UIAA Ice Climbing
World Cup
& YEG Ice Fest
Edmonton, Canada
February 27-March 2, 2025
Louise McKinney Park, Edmonton AB Canada
Offbeat Entertainment and the Alpine Club of Canada Edmonton Section are excited to be hosting the 2025 UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup, North American Championships and YEG Ice Fest all in one weekend! This is an outdoor festival style event for visitors of all ages. Read on for a summary of events for each day.
Day 1 - Athlete registration & Briefing
Date: Thursday, Feb. 27 - 3:30 - 8:30 pm
Location: Louise McKinney Park (Edmonton AB Canada)
Who: Athletes, Coaches, Officials, FREE Access for Opening Ceremonies
All athletes will get a welcome package, pay their registration fees and receive their bibs before getting a competition briefing for the weekend. This includes the following disciplines:
UIAA World Cup Speed OR Lead Climbing (80 Euro)
UIAA World Cup Both Disciplines (120 Euro)
Community Comp Speed OR Lead Climbing ($25)
Community Comp Both Disciplines ($40)
The Opening Ceremonies will occur this evening welcoming the world to Edmonton.
Day 2 - UIAA Ice Climbing World CUP - First Day of Competition & Opening ceremonies
Date: Friday, Feb. 28 - 9:00 am -10:30 pm
Location: Louise McKinney Park (Edmonton AB Canada)
Who: FREE Access (VIP Tickets Available)
On day one of the competition, spectators will get to watch climbers compete in both lead ice climbing and speed ice climbing qualifiers throughout the day, wrapping up with an exciting final for speed ice climbing in the evening. Other activities for visitors will include visiting vendors and exhibitors in our winter market, skating, participating in friendly races with ice climbing equipment, playing in the kids zone, trying fat biking, enjoying live performances by local artists, and staying warm by one of many wood burning fire pits that will be found throughout the festival site. There will also be food and beverages available for purchase.
Day 3 - UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup - Second Day of Competition
Date: Saturday, Mar. 1 - 9:00 am -10:30 pm
Location: Louise McKinney Park (Edmonton AB Canada)
Who: FREE Access (VIP Tickets Available)
On day two of the competition, spectators will get to watch climbers compete in lead ice climbing semi-finals and finals. Other activities for visitors will be similar to day one including visiting vendors and exhibitors in our winter market, skating, participating in friendly races with ice climbing equipment, playing in the kids zone, trying fat biking, enjoying live performances by local artists, and staying warm by one of many wood burning fire pits that will be found throughout the festival site. There will also be food and beverages available for purchase.
After Party
Date: Saturday, Mar. 1 - 9:30 pm - late
Location: TBD (Edmonton AB Canada)
Who: 18+ years old, $10 Cover Charge (FREE Access for VIP, Athletes, Officials, Coaches & Volunteers)
The after party will feature live performances by local artists on the outdoor/indoor rooftop patio. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.
Day 4 - YEG Ice Fest & Canadian Nationals Competition Day
Date: Sunday, Mar. 2 - 8:00 am -5:00 pm
Location: Louise McKinney Park (Edmonton AB Canada)
Who: FREE Access, Pre-registration for climbing clinics and competition required.
This is a free festival to try outdoor activities and engage with local outdoor businesses. There will be clinics available for all levels from never tried it before to experienced ice and mixed climbers. Clinic info HERE & Competition info HERE
Detailed Schedule
Book Your Stay
Book your stay in the heart of downtown with our exclusive hotel partner: The Westin Edmonton. Special group rates apply for all stays for the UIAA Ice Climbing World Cup. Book by February 7, 2025 to secure your special rate!
Event Partners
Our Mission
Our vision is to bring together, and give voice to, Canada’s mountaineering community. We promote alpine experiences, knowledge and culture; responsible access; and excellence in mountain skills and leadership.
The three day event aims to highlight and celebrate a variety of adventure-based winter activities available in Edmonton and Alberta mountain parks centered around an international ice climbing competition and seeks to drive international visitation to the city and region.
The annually recurring event will feature international world cup competitions in the disciplines of speed ice climbing and lead ice climbing, and festival activities for the community, including try-it activities, local vendors and workshops from world class athletes.