OURAY ICE PARK

Just minutes from downtown Ouray lies the world-renowned Ouray Ice Park. Nestled in a beautiful box canyon, the Ice Park features over 200 routes, which range from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging mixed climbs, pillars, and hanging daggers. The largest man-made ice climbing venue in the world, the Ouray Ice Park spans nearly two miles through the spectacular Uncompahgre Gorge. With its meticulously maintained routes and diverse terrain, the park is the perfect destination for climbers of all skill levels and an unparalleled venue for gaining mileage on ice. 

Private Ice Guiding in the Ouray Ice Park is one of the most sought-after and valuable winter experiences in all of Colorado. The Park is not just a place to learn new skills, it’s also the ideal venue to hone existing techniques & safely integrate new ones. Many climbers begin in the park to gain a foundation in ice climbing movement & techniques before graduating into the greater world of frozen waterfalls in the backcountry of Ouray, Silverton & Telluride.

The possibilities for private guided and instructional ice climbing in Ouray and the San Juans are nearly limitless. Whether it’s your first time on the ice and you want the personalized attention of a 1:1 guide, or you’re part of a group looking to plan several days of ice climbing progression, I offer local expertise and knowledge to create the perfect custom tailored program for you here in Ouray. 

The Ouray Ice Park generally opens its doors around mid-December, and stays open through March. I offer Private Half and Full Days of Ice Climbing in the Ouray Ice Park operating through various permitted local guide services. 

A popular option is to book 3 days of an ice climbing progression. The 3-day ice progression spends the first two days in the Ouray Ice Park, where climbers can get a solid base in fundamental ice climbing movement ans comprehensive skills practice with anchors & multi-pitch transitions. On the final day, we take what we’ve learned into the backcountry to climb a stunning frozen waterfall on a multi-pitch backcountry ice route around Ouray or Silverton.  

My specialty is offering highly customized instruction, tailored to each climber’s individual goals and desires. Whether it’s your first time climbing or you’re a seasoned veteran wanting to start leading ice or climbing steeper grades, I can work with you to build the perfect experience here in Ouray. 

Ouray Ice Park Tips: The best time to visit Ouray and climb in the Ouray Ice Park is between January 1st and late March. For the best experience and to avoid crowds, I recommend booking on a weekday if possible. Also, when deciding between a half or a full day at the park, my advice is to go with the full day. Although it can seem intimidating, the full day experience allows for more time to venture deeper into the park and experience a variety of routes whereas a half day is a bit more limiting and can feel a bit rushed. 

PLAN YOUR VISIT TOday