OURAY ICE PARK 3 DAY

New to the game?  In the Ouray Ice Park 3 Day you’ll start off by learning how to stay warm and dry (this is CRITICAL- and actually a skill rather than a disposition or body-type. If you are warm, you’ll have more fun. And the best climber is the one having the most fun!).  We’ll move on to skill progression lessons on the ground, and then get you climbing up that ice. One bite at a time.

You fancy? We can do fancy! If you are a seasoned ice hero, we’ll get you working through steep ice movement skills and technical systems right away; ice anchors, top belays, lowering… all depending on where you’re at.

IRIS guides are EXCELLENT educators;   skilled at communicating and coaching, great at taking a big concept and breaking it into digestible steps, and dedicated to facilitating an educational environment where participants can absorb and apply the information.

The folks you’ll climb with will become fast friends.  Three days allows solid development of technique, community and partnership building, and learning a vast array of different topics in the ever changing world of ice. Topics covered include top-rope and lead belaying, protection and anchoring, following and cleaning an ice climb, steep ice technique, and the mental game of ice climbing.

**This itinerary is subject to change. 

January 2:

• 7:30am: Meet @ Ouray Inn
• 8am-4pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park

January 3:

• 7:45am: Meet @ The Ouray Ice Park Entrance
• 8am-4pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park

January 4:

• 7:45am: Meet @ The Ouray Ice Park Entrance
• 8am-3pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park
• 3:30pm: Trip Wrap-up / Happy Hour Hang Out @ Ouray Inn

Included:

3 Days of Guided Climbing in the Ouray Ice Park

4:1 Guest to Guide Ratio

minimum of 2 required; maximum of 8

Ice Climbing Gear: Harness, Helmet, Ice Tools, Technical Ice Climbing Boots, Crampons (if you have your own personal gear, please bring)

Not Included:

Meals and Personal Snacks

Accommodations

Transportation to/from/while in Ouray

Personal Climbing Clothing 

Guide Gratuity

Travel Insurance (highly recommended!)

Incurred costs by leaving a trip early

Incurred costs as a result force majeure

Travel Recommendations:

Closest Airports: Montrose (MTJ) & Grand Junction (GJT)

Hotel Recommendation: 

Ouray Inn

(970) 325-4445

West, 120 6th Ave. Ouray, CO 81427

IRIS guests receive a 10% discount at the Ouray Inn. After IRIS registration, guests will receive a booking code to utilize on the Ouray Inn website or while booking over the phone. A to-go breakfast will be provided if you alert the Ouray Inn a week in advance of your program start date.

**This list is a guideline. You do not need the exact layers but will need something of similar warmth. If you have questions please ask us.**

Climbing Clothing

Baselayer Top Wool Recommended (100-150 weight)

Breathable Insulation Layer Fleece (such as Outdoor Research Ascendant Hoodie or Patagonia R1)

Medium Weight Puffy Jacket

Down Vest (optional: recommended if you run cold)

Hard Shell Jacket (waterproof)

Belay Puffy Jacket or Parka (such as Black Diamond Belay Parka)

Long Underwear Wool or Synthetic (150-200 weight)

Soft-shell climbing pants (such as OR Iceline Pant)

Puffy Pants or Puffy Skirt (optional: these are great for belaying and if you run cold)

2-3 Pairs of Gloves (lightweight to heavyweight: such as BD Terminator or CAMP Gecko Pro Ice and BD Legend)

Warm Hat (to be worn under a helmet)

Buff/Neck Gaiter

Sunglasses (for sun and eye protection)

2-3 Pairs of Wool Ski or Snowboard Socks (light to medium weight cushion)

Climbing Equipment

Backpack 35-40L (such as Black Diamond Speed 40)

2 Total Liters of Water (one of which should be a thermos 🙂

6 pks Handwarmers

Food / Snacks About 1lb per day (jerky, nuts, candy bars, protein bars, Twinkies, cheese, dried fruit, etc.)

Sunscreen and Chapstick

We provide the following or you are welcome to bring your personal gear if you already own it:

Harness

Belay Device

Helmet

Technical Ice Climbing Boot (crampon compatible with toe and heel welt)

Ice Climbing Crampon w/ Vertical Front Points (not mountaineering crampons)

Ice Tools