Still being new to ice climbing in 2019 I had heard rumors of this stellar phat ice in March down at the park in Ouray. We decided to take a later trip if conditions allowed us to go see what all the fuss was about. Luckily they did!

Our friend James joined us and we all carpooled down to Ouray. We had a leisurely trip and some chill climbing on super fat pillars for that time of the year. We had an excellent day of climbing pillars in South Park and were greeted with stellar ice conditions. 

Unfortunately the trip was short and quick, but we still enjoyed a visit to our local ice park!

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Support the Ice Park:

In early 2021 at the end of the season, the Ouray Ice Park was dealt a devastating blow: 12,000 pounds of rockfall spontaneously fell from the cliffs above the most iconic entrance into the Park, the Trestle, which accesses one of the most popular parts of the Park, the Schoolroom. The rockfall also took out their water supply line that feeds the ice farming infrastructure to the south end of the Park. Because of this, 70% of their ice climbing routes are now offline. 

As a small non-profit, Ouray Ice Park, Inc., was forced to pony up more than $50,000 to replace the bridge and the water supply. A massive project, urgent timeline in order to complete prior to next season’s opening, and a very large bill to pay without means. 

Luckily, the ice climbing community showed up and supported their GoFundMe campaign in enormous proportions, enabling them to increase for a stretch goal and necessary park renovations. 

Without these repairs, their 2022 operating season and the world-renowned Ouray Ice Festival and Competition will be in jeopardy. I’m elated the community stepped up to collectively help our beloved Ice Park. 

There’s still time to donate to their GoFundMe campaign or support the park directly. 

https://ourayicepark.com/