Ice Fest 2023

Welcome to Ice Fest! Building on the back of the last one held in February 2020, we are very excited to be back at the DR!

This event is a celebration of ice climbing, winter life and all the amazing individuals and locations that make it special. Climbers will have the chance to get together to climb, socialize and revel in winter. But best of all, you get to SEND!

Ice Fest will be held Saturday, February 18 at the DR located in the Parrsboro area. The DR is a newer crag offering lots of climbing for all levels. The DR is a longer drive (2 hours from Truro) and the approach time from the cars is about 20 minutes. The location is breath taking and the descent trail will lead climbers right to the base of the ice. Snowshoes will be an asset but are not required.

Please note the following in order to ensure the event runs safely for all participants:

Due to the nature of this area, all climbers will require dedicated mountaineering boots or downhill ski boots and crampons to navigate the gorge, as most of the slopes are ice coated and the fall hazard is high. CNS has a selection of boots between size 8 and 10.5, and some crampons. Contact tradventure@gmail.com to request boots and crampons, on a first come, first served, basis and based on availability.

Climbers must be able to competently belay a top rope climber on their own, without instruction. Do not register if you can't belay as this is not an instructional event and volunteers are not available to teach how to belay .

Required equipment:

-Crampon-compatible footwear (Limited availability through CNS. Ski boots are OK)

-Crampons (Limited availability through CNS)

-Tube-style belay device (e.g. ATC)

-Rappel backup

-Tether (personal anchor system)

-Helmet

-Pack (no sherpas provided)

-All necessary items for an active day outdoors in the winter (several pairs of gloves, warm hat, water, tea or coffee, snacks, etc.)

A limited supply of axes will be provided as well as all climbing ropes.

Registrants will meet at the Kohltech climbing wall at 7:45 am sharp to organize. Departing the RECC at 8:15am on the nose. Participants will utilize their own transportation to get to the event (approx 2 hours away) and will carry their gear during the approach (20 minute moderate walk through snow, snowshoes may be desired).

Please be prepared to stay for the duration of the event.

In the case of bad weather a tentative raindate will is set for Sunday, March 4th. Maritime weather can be fickle.

Spots are limited so register today! Climb Nova Scotia aims to ensure our events are accessible to all. If the fee to attend is a barrier please let us know by emailing climbnovascotia@gmail.com If the event is cancelled, all tickets sales will be refunded minus the Square service fee.

Disclaimer:

Please note that Climb Nova Scotia is NOT a guiding service and this is NOT an instructional event therefore you are responsible for your own safety. While we will attempt to provide full risk assessment, Climb Nova Scotia and its volunteers will not be held liable for any loss\injury\death caused at Ice Fest. Climbers wishing to climb routes/ropes etc not set up by Ice Fest volunteers are completely on their own. This event is meant to be for those who registered, so please respect this and do not arrive expecting to snag belays/partners/etc if not registered.

ICE CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS. Some things that pose a risk to you at Ice Fest are:

• Falling ice

• Falling rocks

• Dropped equipment

• Equipment failure

• Belayer error

• Cold weather

• Cold water

• Falling into the river

Your registration is only valid once you complete this online waiver: 

CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS. NO WAIVER NO ICE CLIMBING.