Climbing demonstrations planned at ice tower

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Bethel Ice Tower

BETHEL — Although the Bethel WinterFest is “officially” over, the beautiful ice tower, surrounded with strings of red and white lights, continues to grow in height and girth. The unusual structure has aroused a lot of curiosity over the past month. People ask, “What is it?” Others have queried, “What is it going to be used for?”

It is a little-known fact that the Bethel area is a world-class ice climbing destination. Bob Baribeau, a legendary ice climber from Bethel, recently shared that people travel great distances to experience the ice climbing in Grafton Notch State Park, the Evans Notch area of the White Mountain National Forest, as well as at a location south of Bethel in Albany Township.

The Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, in cooperation with Bob and engineer Jim Sysko, will be hosting two ice-climbing talks and demonstrations on the Ice Tower during February school vacation week. From 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Tuesday, February 22 and again on Friday, February 25, all are welcome to come and watch Bob demonstrate how to ice climb safely, explain what equipment is needed, and share a little about the history and evolution of the sport.

These events are weather permitting, so please check the www.bethelwinterfest.com site or call the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce office at 824-2282.