Ouray Ice Climbing Festival

This year I traveled with the whole family to the Ouray Ice Festival in Ouray, Colorado. Each year a large amount of dedicated ice climbers converge on what is, arguably, one of the most civilized ice climbing venues in the US.

Below is my son Calvin(age 8) being lowered down from his first ice route.

Each year San Juan Mountain Guides puts on a kids clinic. It was a blast and they did a really nice job with two instructors for every kid climbing.

Here is my other son Finn (age 6) swinging the tools for the first time.

There was awesome competition climbing going on too. Here is a short clip of Will Mayo attempting to complete the route.

My good friend Gregg Dubit from Durango came up to meet us and we snuck out and got a couple of pitches in the gorge as well. Here he is topping out at the Five Fingers Area.


There were a lot of other great activities. Here is Finn doing the ice axe throw for prizes.

One of the greatest things about the town is the public hot springs. Nothing beats a great day on the ice followed by a soak. Now how about a beer and salad?

If you are interested in exploring the ice in Ouray this winter, be sure and contact TMG guide Chris Wright at chris@timberlinemtguides.com.