Ice Climbing World Cup

On Feb. 23-24, Denver’s Civic Center Park hosted the finals of the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation’s ice climbing World Cup series. The event attracted more than 70 competitive ice-climbing men and women athletes from around the world, including from France, Switzerland, Japan, Korea, Russia, and Azerbaijan. A 50-foot tall competition scaffolding made of particle board that simulated ice was erected on the south side of the park. Downtown Denver provided a stunning backdrop to the remarkable feats of balance and strength on display. Climbers hung upside down, clutching ice axes between their teeth while making seemingly superhuman gymnastic moves, frequently holding on by only one point of contact. Photos by Reid Neureiter