MOUNTAIN LIFE - Blue Mountains | Winter 2018

WINTER 2018 ML BLUE 83 words :: Peter Hoang photos :: Ariel Estulin When the mercury drops, many of us prepare to make tracks in the snow; however, out there on the frozen lakes and forests we frequent are cliffs that host frozen veins of ice, attracting a small population of outdoor enthusiasts. For many, the ice is just another pretty scene on the run, but to a group of scrappy Ontario ice climbers, it’s frozen gold. Southern Ontario is home to various ice and mixed climbs, and though the province isn’t well known for its vertical terrain it makes up for it by providing a wide variety of routes and the ability to find solitude and exploration. Many climbs require lengthy pre-dawn commutes, long hikes on often unmarked trails, and a plethora of extra gear to cross variable terrain. So why bother? Unlike our friends out west, it is possible to find solitude on classic climbs here and a spot away from the crowds. Of course you can also choose the roadside attractions—plenty of options exist. The niche sport has grown in popularity over the years and in 2015 a group of local climbers decided to launch a festival in Maynooth, Ontario to celebrate it. The festival gathered a surprising number of merry individuals, so founders Andriy Kolos, Josh Smith, and Peter Hoang decided to officially make it an annual affair, dubbing it the “Southern Ontario Ice Fest”, or “SOIceFest” for short. SOIceFest now includes all things that necessitate a good time: food, drinks, gear demos, prizes, live music, and presentations from pro athletes. Along with an already packed event, the support of major sponsors has allowed festival organizers to offer clinics from top-notch guides at a substantially reduced rate, making the festival an ideal place for first-time axe swinging. COLD GOLD THE SOUTHERN ONTARIO ICE FEST CLIMBING