Trip Planner
Dec 12
The Bozeman Ice Festival (BIF) teaches on-ice instruction in Hyalite Canyon, one of America's longest and most influential histories in waterfall ice climbing. While sharing the beloved wilderness experience of Hyalite during the day, Ice Fest brings to town demos of the latest gear, world-class athletes and guides, inspiring films and evening entertainment, and the legendary camaraderie of the climbing tribe. The Festival began as two separate events in the mid-1990s by Barrel Mountaineering and Northern Lights Trading Post. Considering recent weather trends, it is almost hard to believe but the first Barrel event was held the weekend before Thanksgiving. Barry Blanchard, Joe Josephson and Jack Tackle were the original clinic instructors. For a decade, Barrel put on one of the best ice festivals in the country as the sport exploded with new gear and generally became more accessible to a wider diversity of participants. The Northern Lights event, held after Thanksgiving, was a smaller event but with better ice – provided the road wasn’t snowed in already. The Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival is the signature event of the Montana Mountaineering Association (MMA). Our mission is to support the Montana community with education and mentorship regardless of economic background, previous experience, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, we fulfill our mission by offering a variety of instructional experiences and educational programs focused on alpine endeavors. We are excited to elevate our mission and continue championing the ice climbing community in Montana—and beyond.