THe Ouray Ice Park

The Ouray Ice Park is the premier ice climbing destination in North America, with a heavily concentrated selection of ice climbing in a variety of styles and difficulties within walking distance from downtown. Located in the heart of the San Juan mountains in southwest Colorado, this old mining town is now widely regarded as an ice climber’s paradise each winter. The Ouray Ice Park extends through a 1 mile span of the Uncompahgre Gorge with a human-made gravity fed sprinkler system that creates over 150 independent ice climbs and another 50+ mixed climbs. With uniquely easy access to ice climbing, Ouray is the perfect destination for any ability ice climber looking to learn the foundational skills or hone their movement techniques for steeper routes and improve their efficiency for climbing in the Greater Ranges. Learn to be a self sufficient ice climber with instruction in top rope anchor construction, belaying, and introductory through advanced level ice and mixed climbing movement.

Ice Fest Clinics 2025

Private Guiding & Instruction

A full day of guided ice climbing in the Ouray Ice Park is a perfect opportunity to learn or refresh your ice climbing movement techniques. Skyward Mountaineering guides are expert climbers and instructors, trained to be able to provide you nuanced, practical and helpful information to improve with quick strides whether you’re learning to ice climb for the first time or want to improve your efficiency on long and challenging WI5 pitches.

Most climbers on a private guided ice climbing trip in the Ouray Ice Park are able to climb 4-8 classic independent pitches during a single day, ample time to get sufficient forearm pump and maximize learning opportunities.

You may also be interested in Ice Climbing Clinics…

Intro To Ice Climbing Clinic

Mixed Climbing Clinic

Steep Ice Climbing Clinic

Learn To Lead Ice Climbing Clinc

The Ouray Ice Park is typically open from late December through early March. Itineraries are customized to fit your schedule, a standard day is from 7:30am to 3:30pm.

For all abilities and fitness levels, from novice to expert. No prerequisites required.

Montrose Regional Airport is 45 minutes from Ouray. There is NO rideshare service, you may book a shuttle service or rent a vehicle with AWD/4WD (for winter driving).

There are plentiful hotels in downtown Ouray, conveniently located in walking distance to restaurants and the town hot springs for an aprés-climb relaxation.

Climbers are responsible for providing their own personal clothing and equipment. Skyward Mountaineering may assist in supplying technical equipment with advanced notice. See recommended equipment list below:

- 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 recommendation - Showa Temres 282-02 (medium weight, 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
- 48 inch (120cm) sewn nylon sling: A Personal Anchor System (PAS) can be used instead, though is less versatile
- 1-2 Locking carabiners: Lightweight, screwgate is easier to operate than a triple-action carabiner
- 1-2 Non locking carabiners: Wiregates are less prone to freezing
- 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
- 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)