We wrapped up our six months of south-of-the-border travel this year at the 24th International Climbers Festival in Lander, Wyoming! We’d heard many people say that the ICF is one of the best festival events in climbing – we can happily say it did not disappoint!
Kim was signed up as a volunteer for the fest, which was a really great way to experience it and be part of the community. It was our first time in Lander and we only had 5 days, so we did our best to squeeze as MUCH as we could into our time. We spent time with old friends, met many new friends, climbed three days in Wild Iris, consumed many beers, went to as many events as possible, and overall had a fantastic time.
The climbing at Wild Iris was awesome! The dolomite limestone offers high quality stone characterized by pockets and edges, with routes that are short and stout. It was a burly shift away from the weeks we’d spent in Ten Sleep, but we welcomed the change!
Oh hi!
Kim testing out the steep Rodeo Wave. Photo credit: Katariina Rahikainen
Shelma Jun warming up on the classic route Devil Wears Spurs (5.10d)
Michael Pang: Suns out, tongues out
Liz Pecknold getting burly on her send of Charro (5.12b)
Katariina Rahikainen on Bobcat Logic (5.12c)
Kim, Hannah Dwyer, Shelma Jun and Julie Ellison – last day smiles as the crag!
The festival itself was super fun. A great community of climbers joined together for clinics and workshops, music and dancing at the local bar, vendor fairs with games and prizes, delicious food, an art crawl in the street, speakers, competitions and much, much more. You can learn all about what the ICF has to offer here.
Training for Climbing panel at the Lander Bakeshop
The Central Bank and Trust serving up free beer and tacos during the art crawl
Enormo-swag! We first learned about the festival when listening to the Enormocast, and have been dedicated listeners for years. This was a special treat 🙂
Liz killin’ it in the belaytionship competition with Black Diamond
Getting sassy in the La Sportiva photo booth! Photo credit: Andy Wickstrom
Crossing our fingers that we can make it back for the 25th annual celebration next year!!
Kim and Graham 