resident, who is always on the hunt for virgin ice, spent the last decade making treks into the valley to see if the Ice Fest formation would freeze in a way fit to climb. "After ten years of waiting, Ice Fest was in great shape and I was able to enjoy nature's gift," he recalls. The South Fork River Valley is one of the best ice climbing destinations in the world. "The concentration of ice and feeling of remoteness are unmatched," says Mulkey, who has more than a hundred first ascents to his name. The season typically begins in November and runs into April. "Hiking through cactus and sagebrush, then climbing high into remote alpine terrain is a trademarked feeling that only the South Fork Valley can create." Getting the Shot "For me, ice climbing is the hardest thing I shoot -- and for that I love it," says photographer Jay Beyer . Part of capturing amazing ice climbing images is battling the elements and gear. "You have to deal with not feeling your legs for hours while hanging in a harness and keeping your batteries and hands from freezing," recalls Beyer. "One time I was getting dripped on while I was shooting. By the time I was done, there was a quarter inch of ice on the back of my camera." Capturing this image was straight forward for the seasoned shooter. "Shoot from above and bend a wide angle past the point of natural -- without getting your feet