Annual Ice Jam competition brings beachy vibes to UAF
Story and photos by Gabriele Rigaudo
Climbers gather around the ice tower for the speed competition.
Last Friday the annual Ice Jam competition was held at the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ ice tower. Competitors had to score the fastest time climbing the tower or juggle their way up in the technical dry tool wall. The theme this year was Hawaii, intending to bring some warm and sunny vibes to a record-setting cold winter.
Located next to the Outdoor Adventure section of the SRC, the ice tower consists of a normal rectangular wooden structure with a water sprinkler on top. Over time, as the water freezes, the whole thing looks like a giant frozen monolith.
Once the wall is ready, the ice climber needs a fair bit of equipment: ice crampons, boots that support crampons, a harness, some ropes, a helmet, and, two ice axes.
Once the competitor finds themself a reliable belayer – the one person they are trusting with their life, as they must manage the slack and tension of the rope securing the climber – the race begins.
Matias Ramirez, left, belays Matyas Pavek during the 2026 Ice Jam competition on Friday, March 20, 2026.
While the vibes felt cozy and relaxed, with a wonderful sun shining in another cold Fairbanks day, climbers really gave it their all. More experienced and trained climbers scored some impressive times, with the fastest breaking the 10-second mark.
In the dry tool competition, speed ceased to matter. Built around a point-based scoring system, the most technical and patient climbers came out on top. Multiple lines, all with 100 points available if completed. Ten points were deducted for each fall, and 50 of the 100 points were awarded upon reaching the halfway mark. The climber with the most points among the different routes came out on top.
Organized by Nanook Recreation’s Outdoor Adventure assistant coordinator Christian Mogensen, the competition was free – gear included – for UAF students and SRC members.
For students or people in Fairbanks interested in getting into the climbing/outdoor world, SRC’s Outdoor Adventures represents a great starting point. “We have an ice climbing class, some indoor rock-climbing classes, a mountaineering class, and an Alaska outdoor adventure class,” Mogensen noted.
Although taking such classes could be a fun way for UAF’s students to get some credits, the ice wall is open to any student who wants to try it. “We don’t require any certifications. We have staff that will guide you through it; it’s very beginner-friendly,” Mogensen said.
The Ice Jam competition takes place every year and can be a great way to get started with something new. The ice wall will remain open until the weather permits. Classes offered by the Outdoor Adventure team are offered through the CTC campus and can count as electives towards a degree.