How to Attend the Ouray Ice Festival in Ouray, Colorado

Whether you're a seasoned ice climber or wanting to try your hand at the sport, the Ouray Ice Festival is the place to be! From clinics to demo gear, they've got everything you need to learn and improve. The Festival also provides a unique opportunity to see the sport's premier athletes compete.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• The will to learn
• The desire to improve
• Layered warm clothing. Temps can get as low as -9 F!
• Gear for ice climbing - you can demo all this for free at the Festival!

1. Register to attend the Ouray Ice Festival. This can be done online via the following website: http://www.ourayicefestival.com.
   
   Early registration is advised! The Festival always starts the Thursday before Martin Luther King Day in January an ends the Sunday before the holiday. The Festival is held at the Ouray Ice Park.
2. Sign-up for clinics at the Ice Festival. You can learn everything in these clinics from beginning ice climbing instruction to gear selection and advanced climbing techniques. Early sign-up is advised, as the best clinics fill fast!
3. Make your travel arrangements including hotel. Hotels in Ouray sell-out up to 6 months in advance, so it's best to plan ahead. You can find information on local hotels and condos for rent at http://www.ouraylodging.com
4. Arrive in Ouray and check-to your hotel. Be sure to have brought a printout of your clinic schedule with you.
5. Attend the Festival! You can visit sponsor's tents for free giveaways, sign-out demo gear, and speak with gear experts throughout the Festival. Climb safe and stay warm!

Tips & Warnings

• If you are taking clinics, be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to check-out demo gear prior to your clinic. Plan to start the process one hour in advance of your clinic time.
• All sponsors you check-out demo gear from will require a credit card (not debit card). Don't forget one. Bring your driver license as well for ID.
• Most clinics meet at the tent of the vendor sponsoring the athlete teaching the clinic. Be courteous to your instructors and be at the designated tent 15 minutes prior to your clinic starting.
• The park is extremely busy during the festival. Be courteous to other climbers and always keep your eyes open. Everyone is carrying around a lot of sharp stuff!
• Don't forget to take-in some of the awesome group dinners and slide shows put on by the professional athletes at the event!
• It's small potatoes, but the Ouray Ice Park is a free facility and is supported solely by those climbers who purchase a membership. Your $40 membership offers you great discounts in town during the festival - most everywhere! Support the park and purchase a membership if you attend.
• Ice climbing is a potentially dangerous sport and should only be attempted by those who have received the proper instruction in technique and have the necessary gear to make it as safe as possible.