Great Outdoors: Ice Climbing In Sandstone

In the warmer months, rock climbers come to a wall in Sandstone to climb, but in the winter time, outdoor enthusiasts pick up ice axes to ascend the frozen face.

Ice climbing requires quite a bit of gear, like ice axes, boots, and crampons.

“The idea is you get a solid hand placement or a solid ice tool placement, kick your feet up, and just kind of keep working yourself up,” said Christian Fraser, the coordinator for Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures.

He teaches people how to ice climb, and helps those who have never tried ice climbing, get outside.

First time ice climber Giselle Hernandez and John Jenkins confirmed it’s a lot different from rock climbing, but that they would like to try it again.

With ice climbing along the Northshore and ice parks available, the Northland is the perfect place to get in to the sport.

“I would say Minnesota now has one of the largest concentrations of both farmed and natural ice climbs in the whole country it’s pretty spectacular,” said Fraser. 

If you want to try ice climbing VEGA is one program that can help you get started. 

Go to their Website http://verticalendeavors.com/minneapolis/outdoor-lessons/ for more information.