Big Shout out to our headlining Sponsor Outdoor Research! We’re still rolling out OR athletes and ambassadors! Be sure to stop by the outdoor Research table at IME this weekend and chat with these folks about their rad gear!
Alexa Siegal
“Alexa first discovered climbing at the Boston Rock Gym in February of 2003. The gym was completely empty due to a winter storm warning, but her dad took her anyway. She dabbled in competition climbing, but soon found her fit on the granite cliffs of New Hampshire. Alexa loves all forms of climbing, from sport to ice and mixed climbing. She has traveled all over the United States and abroad to pursue the sport, but she is happy to call New Hampshire home and climbs here year round. Alexa is currently working towards getting her Masters in Nursing, but still loves teaching and guiding climbing in all its forms. She is an AMGA Certified Single Pitch Instructor, Apprentice Rock Guide, AIARE Level 2, and Wilderness EMT.”
We’re stoked to have Matt McCormick joining the roster of guest guides for Ice Fest again this year! He comes to us from Vermont but is well known all over New England as one of the Northeast’s best ice and mixed climbers, and his psyche is high. His passion for climbing has led him to travel to destinations all over the world including Pakistan, China, and the Canadian Rockies. Closer to home Matt’s goals and accomplishments evolve along with the change of the New England seasons, from 5.13+ trad lines in the summer and fall to multi-pitch M9 mixed lines in the winter. He is a former educator and an excellent instructor.
Matt McCormick
Bayard Russell will be joining Ice Fest once again this year. Bayard has climbed ice and rock all over the world but is happiest when climbing near his home right here in the Mount Washington Valley. In his many years guiding in Northern New Hampshire Bayard has gotten to know many hidden ice flows nestled up in the hills surrounding North Conway, if you are lucky enough to have him as a guide he might show you a few them. In addition to being an accomplished guide, a prolific first ascensionist, and a member of the Mountain Rescue Service, Bayard is also an Outdoor Research and La Sportiva ambassador.
Bayard Russell
Bayard with fellow OR athlete Peter Doucette at Lake Willoughby. Bayard is on the right.