Uniting Canada's Largest Climbing Community

The Southern Ontario Ice Fest Launches at the Arc’Teryx Toronto Store
This weekend, the Southern Ontario Ice Fest (SOIceFest1) and Arc’Teryx partnered for the launch of the upcoming SOIceFest1 event scheduled for Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario. The launch took place at the Arc’Teryx’s Toronto store, and it was great to see the company and its staff continuing to build strong relationships within the climbing community.
Southern Ontario Ice Festival Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario

Southern Ontario Ice Festival Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario

Arc’Teryx representative, Timothy Lytle points out that, “Ice climbing is an important part of the core sports that fit under the Arc'teryx umbrella, and supporting the Southern Ontario Ice Fest is an opportunity to link Arc'teryx equipment locally with people who will use it in the challenging conditions it was made for.” Lytle feels that “Partnering with the Ice Fest is also a great way to help demonstrate that climbers can be a positive force in local communities such as Bancroft.” Lytle also believes that helping to promote the Ice Fest “shows that ice climbing is more than a niche sport” and he points out that “Ontario has produced some world-class ice climbers like Nate Kutcher.”
Southern Ontario Ice Festival Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario

Launching the Southern Ontario Ice Festival at Arc’Teryx’s Toronto store.

Southern Ontario Ice Festival Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario

Having some fun at the launch of the Southern Ontario Ice Festival.

Guests and shoppers that stopped by the store were eligible to enter a raffle and win a T-shirt and were treated to cupcakes and “ice-cold” (blue) jujubes that helped fuel discussions about ice climbing in Ontario and the great opportunity to participate at a beginner’s ice-climbing clinic at Diamond Lake during the SOIceFest1 event.

Representatives of the ice fest enjoyed the chance to dispel common ice climbing misconceptions, promote the joy and adventure that ice climbing offers and provide tips for staying warm and comfortable during winter climbing.
Southern Ontario Ice Festival Feb 26th to 28th in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario

The Southern Ontario Ice Festival display at Arc’Teryx’s Toronto store.

Those who stopped by the store also got a sneak-peek at the two grand prizes that Arc’Teryx is supplying for the SOIceFest1 raffle.

“Arc'teryx will be providing two shell jackets and pants for the event. The Procline Comp Jacket uses Arcteryx's mapping technology to combine the advantages of softshell and Gore-Tex fabrics. The softshell is used in all the key areas where breathability and mobility are critical while areas like the shoulders (that need more water protection) are protected with waterproof/breathable Gore-Tex fabric. The result is a versatile jacket that’s ideal for a variety of winter activities. The Procline FL Pant is a tough, technical soft shell pant that’s perfect for winter climbing. Both the jacket and the pant feature comfort and mobility that would suit a beginner while the technical features will satisfy the more advanced climber,” explains Lytle.
Arc

Arc'teryx Procline Comp Jacket

Arc

Arc'teryx Procline FL Pant

The SOIceFest1 will take place from Feb 26th to 28th, 2016 in Maynooth/Bancroft, Ontario. More details can be found at the SOIceFest1 website.
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Gus Alexandropoulos is a freelance writer who has been involved in the outdoor industry for over 35 years. During his career he has been the editor at Canada’s national climbing magazine, as well as the gear editor for a national cycling magazine, triathlon magazine and running magazine. His work has been published in Canada’s national newspaper, The Globe and Mail, and he has been a guest on television and radio broadcasts. His passion for climbing began in Ontario in the mid-80s and he continues to travel extensively in search of crisp conditions and steep rock.