Ouray Ice Park

Ice climbing

Ouray is the capital for ice climbing in USA. It hosts a yearly Ice Climbing Festival, and the town gets flooded with ice climbers from all over the world.
The climbs are on man made ice - pipes with water are brought to the top of the gorge, and sprinkle water overnight. There are hundreds of routes ranging from WI2 to WI6. And you don't need a partner for climbing here - just pick up Ushba ascender in Ouray Mountain Sports, and you are set up for a safe climbing.

The best description of park routes and etiquette is Ouray Ice Park Guide Book. Most people climb here leash less, and if you happen to drop your tool, which can end up on the bottom of the river, there is a help. Ouray Mountain Sports carries a magnetic device, which will help you retrieve your tools.

I am so lucky that I live only 1/2 hr away, and have the opportunity to pick up this wonderful sport. This is my 3rd year of living close by and each year I make frequent visits to the park. I do buy membership, which is not required, but I do enjoy supporting this amazing gorge, park, ice and its ice farmers.

Some Images from the Ice Park

Lower Bridge	We are #1 WI4	Popstar WI3	Sunscreen WI4	School Room
Culminator WI5	Beer drinking boys	Ushba soloist device	Aye Laddy! more difficult variation	Ach Mon WI5
South Park	Tiddywinks WI4	Scottish Gullies	Alcove	South park inside

2012/2013 

2012/13 season started poor - November was very dry and warm, Ice Park had to postponed opening till mid December, and Camp Bird Area did not get much ice in. Later on, conditions excellent...

Competition Steel Climbing Tower	Action in the park	Lower Bridge Area	Dizzy Curtain	New Funtier
Tic Tac M6	Set up for soloing	South Park	Ice Farming	Lower Bridge area

External Links

Ouray Ice Park
Ouray Mountain Sports = best place to rent or buy ice climbing gear. Owner Bill and his assistant Trish are both ice climbers, and great in helping out with renting, ordering, or even fixing your gear.

Images

View Ouray Ice Park Image Gallery - 95 Images