Each January ice climbing enthusiasts from around the world come to Ouray, Colorado for the Ouray Ice Festival. The event is held at Ouray Ice Park, which is located just a short walk outside of town.
Ouray Ice Park
Ouray Ice Park is wonder of natural ice engineering. To create the ice park, the walls of Uncompahgre Gorge are sprayed with water by “Ice Farmers” to create spectacular walls of ice. A one mile span of the gorge is transformed into a recreational playground for ice climbers, with over 150 climbs in 11 climbing areas.
Ouray Ice Festival
The Ice Festival includes spectator-friendly climbing competitions, clinics, vendor exhibits and demos, climber presentations, music, food, and parties.
Dates for the 2019 Ice Festival are January 24 – 27.
Where to Stay
Ouray is a picturesque mining town that has been featured in films and commercials. The location is pretty remote, but there are a few hotels available in Ouray. Otherwise the next best bet for lodging is Telluride, which is a little over an hour drive away (probably longer with winter driving conditions). Hotels near the Ouray Ice Festival at Ouray Ice Park.