Last year’s Fest brought together 200+ adventurous souls to learn and dial-in their ice and mixed skills, meet new climbing partners and win some incredible prizes from sponsors like Arc'Teryx Toronto, MEC, and the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. There were also opportunities to learn about and try the latest gear and then share post-climbing stories in the warmth of the Arlington Hostel in Maynooth, ON, just outside Bancroft. Last year’s Fest also raised over $1100 for local community transit (TROUT) services – showcasing Ontario climbers' commitment to local community engagement.

This year’s Fest picks up where last year left off with even more spots for clinics ranging from complete beginners to already confident ice and mixed leaders. As well, there will be several crags with hosts from the Alpine Club of Canada Toronto section for those with their own gear looking to top-rope and meet new climbers. Friday, February 24th also will see a warm-up gathering at the Arlington for folks seeking partners for the weekend’s adventures

Saturday evening in Maynooth at the Arlington Hostel is the feature event of the Fest with a variety of climbing events, speakers, friendly comps, gear prizes and copious amounts of social time. Unique to this year is the Vendor Village where climbers can learn more about the Fest's incredible sponsors like Arc'Teryx, MEC, Outdoor Research, the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, the Alpine Club of Canada and many others.

Basically, if you are an ice or mixed climber in Ontario, then the Southern Ontario Ice Climbing Fest is the only place to be in late February – get psyched!

More details about the Southern Ontario Ice Fest 2017 are available at http://www.soicefest.com/