The Ouray Ice Festival is a gathering of climbers and ice climbing fans held at the Ouray Ice Park every January for three days and four nights. Novice and professional climbers from around the world celebrate winter along with their passion for mountains and rocks. Vendor exhibitions showcase the latest ice tools, clothing, and gear from the leading manufacturers. And, of course, there is plenty of climbing.
Hundreds of spectators watch the world’s best climbers compete for a prize. Over 100 interactive and educational climbing groups provide knowledge and skills to participants of any skill level. At night, participants can relax with some music, good food, and dance parties.
Ouray Ice Park is located in Ouray, a scenic mountain town in southwestern Colorado, called “The Switzerland of America.” The park is open to climbers from mid December all the way up to March. Each year, Ice Farmers transform the beautiful Uncompahgre Gorge spraying water down the canyon walls to create stunning walls of ice. As a result, the Uncompahgre Gorge features over 150 man-made ice and mixed climbing tracks, 11 distinct climbing areas, and three miles of vertical terrain.
