CNS Ice Fest 2015 will be held SUNDAY FEB 1st from 10:30am-4:30pm at Halls Harbour West. Come on down and try out ice climbing for the first time or sharpen your tools and show the newbies how it’s done – everyone is welcome. You must register by emailing climbnovascotia@gmail.com by Friday January 30th. Space is limited so please RSVP early!
Let us know if you need a helmet/harness/ice tools/crampons/boots, or if you can share your own equipment. We will try to have spare stuff available, but you should try to bring your own crampon compatible boots if possible (ski boots will work, snowboarding boots won’t unless they have toe-bales).
If you need a drive or can offer one, a popular place to post is on the Nova Scotia Climbing Facebook group.
Registration is free for CNS members, $20 for everyone else (price includes a complimentary two year Climb Nova Scotia membership). Everyone must sign a waiver, and if you print one in advance and bring it with you that’s even better.
RSVP to climbnovascotia@gmail.com today and let us know if you are a grizzled veteran interesting in helping out, or if you are a rookie looking for a new fun way to enjoy the winter!
Ice Fest frequently asked questions:
Q: What do I have to bring with me?
A: Things you must bring with you are:
A signed, completed CNS waiver. Click here to download the waiver.
$20 cash if you are not already a CNS member. This buys you a two-year membership to Climb Nova Scotia.
Warm clothing in layers (wool or synthetic is best; avoid cotton)
Waterproof breathable outer layer (jacket and pants, gaiters suggested)
Hat (must fit under a helmet i.e. no pompoms)
Gloves (at least two pairs)
Sturdy footwear
Water
Food
Q: What else should I bring?
A: Things you should bring with you are:
Helmet with a chin strap (Climbing specific, ski helmet, or bicycle helmet with minimal ventilation holes)
Climbing boots with toe and heel bale for step-in crampons
Rock climbing harness
Camera
Extra gloves
Extra socks
Belay device
Ice tools
Crampons
Thermos of something warm to drink (Soup, hot chocolate, coffee, tea)
Personal first aid kit
Q: Are minors under the age of 19 allowed at Ice Fest?
A: Minors must be accompanied by a legal guardian to attend Ice Fest. Both the youth and adult must be Climb Nova Scotia members. Family memberships are $50 for two years and cover up to five immediate family members. There is no set age cut-off for participation in Ice Fest, but it is not appropriate for all ages as it involves swinging ice axes around above one’s head. A certain amount of physical strength and decision-making ability is required that may not be possessed by younger children. Ice climbing may or may not be appropriate for your particular child, although s/he is certainly welcome to come out and watch. Minors in attendance are the responsibility of their guardians and we would ask that you be attentive to keep them safe during the event. Ice and loose rock will be dislodged by climbers and can pose a real hazard to anyone who wanders underneath.
Q: What are the risks of attending Ice Fest?
A: CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS. Some things that pose a risk to you at Ice Fest are:
Falling ice
Falling rocks
Dropped equipment
Equipment failure
Belayer error
Cold weather
The highest tides in the world
Other things not listed
Climb Nova Scotia is NOT a guiding service, this is NOT a guided event, and you are responsible for your own safety and any minors under your care. CNS and its volunteers are not holding themselves out as experts and will not be held liable for any loss or injury howsoever caused at Ice Fest 2015. We will do all we can to ensure the safety of everyone at the event, but CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS and you could be injured or killed at Ice Fest 2015. Read the CNS waiver before you sign it. If you do not understand any portion of the waiver, consult a lawyer before signing it because CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS. NO WAIVER NO ICE CLIMBING.
