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Climbers gear up for Knuckle Basher

If it’s February in Canmore, it means ice climbing season is already half over.

If it’s February in Canmore, it means ice climbing season is already half over.

But for those who view the cup as half full, that means half the season is yet to come, beginning with the 2012 MEC Knuckle Basher Ice Festival and Slide Show, taking place this weekend, Feb. 11-12.

Organized by Mountain Equipment Co-op in partnership with Yamnuska Mountain Adventures, the festival kicks off with a beginner ice climbing clinic Saturday morning. The half-day clinic, taught by Yamnuska’s professional ACMG guides, is geared toward those who are new to the sport. The fee includes instruction as well as all the necessary equipment and a ticket to the Saturday (Feb. 11) evening slide show.

Featuring Canmore-based mountain guide Jen Olson, who recently took third spot at the Ouray Ice Festival, the presentation takes place at the Canmore Legion and includes a silent auction and plenty of swag.

On Sunday (Feb. 12), the festival continues with beginner and advanced ice climbing clinics, as well as an ice climbing photography clinic led by Calgary photographer Tracy Elliot.

Throughout Saturday and Sunday, MEC will also host an ice climbing demo booth in the midst of the Canmore Winter Festival celebrations on the corner of Seventh Avenue and Main Street, complete with a three-metre ice climbing wall.

“It’s more like a bouldering wall for ice climbing,” said Liam Perrott, MEC events co-ordinator. “It will have plastic holds that are designed so people can get a feel for what it’s like to swing an ice axe into the ice. We’ll also talk about the basics of gear and how to dress to go ice climbing – the peripherals around ice climbing.”

Tickets for Saturday night are $10 and include a drink and snacks, with proceeds going toward the Climbers Access Society of Alberta. For more information or to buy a ticket, visit www.knucklebasher.blogspot.com


Rocky Mountain Outlook

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