Ice Climbing Info & Sign Up

Sandstone, Minnesota is home to some of the best year-round climbing throughout the state. Join Les Voyageurs for a weekend of ice climbing, winter camping, and winter hiking. Whether you’ve been climbing before, or you are looking to try something new, this is the trip for you!  Climbing will be instructed and led by expert guide and alumnus of Les Voyageurs, Mark Morrissey. Mark is a professional wilderness medicine instructor and experienced mountaineer. This trip will give you the opportunity to learn beginner and advanced climbing and camping skills in the beauty of northern Minnesota.

Please see the details provided below for more information. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our Program Director, Jack Grabinski (320-292-0082).

WHO: Anyone ages 15-20 (Space is limited to 10 participants). No experience required!

WHAT:

  • Beginner to advanced ice climbing in Sandstone, MN

  • Winter hiking along the Kettle River and in Banning State Park

  • Winter camping skills and techniques

WHEN: February 22-23rd

COST: $150 (Food, transportation, gear, guiding all included in fee)

WHERE: Sandstone, MN

Meeting Info: There will be one pre-trip meeting at LVI’s basecamp in Sartell to introduce the group and discuss logistics, gear, etc. This meeting will be on Thursday, February 20, from 6:30 - 7:30 pm.

General Itinerary

Saturday, February 22nd:

  • Leave LVI basecamp in Sartell at 7:00 am

  • Arrive in Sandstone, MN and set up camp

  • Learn introductory ice climbing skills and techniques. Begin climbing

  • Lunch

  • Climb

  • Dinner (climbing/hiking afterward if desired)

  • Bonfire

  • Camp overnight at Sandstone climbing campground

Sunday, February 23rd:

  • Breakfast

  • Hike/Explore Sandstone

  • Lunch

  • Leave Sandstone and arrive at LVI basecamp in Sartell at 3:00 pm

Alternative Option

If you’re tight on time or hesitant about winter camping… join us for just Saturday! Transportation would be your responsibility. Meet us in Sandstone, MN at 10am on Saturday morning and depart for home after the afternoon climb. Let Program Director, Jack Grabinski know if you are pursuing this option.

Sign-Up