Lake City Ice Festival & Winter Weekend

The Lake City Ice Festival & Winter Weekend, often simply referred to as the Lake City Ice Climbing Festival by locals and repeat attendees, is an annual event that transforms the quaint historic mountain town of Lake City, Colorado, into a vibrant winter wonderland. This festival is tailored for a diverse audience, particularly appealing to athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and families who revel in the thrill of winter sports and the beauty of natural landscapes.

At the heart of the event are the ice climbers, both amateur and professional, who gather to compete and showcase their skills. The festival also attracts spectators who are fascinated by the daring feats of ice climbing and the stunning ice formations. Notable guests include seasoned climbers participating in the various competition categories, such as Men’s Lead, Men’s Top Rope, Women’s Lead, and Women’s Top Rope. Local legends and experienced instructors from the Colorado Climbing Company are also on hand to conduct clinics and workshops.

The 2025 Lake City Ice Festival is scheduled to take place on Saturday, February 1, 2025. The day kicks off early with registration at 9:30 AM at the Lake City Ice Park, specifically at the Beer Garden area. The competition begins at 11:00 AM, setting the stage for a day filled with excitement and adrenaline. A highlight of the afternoon is the Highline Demonstration at 1:00 PM, which adds an extra layer of thrill to the already electrifying atmosphere. As the day winds down, attendees can look forward to an Awards Dinner starting at 6:30 PM, followed by the Awards Ceremony at 7:00 PM, both held at Lake City Arts on Silver Street.

The venue, Lake City Ice Park, is nestled in the picturesque town of Lake City, located in Hinsdale County. This park is renowned for its breathtaking frozen waterfalls and challenging ice walls, making it an ideal setting for ice climbing. To get to Lake City, travelers can fly into nearby airports such as the Montrose Regional Airport or the Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport and then drive via highways US-50 or US-149. The town itself offers a charming mix of historic charm and modern amenities, with local bars, restaurants, and hotels providing warm hospitality and discounted accommodations for festival participants.

What makes the Lake City Ice Festival unique is its blend of competitive energy, educational opportunities, and community spirit. Besides the main competition, the event features clinics such as Intro to Ice, Intro to Mixed, and Steep Ice Technique, conducted by the Colorado Climbing Company. These sessions cater to climbers of all levels, from beginners to advanced climbers looking to hone their skills. The festival is also a significant fundraiser for Lake City Ice Climbs, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining the ice park.

The atmosphere is alive with the crisp mountain air and the sound of ice axes striking ice, creating an invigorating and awe-inspiring environment. Spectators can enjoy the event for free, while competitors pay a modest entry fee of $35. The Awards Dinner offers a delicious menu featuring beef Slumgullion stew, sticky rice, rolls or cornbread, and key lime cup, or a vegetarian curry option, all for $20 per meal ticket.

In essence, the Lake City Ice Festival & Winter Weekend is a must-attend event for anyone who thrives on adventure, appreciates natural beauty, and enjoys community-driven festivities. It is a celebration of winter sports, local camaraderie, and the undeniable allure of ice climbing in a stunning mountain setting.