Ice Fest 2024

Ice Fest is back and will be bigger and better than ever in 2024, with not only one day of festivities, but two! Climbers will be returning to the DR with options to attend one day or two days of climbing and fun.

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 24th AND Sunday, February 25th 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.

Ice Fest Schedule

Saturday Feb. 24:

10AM: Site overview and Safety Briefing

1030AM-12PM Clinic: Basic Climbing Movement

1030AM-4PM General Climbing

Sunday Feb. 25:

10A: Site overview and safety Briefing

1030AM-12PM Clinic: Climbing Movement II and Ergonomics

1030AM-4PM DR Classics Challenge

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 climbnovascotia@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 porter service 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 Tim Horton’s in Parrsboro (4109 Eastern Ave.) at 8:45am to organize and will depart to the DR at 9am sharp. Participants will utilize their own transportation to get to the event and will carry their gear during the approach (20 minute moderate walk through snow, snowshoes may be desired). If staying in the area, attendees will be required to find their own accommodations. Please be prepared to stay for the full day of the event.

In the case of bad weather a tentative raindate is set for Saturday, March 2nd. If the event needs to occur on the rain date, note that the festival will be a one day event. 

Spots are limited so register today!

Become a member of CNS to save on the price of a ticket. Ticket sales are limited to 2 per person due to popularity.

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 ticket 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 provide a strong emphasis on risk assessment; the nature of this adventure activity means 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.