Ice Climbing Tours in Ouray
Top three reasons to go ice climbing in Ouray
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Get lost in San Juan’s rugged and picturesque backcountry
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Push your ice climbing skills further on Ice Park’s thrilling routes
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Master the fundamentals of ice climbing in Ouray, the “Switzerland of America”
Hidden away at the heart of the San Juan Mountains, the old mining town of Ouray has recently struck a new vein—ice climbing. The mile-long Ouray Ice Park was equipped with a human-made and gravity-fed sprinkler system, maintaining around 140 world-class ice climbing routes ranging from newbie-friendly ascents to bone-chilling vertical challenges. And because the spectacular natural gorge housing the routes is basically in Ouray’s backyard, accessibility is not an issue. Add in San Juan’s majestic mountainous vistas to the mix and you get one of the most amazing ice climbing destinations in the States! Whether you’re looking to put on a harness for the first time or you’re someone who feels naked without their crampons, Ouray is the place to be.
SeasonMid-December through mid-March |
Nearest cityColorado Springs, CO, is 5 hours away |
Duration1-3 days |
Skill levelBeginner to advanced |
Choose how you spend your day
Itinerary and learning outcomes
Intro to Ice Climbing Course
This course is designed to give you a comprehensive introduction to the world of ice climbing, covering topics such as:
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- gear selection
- ice climbing movement skills
- constructing ice anchors
- being a competent climber
- partnering for multi-pitch ice climbing objectives.
During 3 full days of guided ice climbing and professional instruction, you’ll learn the most efficient methods for climbing WI3-WI4 routes and become confident in your new skills.
Mixed Climbing Course
This course is intended for experienced climbers looking to broaden their abilities and learn the art of dry-tooling and mixed climbing. Learn about:
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- efficient “quiet body” movement techniques
- ways to successfully transition from the rock to hanging daggers of ice
- thin or delicate ice climbing techniques.
The course will take place over 2 full days, focusing mostly on movement techniques with customized, detail-oriented instruction.