The 2009 Knuckle Basher Ice Festival that ran February 6/7/8 was a huge success. A big thanks goes out to Les Tuck from Adventure Logistics who ensured that the weekend went off without a hitch as well as to all of the sponsors who provided cash, gear and prize donations.
There was a good turnout to both evening programs, most of the daytime clinics filled up and lots of people were out climbing and having fun during the weekend.
Five instructional clinics were held by Yamnuska Mountain Adventures over the 2 days. Saturday’s Women’s, Steep Ice and Beginner Ice Clinics were sold out and the Mixed and Lead Ice Clinics on Sunday were also very popular. Thanks to Matt Mueller, Mike Stuart and Sarah Hueniken for the great programs.
There were approximately 150 tickets distributed for Friday evening’s screening of the 1975 classic The Eiger Sanction with a commentary by Chic Scott. A freak snowstorm that deposited about 15 cm of snow in Canmore over a few hours made the drive from Calgary to Canmore a bit of an epic and it seems that many chose to forego the drive. Saturday evening’s slide show by Raphael Slawinski provided endless inspiration and entertainment to all who attended. The live auction was also well attended and raised $1250 for the Climber’s Access Society of Alberta.
The planning for next season’s event has alread started in anticipaion of another fantastic weekend of ice climbing. We hope to see you all out again to support the next Ice Climbing festival. Thanks to all of you who attended.
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