2026 Ouray Ice Festival
Hosted By Ouray’s #1 Mountain Guiding Company & The Worlds Best Athletes
Visit back in December 2025 for information!
Ice Festival FAQ
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No, gear is not included in clinic bookings. Gear rentals are available through Ouray Mountain Sports. Please contact us directly for rentals.
Or you can get a gear demo card through the Ouray Ice Festival for $25. Get more info here about the gear card.
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Each clinic is priced at $179
Each Seminar is priced at $279
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There are no refunds since this is a fundraiser for the Ouray Ice Park
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Gear rentals are available through Ouray Mountain Sports. Please contact them directly for rentals.
Or you can get a gear demo card through the Ouray Ice Festival for $25. Get your gear card here.
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What's Included in Your Ouray Ice Fest Clinic Experience:
Expert Guidance: Enjoy the expertise of our seasoned Basecamp Ouray guides, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Supporting Ouray Ice Park: Each participant's clinic fee includes a $40 donation to the Ouray Ice Park, helping to sustain this incredible community resource.
What's Not Included in the Clinic Fee:
Technical Ice Climbing Gear Provided: You will need to provide your own ice climbing boots, ice tools, crampons, helmets, and harnesses. You can rent them at Ouray Mountain Sports or get a Gear Card for Demos during the event here.
Travel Costs: Participants are responsible for their travel expenses to and from southwest Colorado.
Personal Gear: You'll need to bring your own clothing and gear as per our provided equipment list. Don't hesitate to reach out if you're missing anything!
Lodging in Colorado: Accommodations are not covered, but we can recommend great local options.
Insurance: We recommend obtaining travel and/or rescue insurance. The CORSAR card is a cost-effective option to cover potential rescue costs in Colorado.
Unforeseen Expenses: Any costs arising from early departures, evacuations, or delays beyond our control are not covered.
Unexpected Events: We cannot cover costs due to unforeseen circumstances or force majeure events.
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A gear card is not required for clinic participation. Demo Gear Cards, which allow you to demo gear from sponsors in the Vendor Village, are available for $25. Purchase them on the Ouray Ice Park website: https://ourayicepark.com/ouray-ice-festival. All Access Passes, priced at $85, grant entry to all Ice Fest events and include a complimentary Demo Gear Card. Pro or Ambassador level Ice Park Members receive a complimentary All Access Pass and Demo Gear Card.
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Yes, you can participate in multiple clinics. You'll need to register for each one separately.
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Check our partners page for local accommodations
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Other clinics are offered through various guiding services. More information can be found at:
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Personal Clothing and Protective Gear:
Base Layers: Moisture-wicking and thermal base layers.
Insulating Layers: Fleece or synthetic down jackets.
Outer Layer: A waterproof and windproof shell jacket and pants.
Gloves: A few pairs, including thin ones for dexterity and thicker ones for warmth.
Socks: Warm, moisture-wicking socks.
Beanie or Balaclava: To protect your head and face from the cold.
Sunglasses or Goggles: For eye protection against glare and wind.
General Items:
Backpack: To carry all your gear and supplies.
Water Bottle or Hydration System: Ensure it's insulated to prevent freezing.
Snacks: High-energy and easy-to-eat foods like nuts, energy bars, and chocolate.
Thermos with a Hot Drink: Helps to keep you warm.
Headlamp
Hand Warmers: Useful in extremely cold conditions.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm: The sun can be intense, even in cold conditions.
More About The Ouray Ice Festival
The Ouray Ice Park and the Ouray Ice Festival have a rich and storied history that has significantly contributed to the ice climbing community. Nestled in the picturesque San Juan Mountains of Colorado, the Ouray Ice Park began as a visionary project in the early 1990s. A group of local climbing enthusiasts, recognizing the potential of the area's natural ice formations, began the process of developing these ice climbs. They harnessed the runoff from the city's overflow water to create what is now one of the world's premier ice climbing venues.
The Ouray Ice Park officially opened in 1995, quickly becoming a magnet for ice climbers of all skill levels. Its accessibility, combined with a wide variety of ice climbing routes, made it a unique and attractive destination. The park's growth was organic, with the climbing community playing a significant role in its development and maintenance.
The Ouray Ice Festival, first held in 1996, was established to celebrate this incredible resource and bring together the global ice climbing community. Over the years, it has grown into a much-anticipated annual event, attracting top athletes, beginners, and spectators from around the world. The festival typically spans four days in January and is packed with clinics, competitions, and social gatherings. It's not just a celebration of ice climbing; it's a crucial fundraiser for the Ouray Ice Park, helping to keep it free and open to the public.
The festival and the park are testaments to the passion and dedication of the ice climbing community. The funds raised during the Ice Festival are vital for the park's operations, including maintenance, improvements, and ensuring safe climbing conditions throughout the season.
To learn more about the Ouray Ice Festival and its role in supporting the Ouray Ice Park, visit Ouray Ice Festival. This event is not just a celebration of the sport but a crucial fundraiser that helps maintain the park as a free and public ice climbing resource.