OURAY ICE PARK 4 DAY

Let’s be real here.  It take 4 days to really learn how to ice climb.  If you are serious about this sport… or serious about all the fun that this sport has to offer…join us for the Ouray Ice Park 4 Day program.

The 4 day pace allows for true integration of learning. You’ll leave with solid ice techniques and climbing skills, an understanding of how to “read” ice and put together/problem-solve your way through a climb, be adept at technical systems, and, most importantly, a bunch of new climbing partners.

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.  IRIS guides are also great at meeting each climbers needs; beginners won’t be overwhelmed and advanced climbers will be challenged (in a good way!).

Depending on where you’re at, topics covered may include foundational movement skills, protection and anchoring, following and cleaning ice climbs, steep ice technique, mixed climbing, and reading ice’s nuances. After 4 days, you’ll feel inspired by your own self-sufficiency and ready to take on the (cold) world!

**This itinerary is subject to change. 

February 2:
7:30am: Meet @ Ouray Inn
8am-4pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park

February 3:
7:45am: Meet @ The Ouray Ice Park Entrance
8am-4pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park

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

February 5:
7:45am: Meet @ The Ouray Ice Park Entrance
8am-3pm: Climb in the Ouray Ice Park
3:30pm: Trip Wrap-Up / Hang Out and Happy Hour Location @ Ouray Inn

Included:

4 Days of Guided Climbing in the Ouray Ice Park

4:1 Guest to Guide Ratio

minimum of 2; 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 Boots (crampon compatible with toe and heel welts)

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

Ice Tools