All You Need To Know About Ice Fest 2025
It’s almost March, but we’re not done with winter yet! Climb YEG (formerly known as YEG Ice) is proud to host YEG Ice Fest and the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup. Ice Fest is an all-ages event so be sure to bring the whole family!
What You Need To Know
Where: Louise McKinney Park
When: February 27th to March 2nd
Activities: Try out winter activities, browse vendors, listen to live music, eat some great food, hang out in the beer gardens (if you’re over 18, of course), and watch professional ice climbers be put to the test on a massive 21-metre ice wall created just for this event.
Cost: For a more luxurious experience, VIP tickets are available for $50 each, but general admission is FREE!
Getting There: Parking may be limited so consider your options (rideshare, bus, walking, parking further away) before leaving the house.
What To Expect
Since the World Championship is a biannual event, this year is a World Cup and it’s bringing you four days packed with excitement and activities for everyone. Opening ceremonies commence on Thursday February 27th, followed by two days of competitions, and March 2 will finish up with an opportunity to try ice climbing yourself, participate in outdoor activities, or even enter a community climbing competition.
Food and beer gardens are open every day, and the vendor area is open Friday through Sunday. Keep your eyes out for our tent in the vendor area- Saturday, March 1 only!
What’s Different This Year?
1) Competition Format
Last year: World Championship
This year: World Cup
2) Entry Cost
Last year: paid-entry
This year: FREE entry!
Be sure to still pack some pocket change for the variety of vendors and food & beverage options!
3) Location
Last year: Ice District
This year: Louise McKinney Park
Never Heard Of The UIAA World Competitions?
For over 20 years, the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (or UIAA, the acronym of their French name) has organized the annual Ice Climbing World Tour, in which athletes from all over the world can compete in lead climbing and speed climbing events. The World Tour comprises five world cups and three continental championships. This year the World Cup started in South Korea, moving on to Switzerland, France, USA, and now Canada. Every other year, a World Championship takes place, consisting of three world cups, the last of which is combined with the World Championship. For the first time in 20+ years, Canada hosted the last World Championship in Edmonton last February!
For more information on ice climbing as a sport, check out our blog from 2023 here.
So put on your favourite mitts and hats, warm boots and coats, and join the fun. Be sure to stop by our table in the vendor area on Saturday March 1st from 9am-7pm for some free swag!
Written by: Maret B., Admin