Ice Fest SSM
The coolest event of the year
Ice Fest Sault Ste. Marie is a three-day ice climbing festival rooted in winter climbing culture and the wild cold of Northern Ontario.
Sault Ste. Marie sits at the meeting point of three Great Lakes. When winter comes and the lakes freeze, climbers emerge to scale the best ice for miles around.
For years, local crags have been quietly explored by small groups of adventurers.
In February 2026, Ice Fest Sault Ste. Marie will open up these areas for every ice climbing enthusiast who is ready to take on the challenge.
With it, experts and seasoned outdoor adventure sportspeople to swap stories and beta with.
And when the day is done, warm up with your community. Music, keynote speakers, and laughter by the fire in award-winning local craft breweries.
Bring your axes. We're going climbing.
CLIMB
Your Ice Fest pass includes:
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Access to our official climbing areas Saturday February 28 - March 1, complete with warming stations and first aiders.
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Access to Friday Night Snowpants Party and Saturday Night Apres-Climb Party.
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Ice Fest Guide, highlighting routes and access notes.
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Option to sign up for snowshoeing and ice climbing clinics.
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Free Ice Fest t-shirt.
Primary Climbing Locations:
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Gros Cap: A beautiful challenge. Gros Cap is a series of dramatic Lake Superior shoreline cliffs best suited for experienced climbers. Gros Cap offers rugged routes, big views, and a raw Northern Ontario ice climbing experience.
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Searchmont: The heart of Ice Fest for beginners. Searchmont is where you’ll find guided ice climbing clinics. Join in to try out the sport with experienced Ice Climbing Guides in a fun and supportive environment. All equipment included.
For Confident Ice Climbers
Welcome to Sault Ste. Marie Ice Climbing!
Gros Cap Bluffs are on the shore of Lake Superior. They form dramatic ice structures through the winter time, perfect for epic sends.
Ice Fest SSM has gained access to these cliffs for the duration of the festival. We will have a warming station and portapotties on site, along with ice climber volunteers and first aiders to bring the stoke and keep people safe.
For Rookies
Come with us to Searchmont Ice Wall!
This wall is perfect for beginners. Get your opportunity to take an ice climbing clinic with our coaches, or come and check it out independently and get a bit of beta from our volunteers.
We will have a warming station on site and first aiders to keep everyone safe.
For Spectators
Curious about ice climbing but not ready to pick up axes?
You're welcome to join us. If you'd like to join in for the parties and catch our amazing speakers and live music, please purchase a festival pass.
Plus, our friends at Forest the Canoe will be leading Snowshoe and Spectate Tours for pass holders to enjoy beautiful wintery scenery and check out ice climbers in action.
PARTY
Ice Fest doesn’t end when the sun sets. The climbing stops, but the stories, music, and laughter keep going.
Friday Night — Snowpants Party
Outspoken Brewing | 6:00–10:00 PM
Kick off the weekend by grabbing your pre-ordered festival merch, a drink in hand, and joining fellow adventurers around the fire pits. Warm hands, warm hearts, and a weekend of ice climbing to plan.
Saturday Night — Après-Climb Party
Northern Superior Tap Room | 7:00–11:00 PM
Join us to hear amazing adventure stories from a local ice climbing pioneer, grab a drink, and swap stories with other adventurers. The Ice Climbing World Cup will be on the screens and we'll be joined by an amazing local musician after 8pm.
Our Speakers:
Steve Foster is a local ice climbing guide, adventurer and alpinist. Among many achievements, Foster has climbed Everest. Hear his story and get inspired for your next adventure.
Music:
By the amazing local singer songwriter, Matthew James.
Climb by day, celebrate by night. This is winter in Sault Ste. Marie.
Festival Add-Ons
Ice Climbing Clinics
Come and try ice climbing with the Alpine Club of Canada, Sault Ste. Marie section!
Ice Fest offers Beginners Ice Climbing sessions at the Searchmont Ice Wall. With experienced ACC trip leaders, all equipment provided, and a welcoming vibe, it’s the easiest way to give ice climbing a go.
No experience required. Just show up ready for an adventure.
Add the Beginner's Ice Climbing Clinic to your festival pass in the Showpass ticket checkout.
$90 per person, limited spaces available
Snowshoe and Spectate
Want to be part of Ice Fest without climbing? Our Snowshoe and Spectate tours offer an easy, fun way to experience the action.
Led by local guiding company Forest the Canoe, these guided snowshoe outings take you along the Lake Superior shoreline to prime viewing spots near Gros Cap. You’ll explore winter trails, enjoy epic scenery, and watch ice climbers tackle frozen waterfalls.
Perfect for friends, partners, photographers, and anyone who wants to soak up the Ice Fest atmosphere from the sidelines.
Add the Snowshoe and Spectate Tour to your festival pass in the ticket checkout.
$30 per person, limited spaces available
Safety
Ice Fest SSM is built around a strong safety culture. We offer:
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Guided sessions led by experienced guides
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Trained volunteers on site at official climbing areas
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First aid support available during festival activities
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Clear route information provided in the Ice Fest Guidebook (included with festival pass)
We have partnered with Search and Rescue Sault Ste. Marie to ensure that support is on hand to whoever needs it.
Your responsibility as a participant is to:
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Dress for the weather
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Know your limits
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Don't take unnecessary risks
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Have fun!
Stay updated on all the latest Ice Fest SSM announcements and event details. Don't miss out on the coolest event of the year!