Photo by Bobby Model

Where
Cody is located in the northwest corner of Wyoming, 50 miles east of the East Entrance to Yellowstone National Park. There is air service to Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody on Skywest (Delta). Rental cars are available at the airport. All of the ice climbs are located up the Southfork Valley of the Shoshone River, 35 miles southwest of Cody.
See the map at the bottom of this page for more detail.

When
The climbing season lasts from early November to mid April, depending on the season's weather. There are climbs on both sides of the valley. There is very little snow accumulation so skis & snowshoes are generally not necessary for the relatively short approaches.

Gear & Guides
Sunlight Sports sells the Southfork Ice Guide and keeps an updated list of the current ice conditions. Call toll free 1-888-889-2463 or stop in and report the conditions you encounter to help keep our information current. Keep in mind that conditions change quickly and our information is only a guideline. Always use good judgment in evaluating a climb. The rock that the ice forms over is often referred to as frozen kitty litter. Rock fall can be extremely dangerous. There are very few walk off routes and there are not rappel anchors at the top of every climb so be prepared to set anchors yourself.

DON'T STRESS THE SHEEP! All climbs are in the wilderness which is also critical Bighorn Sheep winter habitat. Please respect their space.

Sheets, Eats & Treats
Bison Willy's Bunkhouse is located at the Double Diamond Guest Ranch and is the closest lodging to the ice climbing. It is located about 33 miles up the Southfork. Please see their websites for current information.

In Cody there are several motels including the Holiday Inn & Comfort Inn. A restaurant and bar are located on the property. They offer a special ice climber rate of $39/room for 1-4 people and are conveniently located across the street from the Smith's Grocery Store. For other lodging options call Cody Central Reservations at 800-468-6996 or check the Park County Website

For morning coffee, The Cody Coffee Company, just around the corner from the Holiday Inn, or The Beta Coffeeshop, across from the Irma porch (where you are also apt to overhear some good climbing stories), offer the best in town. Granny's offers a hearty breakfast. Don't miss Maxwell's for great steaks, pasta and seafood. Zapata's is a great Mexican restaurant with killer margaritas. If you're up for weekend dancing with your dinner, try Cassie's Supper Club on the West Strip.

When an arctic cold front moves in, check out the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, catch a movie at The Cody Theatre, or come hang out at Sunlight Sports.

Wyoming Map

All roads in Yellowstone National Park are closed in the winter except to ski, snowcoach or snowmobile traffic (which now requires a permit!)