Ouray Ice Climbing, Colorado

Located barely fifty miles from Telluride, Colorado is the tiny little mountain town of Ouray. Nestled in the San Juan Mountains of southwestern Colorado, Quray has the distinction of being one of the few locations in the lower forty-eight states where the availability of areas to ice climb are virtually guaranteed during the winter months. The area has over 285 sunny days per year and easy access to climbing areas. No wonder its nickname is "Ice Climbing Capital of North America".

With its combination of good weather and geological formations, Ouray is unique in its ability to supply excellent ice climbing all through the winter months. The area is so unique that in 1995, the Ouray Ice Park was opened in the Uncompahgre Gorge nearby. This is the world's first park that is devoted entirely to the sport of ice climbing.

Once the Ice Park became well known, numerous ice climbers from all over the world came to make use of the facility. A nonprofit corporation has now been formed to manage the Ice Park. Improvements continue as the Ice Park continues to grow.

The primary fundraiser is the Ouray Ice Festival that has become a major climber's rendezvous each January. The local residents of Ouray put the event together including exhibition climbing, free clinics, seminars, slide shows, and gear demos. Moreover, all proceeds from the Ouray Festival go directly to the Ice Park.

If you enjoy the sport of ice climbing, be sure to travel to Ouray, Colorado.