Smuggs Ice Bash 2020 – Event Recap
The Smuggs Ice Bash Organizer. Many thanks to Petra Cliffs. Photo: (c) Doug Millen
#smuggsicebash2020
The Drytool Comp
This is the only Drytool Comp at any of the ice festivals in New England. So fun to watch these talented climbers.
The course was particularly difficult this year and was spitting off new and seasoned veterans alike shortly after starting up. But Brian O’Leary and Mikayla Tougas preserved to take the top places in their division. Great climbing! This is the 2nd year in a row that Mikayla has won the women’s division.
The Winners of the Men’s division (L to R) – Erick Kopff (2nd) Brian O’Leary (1st) and Andrew Krause (3rd)
The winners of the Women’s division (L to R) – Andrea Charest (2nd) Mikayla Tougas (1st) and Joscie Norris (3rd)
The Smuggs Ice Bash Drytool competitors 2020
Brian O’Leary climbing hard to take 1st place – Photo: (c) Doug Millen
Brian O’Leary climbing. Photo: (c) Doug Millen
Mikayla Tougas going for the win in the women’s division. She was the only one to complete the climb. Photo: (c) Doug Millen
* You can read more on Mikayla here “First Blood M11”
Soup
Nothing is better than a cup of hot soup after a day of ice climbing. NEice has been making home made soup for the ice climbers in this event for the past 14 years.
As per tradition NEice was at the gate with hot soup for all the ice climbers.
Conditions
The conditions were ideal for the festival with plenty of ice to climb and mild temperatures for the participants.
Great conditions on Ragnarock. One of the many classics in Smugglers Notch. Photo 1-25-20 by Doug Millen
Slide Show
“A documentary feature film – In December 2018, alpinists Ari
Novak and Karsten Delap set out for India to explore one of
the most remote valleys in the Indian Himalaya with local
climber Karn Kowshik.”
It was great to see all the ice climbing possibilities in this remote area. A well done film by La Sportiva
Click image for Trailer
Raffle
This years Raffle was to benefit Project Conservation, a 501c3 non profit. An organization dedicated to supporting people and projects on the front lines of global conservation through storytelling, education, and community outreach.
The raffle this year was over the top with tools, boots, crampons, packs, helmets, clothing and many other items for the participants. Many thanks to the Sponsors for providing all the great gear.
Thank You
Thanks you to all the Sponsors and everyone involved that make the Smuggs Ice Bash possible. And a special thank you to Steve Charest, Andrea Charest, and Tim Farr for all they do to make this event happen. This event could not be in better hands.
2021
Looking forward to next years event. Next year will mark the 15th year of the Smuggs Ice Bash. The organizers are already planing to make next years event the best ever!
Hope to see you there.
~Doug Millen
Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School
105 Briggs Street, Burlington, VT 05401
ph: (802) 657-3872
email: info@petracliffs.com
