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Ice Climbing |
Overview
18th Annual Ouray Ice Festival took place on January 10 through 13th. This is the annual celebration of all things icy with climbing clinics, free zip lines and walk up climbing for adults and children. Two exciting climbing competitions took place on Saturday and Sunday, and the town of Ouray was full of entertainment.They say that this is North America's largest gathering of ice climbers, and is typically attended by upward of 3,000 participants and onlookers.
This year there was a new addition to the ice park fest - the climbing wall tower was added to the Lower Bridge area. It is a 3.5 half ton steel structure boasting a climbing surface of artificial rock holds for dry tooling and a free hanging log. Competitors start on ice, transition to overhanging rock for dry tooling, and finally to the artificial wall structure, making it easier to follow their progress. It is hard to see the start of the competition since it is deep inside the gorge.
I hope you will enjoy a few photos from the competition. I took over 1400 photos in one day!
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 Nearing the top of rock section |
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External Links
Ouray Ice ParkOuray Mountain Shop One of the best supplied ice climbing stores in the North America - I heard that they sell more ice tools than any other store in USA. They also have an ice screw machine to sharpen up your protection. Very helpful staff. Rental packages available.
And you are welcomed to soak in one of the local hot springs after your ice climb: either Ouray Hot Springs, or Orvis Hot Springs in Ridgway.