Annual ice climbing festival returns to St. Boniface

Some determined climbers made it to the top of a 20-metre-tall ice tower in Winnipeg.

Dozens of people reached new heights Sunday, conquering a 20-metre ice tower situated in the heart of Winnipeg’s St. Boniface neighbourhood.

Climbers took part in Festiglace – an annual ice climbing event run by the St. Boniface contingent of the Alpine Club of Canada. The festival included a speed competition, as well as demonstrations and educational components for those new to the sport.

“It’s pretty exhilarating,” said Trisha Burch, the club’s volunteer coordinator. “I know, personally, every time I get to the top and come down and leave here, I just feel like I’m pretty unstoppable in terms of doing other things after I’ve ice climbed.”

Burch explained that alpinists use a set of tools different to those of rock climbers.

“We’ve got some ice axes where we’re swinging and sticking into the ice, as well as specialized mountaineering boots, as well as crampons with spikes on the ends where we kick in to the ice in order to kind of climb up like a four-legged animal,” she said.

While Festiglace may be over, those looking to reach their peak can still do so. The club meets weekly on Saturdays at 141 Rue Messager, where members of the public can try to climb the tower for themselves.

“Dress warm, wear layers and show up on a Saturday morning or afternoon and give it a try,” Burch said.

More information about the club and ice climbing can be found on the club’s website.