The
Ouray Ice Park is world famous for man-made ice and the annual Ice
Festival held every January. Ouray is a small mountain town in Southwest
Colorado. Once a mining town, it probably would have disappeared or slowly
dwindled away if an accident had not occurred. A leak in the fresh water
pipe running along the top of a river gorge created a long ice fall one year
... and the rest was history!
From the Park website:
Located in the Uncompahgre Gorge in Ouray, Colorado, the Ouray Ice
Park was opened in 1995 as the world's first park devoted exclusively
to the sport of ice climbing. Climbing in the park is free. A small band
of volunteers developed the Park utilizing a unique
set of assets found perhaps only in Ouray. An unprecedented number
of climbers visiting from around the world has lead to the formation
of a nonprofit corporation to manage the Park. Thanks to a $5,000 donation
from the Access Fund, a $7,000 donation from the Ouray Chamber Resort
Association, and a $20,000 anonymous donation; the Ouray Ice Park now
has a reliable and constant source of water and a brand new plumbing
and delivery system.
There
are now ten different climbing areas roughly split by a 2 lane bridge crossing
the river. Access is incredibly easy with most climbs not farther than a
15 minute walk from your car. Routes ranges from easy Water Ice 2 (WI2) in
the School Room to WI5 in South Park to Mixed climbs to 5.15b rock climbing. In
other words, whatever you want. Most routes can be top roped but certain
areas are designated for lead only routes.
Ouray has a great diversity of guide services. It is a great place to learn
by hiring a guide for a day or two. This is what I did with Tower Guides,
Andy Petefish, in 2000. Skyward
Mountaineering is another excellent service.In 2006, I climbed with three
friends - Paul, Joel and Larry. Larry owns Fort
Collins Video and recorded our climbs. He put together a great demo video
you can see here. We had a great time and took a bunch of pictures.
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