One of the most exciting times in Ouray is when the Ouray Ice Park opens. You may have heard of this longtime, free attraction that draws amateur and professional ice climbers from all around the world. This year, the park is celebrating 25 years of entertaining locals and tourists and it will its open chilly doors on December 14th. For those that have never been to Ouray Ice Park, there are a couple of things worth knowing before visiting.
Although free, Ouray Ice Park doesn’t rent the gear you’ll need to enjoy the ice climbing like helmets, ice axes, and rope. You’ll likely need to visit one of the guide companies to obtain the equipment if you don’t already own it. On that note, these guides can also be useful in helping you understand which climbing areas are best suited to your skill level.
Did you know that the Ouray Ice Park is built from scratch every year, so to speak? A team of volunteers and ice farmers spend the season using the city water runoff to create flows that are made into the climbing walls. Hence, ice climbs are always different each year.
Speaking of skill levels, kids and teens ages seven through seventeen can participate in a climbing clinic on the first Saturday during the months of January through February. In this case, the San Juan Mountain Guides will provide the necessary gear.
This update is provided by the Ouray vacation rentals of Alpenglow, located in Ouray, Colorado and presented by Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs. We provide unique Ouray Colorado condos and townhouses located near some of the best restaurants, shops, and activities in the city. Call 866.739.4917 or 970.919.0380 for more information or to make your reservation.