Welcome to the Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest!

Started by Rick Wilcox and Nick Yardley in 1993, the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest has been the premier ice climbing event in the northeast ever since. The founders were inspired by other events in the country which featured ice climbing clinics, slideshows, and of course beer and a fun community atmosphere (read: a big party of climbers).

Now 32 years in, the party continues this upcoming January 31, February 1-2, 2025.

This event is eagerly anticipated by ice climbers in the Eastern United States and is considered one of the premier climbing events in the country. It is a celebration of ice climbing and winter mountaineering, and the people that make it a part of their lives. It continues to provide a great opportunity for those attending to network, socialize, try new gear and participate in multiple day courses, one-day technical clinics and privately guided climbs. MWV Ice Fest welcomes climbers from all different backgrounds.  Whether you are LGBTQIA+, adaptive, POC, we are striving to be an inclusive festival.

The Mount Washington Valley is one of the finest waterfall ice climbing destinations in North America. Each year we offer a variety of skills-based clinics and exciting slide shows with featured climbers and guides from the New England area and around the world.

Schedule of Events:

7:00 am: Mt. Washington Ascent and Alpine Clinics - Ledge Brewing
Washington Ascents and Alpine Clinics are outfitted at Ledge Brewing

8:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Climbing Clinics - Ledge Brewing
Registration opens at 8:00 am. Get outfitted with gear demos, meet your guide and have an awesome day out!

8:00 pm - 10:00 am: Gear Demos - Ledge Brewing
Open to clinic participants.

10:00 pm - 11:00 am: Workshop - Barrel Room at Ledge Brewing

Mental Health and Stress Management- On and Off The Climb
Presented by Brittni Nicolodi, Ayurveda Medicine Practitioner

10:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Friends of the Ledges Silent Auction Fulfillment - International Mountain Equipment (IME)
Winners: Come pick-up auction items!

3:30 pm - 5:00 pm: Demo Return, Apres, Vendors, Climbing Party - Ledge Brewing
All clinic participants get a coupon for chili bowl at Ledge Brewing.

5:00 pm - 6:00 pm: Afternoon Presentation
Barrel Room at Ledge Brewing

6:00 pm - 9:00 pm: Live Music - Ledge Brewing
Jim McLaughlin Group with Al Hospers, Jarrod Taylor and Bill Mead

9:00 pm - 11:00 pm: AFTER PARTY - Ledge Brewing
Fundraiser for Rise Outside/ADK Queer Ice Fest