For more than a decade, rock climbers have been discovering the joys and challenges of winter climbs on vertical walls of frozen water. Gather your ice axe and front-point crampons, ropes and harness, climbing helmet and warm gloves to scale Colorado's frozen waterfalls and rappel walls of ice.
For those who are appropriately equipped and trained, ice climbing is not as crazy as it might seem. In fact, it's become increasingly popular with traditional climbers and all-around adventurers alike. If you're fit and gutsy, sign up for instruction and try your hand at this thrilling sport.
Ouray: Colorado's ice-climbing capital
Nearly a quarter century ago, a few brave souls discovered ice falls formed by the overflow from Ouray's water supply, and began scaling them—reaching places never before accessible. Since then, more and more enthusiasts have experienced the thrill of achieving new heights and physical accomplishment.
Several areas in Colorado offer ice climbing opportunities, but the folks in Ouray have created the ultimate and complete climbing experience.
Ouray Ice Park, which officially opened in the winter of 1994-95, has been featured in
Climbing, Rock & Ice and other magazines. It was the world's first official ice park, and it put the former mining town of Ouray on the map for its challenging winter climbing routes and ever-expanding terrain. In 1997 the park achieved official non-profit status, and a Board of Directors continues its commitment to increasing the size of the park to accommodate the growing number of climbers and spectators attracted to the area each year.
The ice park is free to use, and is located at the entrance to the Uncompahgre Gorge just south of town, off County Road 361. The park has expanded into the pressurized side of the city water supply, rather than the original overflow, and now around 10,000 climbers a year use it. More than 180 routes have been identified and mapped. The park is open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., generally between mid-December through the end of March or beginning of April. Check
www.ourayicepark.com for info on the park and the Ouray Ice Festival, and go to
www.skwardmountaineering.com for ice-climbing conditions in southwestern Colorado.
San Juan Mountain Guides (970-325-4925) offers ice climbing instruction.
Ouray Mountain Sports (732 Main St., 970-325-4284) carries gear and clothing.
The Ice Festival: Great fun for all
Held each Martin Luther King Day, The Ouray Ice Festival raises more than half of the Ouray Ice Park's annual operating capital. Since it started in 1995, the Festival has grown from an entertaining event for more than 300 climbers its first year, to approximately 3,500 visitors in recent years. In addition to hosting legions of climbers, the park's viewing platforms accommodate spectators as well.
Sponsors provide gear demonstrations throughout the event, and competitive climbers from all over the world display breathtaking ascents for enthusiastic crowds. Slide shows at the local movie house, ample food and dancing at the Community House, ice-climbing clinics, an equipment bazaar and other events make this popular festival one to remember. Information on the Ouray Ice Park and Ouray Ice Festival can be found at
www.ourayicepark.com. For general visitor information, contact the Ouray Chamber Resort Association, 800-228-1876, 970-325-4746 or
www.ouraycolorado.com.