It is with heavy hearts we have made a difficult, but we feel the most responsible decision to cancel the 2020 Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Climbing, is an intimate, tight-knit activity best celebrated with aprés-climb gatherings in the parking lot, over beers and powerful storytelling with words, pictures and film. BIF is a small team, volunteer-driven festival with the goal of bringing a diverse community from around the world together to celebrate the life-sport of ice climbing and the beauty of Hyalite Canyon.

To prioritize the health and safety of our staff, participants, volunteers, athletes and partners we are pushing pause on the 2020 festival and will look forward to putting on our best fest yet for our 25th anniversary. We can’t wait to get the expedition back together. Save the date for December 6-12, 2021!

As a community event, we encourage all of our fans to consider reaching out to your fellow climbers, inspirational athletes and guides in your life to check in on them and help all of us stay in touch for when the need for physical distancing simmers down.

As you know, one of the beneficiaries of the Ice Festival is Friends of Hyalite who manage the winter road plowing fund that keeps the road open during the winter. Please consider sharing a small portion you’d normally spend on Ice Fest as a direct donation the road plowing fund so that we can all continue to enjoy climbing in Hyalite this winter.

As winter approaches, BIF is in contact and coordinating with our dear friends at other Ice Festivals around the country and our sponsors to keep the stoke alive and bring on-line swag opportunities and virtual inspiration where ever you may find yourself this season. Stay tuned for more information. Brace yourself!

Thank you, the Bozeman Ice Festival Team and Staff