Sandstone Ice Festival 2025 in Minnesota

The Sandstone Ice Festival occurs annually in early January at Robinson Park. Winter sports fans arrive from all around the Midwest and Canada to go for ice climbing, skinny skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping. Even if this is the first time you've tried these fun activities, with instructional clinics, gear rentals, and an excellent quarry of natural and manufactured ice routes, this is a perfect place to dip your toe into new sports. The lights installed around the park allow the festive-goers to have fun until late at night. And the best way to wind down after all the action is to warm up with local brews next to a bonfire.

Festival Highlights

Ice climbing has put the small town of Sandstone on the map. Every following year sees an increasing turnout. However, Minnesota's winters get warmer consistently, which results in fewer ice walls being formed naturally and most being farmed. The walls must be cold enough to hold the ice, so the Sandstone Ice Festival, originally used to take place in December, soon moved to the colder month of January.

Participation

Participants in climbing clinics are required to have prior climbing experience and must be familiar with essential skills, including safely belaying, properly wearing a harness, and tying a climbing rope into a harness. The minimum age for clinic participation is 15. A parent or guardian must accompany climbers under 18 years old.

Schedule

The 2025 Sandstone Ice Festival runs from January 10 to January 12. On Friday, gear demos take place from 11 am to 4 pm at Robinson Quarry Ice Park, followed by a climbers' social from 4 pm to 9 pm at SandRocks Bar. Saturday features ice climbing clinics and gear demos from 9 am to 3 pm at Robinson Quarry, with a climbers' party and gear swap at Osprey Wilds from 4 pm to 9 pm. On Sunday, gear demos run from 9 am to 1 pm, and the event wraps up with clean-up at Robinson Park at 3 pm.

Location

Ice climbing is available at Sandstone’s renowned "Robinson Quarry Ice Park" during the winter, thanks to the ice farming facilities that create ideal climbing conditions. Additionally, Robinson Park is open to climbers year-round at no cost. There's no need to invest in expensive equipment, as local outfitters offer gear rentals, and experienced guides are on hand to help you develop your climbing skills.