MUNISING, Mich. (WLUC) – Climbing ice in bitter cold temperatures requires a lot of strength, courage and the ability to still have fun despite how challenging the adventure is.

“It’s been tough getting up and down, but we’ll get used to it,” said Suleyka Abdi, an ice climber from Minneapolis and member of the Big City Mountaineers.

“It’s a really positive experience and I get to learn so much and meet so many new people,” said Maija Fox, an ice climber from Marquette.

Fox and the other girls behind her are a part of the Pictured Rocks Climbing Academy.

“We get out climbing earlier in the season and we try to get used to climbing,” explained Fox.