For a whopping 23 years—longer than any other event of its kind—the International Climbers’ Festival has drawn passionate climbers from all over the country and the world to the remote, western town of Lander, Wyoming for an unforgettable lineup of clinics, events, speakers, and, of course, beer-drinking celebrations.

This year was no exception. The 2016 ICF, held from July 13-16, was yet another absolute hit in this event’s long-standing legacy within the climbing community.

Related: Climbing Destination Guide: Lander, WY

 

As if the unlimited pocket-pulling climbing at the epic limestone crags of Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon wasn’t enough to fill your days with joy, then surely, events like the opening party, art crawl, Trango trail clean-up, dyno comp, or athlete presentations (from Steph Davis, Sam Elias, Sonnie Trotter, Matt Segal, Chelsea Rude, and Jon Cardwell) filled your climber stoke level to the brim.

And don’t just take our word for it, here’s what some attendees of the festival have to say about this special annual event:

Lander, to the visiting climber, is an embarrassment of riches. The ICF, then, is a bacchanalia. There’s not just something for everyone, there’s enough to keep everyone busy and then some. It is, by far, the most pure fun I’ve had at a climbing event.

– Spenser Tang-Smith of The RV Project

The International Climbers’ Festival in Lander is one of my favorite events of the year! The people that come are always so down to have an adventure and a good time and it shows. And Lander is such a beautiful, historic climbing area with so much to offer, in a town that welcomes climbers with open arms.

Alex Johnson
 

This was my 8th year being involved in the ICF, and it’s gotten better with age, and is quickly becoming the gold standard. The powerful duo that is Brian and Mandy Fabel changed the trajectory, and this year Elyse Guarino took into orbit. Can’t wait for my 9th!

Kris “Odub” Hampton of Power Company Climbing

 

See you next year?

Want to experience the incredible climber stoke that the ICF fuels? Then do yourself a favor and minimize the FOMO, by preemptively planning on loading up a vehicle with your gear and your best friends to attend the 2017 International Climbers’ Festival.

For more information about the International Climbers’ Festival, visit the website here.