During the first weekend in March, Nipigon Ontario hosts the longest running ice climbing festival in Canada. Since the mid 1980’s climbers have been gathering in this tiny, unassuming town nestled on the North shore of Lake Superior. Full of adventurous secrets, Nipigon is a hub for some of the most accessible and extraordinary ice climbing in the country.
The Nipigon Ice Fest aims to connect the climbing community so that veterans of the sport can share new beta and old stories, proficient climbers can build new skills and new people can be introduced to the sport. This past weekend was my 5th Ice Fest and I’ve come to realize something profoundly important— aside from the fun, adventure, knowledge, skill, and proficiency you can gain from attending an event like this, the most valuable thing you can attain (especially coming out of a global pandemic and recovering from years of exposure to toxic stress) is the deep and meaningful connections you build with other humans.
I sit on the planning committee for Nipigon Ice Fest and this year, I also volunteered to help guide a clinic at the beautiful Mazukama (Powerline) Falls. There were five of us supporting a beginner’s clinic, myself, Sandro, Marlie, Cora and Isabelle. Cora stayed behind to ensure participants received their gear and to guide them to the climbing site. The rest of our team left early to set up top rope anchors.
Our hike in was filled with joyful complaining as we hauled heavy packs jammed full of ropes and gear. At the top, I tagged along with Marlie, so that I could improve my anchor building skills. It was amazing to be able to learn from someone with so much patience, knowledge, and love for the sport. I am so grateful to her and other climbers who generously share their knowledge to build capacity in this community, especially when it comes to supporting other women to be proficient and independent climbers.
After the anchors were set up, we were able get some climbing in before participants arrived. The conditions were incredible, even with colder morning temperatures. I had the absolute pleasure of watching Marlie, Sandro and Isabelle (all skilled climbers), dance up frozen, sparkling walls of ice. I watched with intention and soaked in their technique. We laughed, and teased, and supported each other all morning and were in fantastic spirits when our group arrived.
We heard Cora and our crew of beginners make their approach around noon. We had a wonderful group who were positive, tenacious, cheerful, and happy to be outside. It was so great to meet new people from all over Ontario and Minnesota. It was even more amazing to see people from my home community participating. We got everyone into their gear, did a safety brief and reviewed technique. We then spent the day belaying, supporting others and fostering a love for the sport of ice climbing. By early afternoon we were climbing in positive temperatures, drenched in sunshine. The energy was vibrant and electric, so I began to take stock in order to understand this wonderful thing happening around us.
I watched people tie into their lines, breathe through their nerves, and push themselves to take their first steps up an ice wall. I watched people conquer fear and doubt, push their capacity, and prove to themselves that they were stronger and more fearless than they ever could’ve imagined. I watched people cheer each other on. I watched hugs and high fives and laughter — people who were strangers merely minutes before. A smile was permanently plastered across my face as I watched connection blossom into joy.
The afternoon flew by, and the clinic came to a close. Cora led out our crew, and we cleaned up our site. I hiked away from Mazukama that day with a full pack and a full heart. We were better people then when we woke up that morning. We shared something powerful and bonded in the sunshine.
Later that night we gathered at the Legion for a symposium. We had an incredible presentation from Dave Rone, one of the godfathers of climbing in the Northwest. He weaved brilliant, exhilarating stories of his adventures and inspired a new generation to be resourceful and audacious. I stood at the back of the room and watched. New climbers shared their excitement from the day and seasoned climbers remembered past adventures with old friends. It was a gathering of souls, and you could feel the energy, it was palpable.
Through COVID we ran Ice Fest virtually in an attempt to keep connection in the climbing community. It was a great alternative, but nothing can compare to experiencing this event in person. The rush you get from climbing is like no other feeling. Peering over your shoulder above the world with axes in your hands and consuming your surroundings from a completely new perspective is truly incredible. When you combine this experience with personal growth, and new relationships with other amazing humans who celebrate each other’s successes and support one another through something difficult, it becomes something else entirely. Something that can change your life, even if you just try it one time.
I don’t think many of us really understand the impact of COVID 19. For almost three years it meant isolation and restriction and fear. We couldn’t be with the people who drive our passion, who give us support, or who help us learn and grow. We had to navigate through an incredibly challenging time with fewer resources, in the absence of activities that feed our soul. It was confusing, lonely and detached and although we’ve emerged from the thick of it, we are still navigating the impact.
As we move out of a pandemic and into recovery, we all have to be mindful of the effect it’s had. We must invest in building connection to the communities and people who matter. We need to share our skills, knowledge, experiences, passion and love so we have the energy and capacity to face the next challenge life throws at us.
I left the Nipigon Ice Fest 2023 with a few amazing souvenirs. A deadly new toque, new skills, new ideas, new friends, and most importantly, a renewed connection to this wonderful community of adventurers. Thank you so much to everyone who has crossed my path. You have become a part of my story and have contributed to my wellbeing in a way you will never understand…I am so grateful to you for that.
Until the next adventure (and until Ice Fest 2024),
Deana
Getting Lost on The 49th 