Ice Climbing Ouray, Colorado
Join Suntoucher Mountain Guides for the 07/08'
Ice Season in Ouray Colorado !
Ouray is one of the ice climbing centers of North America . It is a world class destination for ice and mixed climbers of any level. The center of Ouray ice climbing is the Ouray Ice Park . Created in 1995 the ice park is located in the Uncompahgre Gorge. Suntoucher Mountain Guides are an authorized guide service for the Ouray Ice Park . No matter what your level of experience the Ice Park is an excellent venue to hone your climbing skill, from beginner and moderate routes to amazing steep pillars and curtains as well as mixed routes of every difficulty the Ouray Ice Park has it all.
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Suntoucher owners/guides, John Kear and Carolyn Parker, have been guiding in the Ouray area for twelve years. With the benefit of their experience you have many intinerary options; learn to ice climb, perfect your climbing technique and efficiency, develop your leading skill, learn the fundamentals of mixed climbing and/or of course just have a great time climbing. Suntoucher offers ice climbing seminars and private instruction as well as guided climbs in the Ouray area.
Beyond the Climbing
One of the most impressive things about Ouray is its setting. Located in the heart of the San Juan Mountains in Southwestern Colorado, the combination of alpine peaks converging into a red sandstone canyon is a breathtaking backdrop to ice climbing in Ouray. Beyond the ice; there is amazing backcountry skiing, hiking, and rock climbing to be found within or close to Ouray. The weather is generally perfect even in the winter. Sunny days and mild temperatures, just cold enough to sustain the ice, are typical throughout the season. This incredible weather combined with easy access to over 200 different routes makes Ouray the destination ice climbing area in North America .
Ouray also has a number of great lodging choices some of which also include another Ouray attraction, natural hot springs . Located just a few minutes walk from the Ouray Ice Park are longtime friends of Suntoucher guides, the Ouray Victorian Inn. The "Vic" has been one of the traditional lodging haunts of ice climbers for more than a decade. Members of the Ouray Ice Park receive a discount when staying at the Victorian Inn.
Suntoucher Ice Programs in Ouray
Ice I - Intro to Waterfall Ice Climbing:
- the fundamentals of crampon techniques and footwork
- ice axe placement
- ice screw placement techniques
- movement over terrain WI2 - 4
- assessment of ice quality
- equipment selection
- ice anchors and protection.
Ice II - Intermediate Waterfall Ice:
- Review of basic ice skills then moving on to more advanced movement skills necessary to move efficiently in steeper and more challenging terrain WI 4 - 5
- skills necessary to second a pitch efficiently
- screw placement for preparation to lead
- fundamentals of leading
- multi pitch ice climbing
Ice III/Mixed - Steep water ice and mixed climbing:
- When students are ready to progress to advanced ice climbing and/or mixed terrain Ice III is the course to go through
- In this course we offer a comprehensive leading seminar
- refinement of ice techniques
- introduction to rock movement and dry tooling or mixed climbing
- As well we can focus learning of multi-pitch efficiency in order to climb classic waterfalls in good style.
Ouray Pricing: $325/day 1:1
$225/day 2:1
$170/day 3:1
2008 Availabilty January 1-5, 20-25
February 12-20
Climb like a Girl Ice - Women's Ice Climbing Clinics
Winter 2007/2008 dates Dec 28 - 30, Jan 18 - 20, and Feb 22 - 24, 2008.
Call or email for upcoming trips
and for more information.
Email: Climb@suntoucher.com
(505) 400-5590