2026 Ice Fest Clinics

Skyward Mountaineering is excited to offer instructional ice climbing during the 2026 Ouray Ice Fest! We will be offering both full day seminars and half day clinics. Join us for an ice climbing course in the Ouray Ice Park with elite ice climbing athletes and professional guides committed to helping you better your ice climbing abilities. Our Ouray Ice Fest ice climbing clinics and seminars are specially designed to focus on teaching nuanced systems and techniques combined with customized coaching in small ratio groups to help ice climbers hone their movement skills.

Stay tuned for our update with scheduled clinics and sign ups!

Ice Fest Clinic Policies

In addition to the Skyward Mountaineering Ice Fest clinics, other local guide services are offering their own clinics: Basecamp Ouray, Cirque Guides, Mountain Trip, Moxie Mountain Guides, and San Juan Mountain Guides.

Support the Ouray Ice Park: Ice Fest is an annual event to support the Ouray Ice Park and build the ice climbing community. Please consider purchasing your membership to the Ice Park to support this incredible resource.

Equipment: Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment for all clinics. Demo equipment is available from Ice Fest vendors, purchase your demo gear card and plan on arriving early, lines can be long and gear is limited. Please see below for a recommended equipment list.

Clinic Details: All clinics and seminars will be instructed by a sponsor athlete and a Skyward Mountaineering guide. Please meet your guides at the sponsor booth at the Ouray Ice Park. Plan on being 15 minutes early, ready with all of your ice climbing equipment so we can leave for the ice climbing clinic promptly at the start time.

Refund Policy: All sales are final, unfortunately, no refunds or exchanges will be available. If you’re unable to attend your clinic, please notify us as soon as possible and we’ll try to fill the spot in which case you will receive credit towards a future booking Skyward Mountaineering trip, less a $50 admin fee.

Need help? Please contact Skyward Mountaineering with any questions: climb@skywardmountaineering.com or (970) 325-3045

Two ice climbers practice multipitch transitions in the Ouray Ice Park.
Two ice climbers smiling and laughing in the Ouray Ice Park.

    • Underwear: Should be comfortable for a full day of activity, synthetic or merino wool will wick moisture away from the body

    • Heavyweight socks: Over-the-calf winter weight for superior warmth. Layering two pairs of socks is not recommended as it may impede blood flow and make your toes colder

    • Warm hat: Should be thin enough to fit under your helmet

    • Neck gaiter: Optional, lightweight and versatile for adding warmth around ears or covering your face in windy conditions

    • Softshell climbing gloves: Waterproof with high dexterity. 2 pairs recommended, one midweight and one heavyweight. Guide’s midweight recommendation - Showa Temres 282-02 (size up one from normal)

    • Mixed climbing gloves: Optional, these highly dexterous gloves have minimal insulation and are best for warmer days, lead climbing or mixed climbing

    • Midweight top baselayer: Merino wool or synthetic fibers will wick sweat away. Thumb loops are recommended to keep your wrists from being exposed and your hands warmer

    • Heavyweight bottom baselayer

    • Midweight fleece jacket: An integrated hood adds warmth and weather protection

    • Active insulation jacket: Ideal balance of breathability and warmth for winter aerobic activity

    • Midweight vest: Optional, adds warmth to your core without restricting movement

    • Softshell jacket: Midweight with a helmet compatible hood. Should have Durable Water Resistance (DWR) coating

    • Softshell pants: Midweight with reinforced instep.  Avoid ski pants as they are often too baggy and likely to catch on your crampons

    • Insulated parka: Down is lighter/more compressible and a hydrophobic treated down will insulate even when wet. Should have at least 200 grams of 800 fill insulation

    • Climbing backpack: Approximately 30 liters with ice tool attachments

    • Mountaineering boots: Must be rigid with toe and heel welts for full crampon compatibility

    • Vertical frontpoint crampons: Dualpoints are better for continuous ice while monopoints are lighter and better suited for mixed climbing

    • Crampon pouch: Reusing a USPS Tyvek mailing package is a cost effective option, though specific manufactured options exist and are more durable

    • Technical ice tools: Remove any adze attachment as this may pose an unnecessary hazard for waterfall ice climbing

    • Climbing helmet: Must be UIAA certified

    • Harness: Recommended ice clipper compatibility

    • Tubular belay device with round bar stock locking carabiner

    • 2 Ice Clippers: Optional

    • Sunglasses: Dimmable recommended, CAT 3 lenses w/ athletic fit

    • Small tube of sunscreen and SPF chap stick

    • First aid kit: Small, should include any personal medications

    • Hand warmers: Optional, for those colder days

    • Kula cloth: Optional, antimicrobial cloth for people who squat to pee

    • Pee funnel: Optional, to facilitate easier bathroom usage in a harness for people who squat to pee

    • Hand warmers: Optional

    • Fully charged phone

    • 1-2 liters of water: A thermos with your favorite hot drink is recommended. Avoid water bladders and hoses as they are prone to puncture and freezing in a winter environment

    • High energy lunch and snacks: A healthy mix of fats, sugar, and protein for a full day of the on-the-go (leftover pizza or sandwiches are a great midday pick-me-up)