Amazing Outdoor Events Happening in February
Cody Ice Climbing Festival, Cody, Wyoming – February 13th–16th
The Cody Ice Climbing Festival is returning to Cody, Wyoming for the 17th year of the “Friendliest Little Ice Festival in the Northern Rockies.” And just like climbers with their age, this festival keeps having more fun every year. The main draw for this hometown ice climbing festival is split between the comradery of fellow winter warriors and the knowledge to be gained from clinics and industry professionals. So if you’re looking for a good time, or for some ice climbing technique, Cody’s got you covered.
Grand Park Dog Days of Winter, Fraser, Colorado – February 14th–15th
Skijoring, Sleddogs, and probably enough Kibble to cause a commotion, the Grand Park Dog Days of Winter in Fraser, Colorado celebrates winter alongside Man’s best friend. This 2-day event is packed full of races on sled and skis all powered by the paws of trained dogs who love the snow more than you do. And whether this race is just to gear you up for the Iditarod happening next month, or you simply want to check out the sport, this and many other races can be found at the website for the International Federation of Sleddog Sports.
Waimea Town Celebration, Waimea, Hawaii – February 14th–21st
If you were to tell the people at your office that you were heading to the Waimea Town Celebration in Hawaii in the middle of this month, they might ask you what that involves. And you could tell them it’s a week-long heritage festival full of long distance canoe races, a traditional hula, and even a Hawaiian Rodeo. Or you could just show them the average temperatures in Hawaii during February which consistently hover around the upper 70’s all month long. So whether you go to check out the celebration, or to kick it beach side, make sure to pack your bathing suit.
Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania – February 2nd
This time honored tradition, going back for over a century in Punxsutawney, PA, hosts tens of thousands of spectators that eagerly await a weather forecast from Punxsutawney Phil, presumably the most famous groundhog in the world. Groundhogs Day may have come and gone this year, but don’t worry, it will be back. And the good news for those powder pushers and alpine enthusiast, Phil forecasted another 6 weeks of snowy conditions.
The American Birkebeiner, Hayward, Wisconsin – February 19th–22nd
If you live near Hayward, Wisconsin then you are lucky. That’s because Hayward is home to the 107 Kilometer Birkie Trail System and the American Birkebeiner which take place on the third weekend in February. This 4-day event celebrates everything this epic trail has to offer including Giant Ski races (think 6 people to one long ski), skijoring (think dogs pulling skis), a Barnebirkie (think 1,000’s of small children on skis), and of course the long distance Birkie 55K Classic (North America’s largest cross-country ski marathon with 10,000+ participants). Needless to say, if you are a cross-country skier, then the American Birkebeiner is already on your calendar.
2015 International Eelpout Festival, Walker, Minnesota – February 19th–22nd
If you think ice fishing is only for those who prefer the solitude of winter, you might reconsider after attending the 2015 International Eelpout Festival in Walker, Minnesota. That’s because this festival isn’t just about the big fish they catch, it also proves to be a pretty good party to attend. Between the beer pong tournaments, ice car races, Coors Keg castles, polar plunges, and fish fries, not that you’d want to, but you could not even fish all weekend and still have a good time.
Discraft Memorial Frisbee Golf Championship, Arizona – February 24th–28th
First it was the Phoenix Open in Scottsdale, and then the Super Bowl in Glendale, and rounding up the month is probably the largest event of them all, the Discraft Memorial Frisbee Golf Championship. The Championship has both professional and amateur divisions, and spans across three beautiful courses in Fountain Hills, Scottsdale, and Mesa, AZ. And while Frisbee golf doesn’t necessary draw the same size of crowds as other mainstream sports, the community is growing, and to find a course closer to you check out the Professional Disc Golf Association’s website.
Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race, Snowmass, Colorado – February 28th
Once a year a rare opportunity in the land of Snowmass, Colorado opens up to the public in the form of the Audi Power of Four Ski Mountaineering Race. This 26 mile course has you trek up and ski down Snowmass, Buttermilk, Aspen Highlands, and Aspen Mountain. Only technically equipped and capable skiers need apply, for this grueling mountain trek requires a good sense of quick mountain travel in winter conditions, but for the average user a recreational course consisting of the latter two mountains is also available. Whichever way you go, a winter adventure of a lifetime is guaranteed once you toe the starting line.
Own a piece of gear that you're dying to review? Read our submissions page and let's get it up on the interwebz!
