The Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival is the signature event of the Montana Mountaineering Association (MMA). Our mission is to support the Montana community with education and mentorship regardless of economic background, previous experience, gender, age, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity.

Schedule

December 6, 2023

The Broadcast! Broad Beta’s live storytelling night

6:30 PM at Uphill Pursuits , Sponsored by Broad Beta + Bronco Wild Fund

Join us for a night of inspiring short stories of women’s climbing adventures, from the ordinary to the heroic, comic to tragic, all with heartfelt honest challenges. For women and gender queer folks. Free admission! We’ll have a raffle, along with beer and pizza thanks to Mountains Walking and LaFoley Kitchen.

Broad Beta: Empowering women and gender queer folks to embrace wild ideas, wild experiences and the preservation of wildness.

December 7, 2023

7:30 PM : FILM: Jirishanca with Vince Anderson and Josh Wharton at Emerson Crawford Theater

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Josh Wharton is the most accomplished alpinist you’ve never heard of. But while he’s been quietly crushing ambitious objectives to little or no fanfare, fatherhood and warming weather have begun to reshape the world he knew. When Wharton and his climbing partner Vince Anderson attempt to take the 2003 Italian Route to the summit of Jirishanca in Peru, they’re forced to account for risk as never before.

A panel discussion on the current state and future of alpine endeavors with Jack Tackle, Anne Gilbert Chase, Whit Magro, Molly Kawahata, Matt Cornell, and Andres Marin.

December 8, 2023

7:30 PM : Finding Balance with Aaron Mulkey + Bear Canyon Singers & Dancers + FILM: Hall of Fame Featuring Yannick Glatthard at Emerson Crawford Theater

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The odds that the term “pioneer” finds its way into any description of Aaron Mulkey are better than even.  After all, his nearly 30-year quest to discover unclimbed ice – both in his Wyoming backyard and across the globe – has yielded no shortage of exploratory adventure.

Epic after frigid wilderness epic, Mulkey has deftly balanced his extensive pursuit of first ascents with a high-level executive position in corporate America.  He’s as comfortable in the boardroom as on the sharp end of a frozen rope.  But developing two independent and often opposing skillsets and practicing both at the pinnacle of performance hasn’t come easily.  It’s been a fight for survival, both literally and figuratively, on numerous occasions.  

In this current age of carefully curated Instagram reels (#vanlife) and the ubiquitous inspiration to "quit my job and selling everything to chase the dream," it's rare for the spotlight to land on someone who, while incredibly talented, balances their passion with the seemingly mundane, day-to-day responsibilities that we can all relate to.  Aaron Mulkey has figured it out.

We’re very excited to bring back Ice Fest favorites, the Bear Canyon Singers and Dancers!

“Hall of Fame“ – high above Kandersteg in the Swiss Alps, is widely seen as probably the most difficult mixed-route in the world. Ice climbing pioneer Ron Koller discovered and developed the route some 8 years ago. Earlier this month, young Swiss mountain guide and professional alpinist Yannick Glatthard succeeded in making a first ever free ascent of “Hall of Fame”.

December 9,2023

7:30 PM : Tim Emmett - 25 Years of Climbing at Emerson Crawford Theater

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Tim is one of the world’s most well-rounded climbers—his pursuits have proven that. in February 2016 he climbed “Interstellar Spice,” the first Ice Climb in the world graded WI 12 at Helmcken Falls, Canada. He has also established some of the hardest rock climbs in Cuba, Mongolia, and Wales; and achieved podium position four times at the World Ice Climbing Championships. Most recently, he completed the first ascent of “Mission to Mars” (WI 13) at Helmcken Falls—estimated to be the world’s hardest ice climb.

He’ll share his story and perspectives on the sport after 25 years of climbing—join us at the Emerson!

Panel: Full Circle Everest

Join us in welcoming Phil Henderson, Eddie Taylor, Manoah Ainuu, and Adina Scott from the Full Circle Everest Expedition as they share details of their experience before, during, and after the 2022 expedition.

December 10,2023

6:00 PM : Local Legends Dinner + Wrap Party An evening with Molly Kawahata at Emerson Ballroom

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Join us for an evening with Molly Kawahata, former climate advisor to the Obama White House, mental health advocate, and the subject at the heart of the Patagonia film, "The Scale of Hope." We kick off the night with a screening of a condensed version of the film, followed by a talk where Molly will delve into her personal journey with climate, climbing, mental health -- and the transformative power of hope in our lives.

Photo Credit: Andrew Burr, Patagonia

Date : December 6 - 10, 2023

Location :  

Uphill Pursuits - 111 E Oak St Suite 1B, Bozeman, MT 59715
Emerson Center for the Arts & Culture - 111 S Grand Ave, Bozeman, MT 59715

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