Some icy adventures are coming to Edmonton in February so you won’t have to go to the mountains to try this winter sport. Construction for an ice wall is already underway at Louise McKinney Riverfront Park for the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup and YEG Ice Festival. The competition will feature ice climbing and dry-tool climbing on a seven story tall climbing structure right by the river valley. “Ice climbing is an ever expanding sport internationally and across Canada since the first year we hosted the event. We’re not asking for permission to grow. We’re building something exciting that doesn’t exist yet,” said Jonathan Blackwood, chair of Ice Climbing Canada, in a news release. The competition was first brought to Canada in 2002. While the pros might be the ones showing off their skills, anyone is able to participate in the community competition and learn from the pros themselves during clinics and gear demos. Both events run between Feb. 21 and March 1 and are free to attend. People can purchase VIP tickets, it includes private warming areas, comfortable seating and food and beverages.
