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A couple friends and I are planning to head up to Ouray for the Ice Climbing Festival in January. We're are new to the sport and are looking forward to learning as much as we can while in the company of some of the world's finest. As we are all college students, we're trying to do the trip in the most economical way possible. What are the best options for staying in Ouray on the cheap? Is there camping nearby or are we better off trying to secure a motel room? Is there anything in particular that we should know about the area? Any advice for the trip would be appreciated!

kayakerSS wrote:A couple friends and I are planning to head up to Ouray for the Ice Climbing Festival in January. We're are new to the sport and are looking forward to learning as much as we can while in the company of some of the world's finest. As we are all college students, we're trying to do the trip in the most economical way possible. What are the best options for staying in Ouray on the cheap? Is there camping nearby or are we better off trying to secure a motel room?

Depends on how much you like sleeping on snow in the freezing cold at night. There's a small camping area just on the north of town and I think it's free. It's not walking distance to the park and staying in town is one of the perks - easy access to the ice.

Personally I think you'll probably be better off in a cheap motel. There are any number of choices at http://www.ouraycolorado.com/Lodging. I've stayed in everything from the Vic to private condos to the Comfort Inn on 5th - the last one might be the most reasonable and includes free brekkie.

kayakerSS wrote:Is there anything in particular that we should know about the area? Any advice for the trip would be appreciated!

Wherever you stay be prepared to party. A lot. And stumble back to your accommodations. That's what the festival is really about - don't expect to get too much learning in.

There'll be lots of vendors set up at the entrance to the park where you'll have the chance to rent a variety of equipment for usually 1/2 day. A credit card or driver's license is generally necessary for that.

Have fun!

MarthaP wrote:There'll be lots of vendors set up at the entrance to the park where you'll have the chance to rent a variety of equipment for usually 1/2 day. A credit card or driver's license is generally necessary for that.

Have fun!

And then you can stand around in line waiting to get on a climb. But at least you'll look cool with your fancy (but rented) gear.

mconnell wrote:

MarthaP wrote:There'll be lots of vendors set up at the entrance to the park where you'll have the chance to rent a variety of equipment for usually 1/2 day. A credit card or driver's license is generally necessary for that.

Have fun!

And then you can stand around in line waiting to get on a climb. But at least you'll look cool with your fancy (but rented) gear.

Isn't looking good what it's all about? I mean, it is the Fete des Poseurs.

peladoboton wrote:

MarthaP wrote:

mconnell wrote:

MarthaP wrote:There'll be lots of vendors set up at the entrance to the park where you'll have the chance to rent a variety of equipment for usually 1/2 day. A credit card or driver's license is generally necessary for that.

Have fun!

And then you can stand around in line waiting to get on a climb. But at least you'll look cool with your fancy (but rented) gear.

Isn't looking good what it's all about? I mean, it is the Fete des Poseurs.

yeah, its not like you can throw your ice tools on your yakima rack like an un-used $3K mountain bike or kayak and drive around....but that kinda crap doesn't happen in Colorado, does it?

No...the serious road bikers have $7K bikes atop their $1K cars.

MarthaP wrote:No...the serious road bikers have $7K bikes atop their $1K cars.

So sad... So true

DudeThatMustHurt wrote:

MarthaP wrote:No...the serious road bikers have $7K bikes atop their $1K cars.

So sad... So true

or they simply go without cars...