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Bozeman Ice Bash Begins

Climbers fortify themselves, with sandwiches, beer and good company before a cold day in Hyalite. [Photo] Drew Ruderman

The 14th Annual Arc’teryx Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival began in the dark last night. Participants of today’s clinics arrived at Bozeman’s landmark Northern Lights Trading Post last night to check out new gear and get stoked for the first day of the ice festival. Participants varied from first-time ice climbers holding their first ‘pointed implements of pain’ we call crampons, to the local hardmen and hardwomen who make the event possible. No matter the experience level, each climber showed signs of extreme excitement (or possible intoxication). One participant, in his fourteenth year of Ice-Festing, told Alpinist Correspondent Drew Ruderman, “I’ve been coming to the Fest since the beginning. It’s the most grassroots festival in the U.S., organized entirely by locals, and it’s all about the love of the sport. It really shows what Montana has to offer.”

We at Alpinist wish everyone in Hyalite the best possible time today. And if you see Drew Ruderman around in his red Alpinist hat make sure you say “hi”!

Sources: Drew Ruderman, Jack Robert