerman (A Fine Line) and world speed climber Timmy O’Neill (Soundscape) will present. Live entertainment by Bear Canyon Singers & Dancers precede the presentations at 7:30pm.
Dec. 14th sees the Kendal Mountain Film Festival and an evening with the crew at 7:30pm. Over 40 years ago, the festival held its first event, promising mountain art, seminars, films, photography and – importantly – “two bars.” As the event grew in stature and popularity it attracted greater audience numbers, plus a veritable ‘who’s who’ from the world of climbing and mountaineering. The Festival became renowned as a launchpad and international showcase for mountain and outdoor film, premiering or screening such classics as The Bat and the Wicked, Five Days One Summer, Hard Grit, Touching the Void and Free Solo.
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 Beyond the Climb short film screening and presentation by climber and coach Marcus Garcia on Dec. 15th. 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. •
