2024-2025 Season Updates
Thank you all that were able to come and enjoy the Sandstone Ice Park at Robinson Quarry in 20254 and 2025. The year was not without its difficulties, citing theft of equipment in the park, wild and unseasonable weather swings, and other infrastructure challenges. Despite, the team of ice farmers once again pulled hard to bring ice to the area, and what a success it was! The 2025 Sandstone Ice Festival was a major success, bringing nearly 350 climbers to the city of Sandstone.
Fun fact:
The 2024-2025 season ran approximately from December 21, 2024 to March 29, 2025.
See you all next year!
2025-2026 Season Updates
As of May, 2025, the ice farming crew is working hard to plan for another year of ice in Robinson Quarry. Always in thanks to the community members for fueling the work that happens here, and in partnership with the City of Sandstone, this park would not happen without your support. Please consider donating to keep this operation healthy.
In other news, we look forward to the 2025-2026 season, with the 2026 Sandstone Ice Festival slotted for Jan. 9, 10, & 11th. Similar functions are anticipated, with a new guide service hosting professional clinics.
The mission of the Sandstone Ice Festival remains the same: to foster and grow the Minnesota (and beyond) ice climbing community through the access to safe, accessible, approachable, and world class ice climbing.
Furthermore, on the topic of ice park changes, we look forward to trying to get LED lights strung on the “Light Wall” (just climbers right of the “Stage Wall”), as we have done in years prior. This will take technical expertise and money to make happen, however.
Are you interested in making that a reality? Feel free to let us know! Send us a message at Info@MNclimbers.org, and we’ll get planning!
Stay posted here for future volunteering opportunities at the Sandstone Ice Park, and so much more.
(Last updated 4/29/2025)
Interested in becoming an Ice Farmer?
The Minnesota Climbers Association is looking for hardcore, dedicated devotees to help with the ice farming effort at The Sandstone Ice Park.
This is the crew that will be turning on the floodgates and managing the farming efforts in the future. We make the Ice Park happen. Mechanical aptitude is highly sought. The Ice Park demands constant tweaking and improvements. It is very fussy, but opens a wealth of learning opportunities if you are invested.
What to expect: Being available at Sandstone 6 to 8 weekend days or more (a Saturday or Sunday, depending on consensus) from around October through April. Be ready to sacrifice climbing days.
Strong competency in plumbing, irrigation, municipal water systems or fluid dynamics will win you a Gold Star.
Ideal candidates will be committed to learning the ice-making system over the next two ice seasons with the expectation of taking the reins in the future.
The Sandstone Ice Park is all volunteer. When volunteering we expect a positive, team-oriented mindset with strong communication. Our time is too valuable to accept otherwise.
The Sandstone Ice Park is a winter marvel! Be a part of the magic.
Please submit your interest statement here:
sandstoneicepark@gmail.com or info@mnclimbers.org.
