The 14th Annual Valdez Ice Climbing Festival
Feb 13-16 1998

Over 50 climbers descended on Valdez for this years Ice Climbing Festival. Various Social events took place as well, as 65 people attending the Bonfire bouldering and barbecue session at the spit. A Bouldering demonstration by Anchorage climber Jay Rowe and a drytooling exhibition from Chuck Comstock and Eddie Phay, where one climbs bare rock with Ice Climbing gear was enjoyed by all.

Deep snow keep most climbers near the roadside climbs however the Ice Climbs were in Excellent shape. Ice Climbs completed of note were 2 separate ascents of 'Wowie Zowie' on the same Day by different parties. One team from Anchorage included Rowe and partner Andrew Steiner and later on that same Saturday afternoon 2 Canadians from Quebec Rene Cote and Benoit Audit summited this classic climb in Mineral Creek. While their daughter Nina was in Japan competing in the Olympics, Roger and Mary Kemppel completed 'Hung Jury'. Josh Sonkist and Eddie Phay climbed the thin Pillars of the climb 'Loves Way' in Keystone Canyon. A Slide Show By Ralph Tingey of his 40 years of Climbing , rescue work, Park Ranger and Alaskan Dog Mushing was enjoyed at the Tsaina Lodge. Black Diamond Equipment sent 2 Gear Representatives so climbers could check out the latest in equipment for use.

The Speed climbing event was a huge success as 17 men and 6 women tackled the first 120 ' of 'Keystone Greensteps' against the clock with a rope from above. Paul Turecki of Chickaloon defended his title he won in 97 with a smooth and efficient climb of 1:37 followed by Doug Heinrick of Salt Lake City in 1:53 and Eddie Phay of Anchorage placing third in 2:05. Local Sean Abellana also competed taking 6th place in 2.32. In the largest womens field ever Karen Hilton won the Womens Division with 3:13 followed by Valdez resident Lori Bennet and Anna Jansen from Anchorage took third place. The event went was a huge success once again, as all the climbers worked well together holding the speed climbing contest and other events.

A big Thanks to our Sponsors: Black Diamond Equipment
Beaver Sports Valdez
The Access Fund
Valdez Medical Clinic and Kayak Supply / Andrew Embick M.D.
Chugach Mountain Adventures / Brian Teale
Saint Elias Alpine Guides / Richard Villa
Tsaina Lodge
Chinook Books and Coffee Valdez
Virtual Valdez
Ralph Tingey
The Village Inn Valdez

1998 Valdez Ice Climbing Festival

Speed Climbing Results

Name Time Prize
1. Paul Turecki 1:37 Kevlar Helmet from Valdez Medical Clinic & Kayak Supply
2. Doug Heinrick 1:53 Patagonia Jacket from Beaver Sports
3. Eddy Phay 2:05 Exspress Ice Screw from Black Diamond Equipment
4. Benoit Audit 2:10
5. Rene Cote 2:14
6. Sean Abellana 2:32
7. Dave Moss 2:33
8. Steven Fresch 2:38
9. Chris Harmstrom 2:47
10. Tim Coisek 2:47
11. Brian Teale 2:48
12. Chris Mishmash 3:42
13. Ralph Tingey 3:51 1st in Seniors Division
14. Chuck Comstock 4:07
15. Rodger Kemppel 4:20
16. Lance Enebeck 4:31
17. Sean Deal 8:35 1st in Juniors Division
Womens Division
Name Time Prize
1. Karen Hilton 3:13 Ice Age Gloves from Black Diamond Equipment
2. Lori Bennet 3:50 Rocktronics Rock climbers wrap from The Access Fund
3. Anna Jansen 6:49 BlackSpoon coat from Chugach Mountain Adventures
4. Daphne Tingey 7:55
5. Sheri Tingey 10:37
6. Mary Kemppel 12:43

Other Prizes

Black Diamond Express Screw at Bonfire drawing Locking carabiners, waterbottle and Petzl helmet from the Access Fund given away at Access Fund Drawing.

7 new members signed up for The Access Fund

Carabiners, runners, blue water rope bag from Beaver Sports Valdez given away at bonfire drawing.

See ya next year!

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