XMAS ice UP MI

Hi from a Brit,

Going to be in Traverse City and Nubinway MI just before and over XMAS break. WIll there be anything in condition close by. I am a bit stuck for transport so will be relying on family for lifts etc and will be alone so either hook up with anyone or solo some easy stuff (I'll likely have axes, 'poons harness and helmet
boots, bit no gear/rope )

Any hints / topos /links appreciated

Cheers

Rob.

While up in the UP, you will be a few hours drive from Munising MI. There are a few climbs listed in the Route Guide portion of this website to get you started. Over Xmas is usually the beginning of the season for the area, as it is right next to the big lake and stays just a bit warmer longer into the winter. All of the seeping climbs (curtains, ect) will be in on a usual season by mid december, and the waterfalls in my the end of the month 99% of the time on a usual season.

Bill Thompson, who posts here and works at Downwind Sports in Marquette usually posts conditions updates all season long for us climbers from the south, on facebook pages and at the MI ice Fest website;

michiganicefest.com
facebook.com/pages/Michigan…
facebook.com/pages/Down-Win…

Glug here, he also has the newest guidebook to the area for sale at the shop written by him and myself. GPS coordinate for all climbs as well as walking directions and what not to make it as easy as possible for a quick trip to the area.

I would recommend parking on Sand point and walking to climbs that are not waterfalls (Sweet Mother Moses, Dairyland, HI HO Silver) if no one has posted conditions that they are in, and heading straight towards seeping climbs that just come out of the cliff line like the Curtains, the Dryerhose (plus or minus here) and the rest of the climbs listed between Sand Point and the Dairyland.

thanks Jon, good info :-)