Like being surrounded by incredible rock, ultra-psyched climbers, perfect temps, and plenty of tasty beer, too?
Then you would have had a ball at this year’s International Climbers’ Festival in Lander, Wyoming. The 5-day climber extravaganza that took place from July 8 – 12 offered all of the above and oh-so-much more. With everything from morning yoga and breakfast burritos, to a dyno comp and pull-up contest, all of our favorite activities as climbers were more than amply addressed throughout the course of the festival.
One of the tasty Lander eateries, The Middle Fork, welcoming climbers in.
When it came down to climbing at the world renowned crags of Wild Iris and Sinks Canyon, the spectacular weather and unlimited rock made conditions and good vibes hard to beat. For those looking to improve and learn from the best, the festival offered clinics with professional climbers; including Alli Rainey, Alex Johnson, Hayden Kennedy, Mikey Schaefer, Sasha DiGuilian, Ethan Pringle, and others—covering topics that spanned from developing power to learning to fall.
Climbers getting their clinic-ing on at Wild Iris.
Related: Climbing Destination Guide: Lander, WY
Some of the other standout events were the Access Fund Service Project backed by Trango, which rallied over 40 incredible volunteers to build out trails near the backside of Wild Iris; the evening Art Crawl, featuring climbing photos and handcrafted art generated from talented artists from within the climbing community; as well as the live music and fun had at the opening party at the Lander Bar (the greatest climber bar in the world), sponsored by La Sportiva.
Rad climbers helping out at the Access Fund Service Project.
The pull-up contest at the opening party at the Lander Bar.
With days full of incredible climbing, and evenings filled with great food, music, and beer—the 22nd year of this incredible event was not to be missed. If you couldn’t make it this year, don’t skip out on the longest running climber festival in the world again—put the ICF in your 2016 calendar now!
Some of team Moja, passing out popsicles to cool off climbers.
Photos: Courtesy of Michael Lim.
For more information, visit the International Climbers’ Festival website.
