Ouray, Colorado
Ice Climbing
Come join Timberline Mountain Guides and AMGA Certified Rock Guide Christopher Wright this winter in Ouray, Colorado for the best ice and mixed climbing experience the country has to offer. Chris will be running courses and climbs for every level of experience, whether you've never swung a tool and want to learn the basics or are looking to test your skills on some of the finest multi-pitch ice and mixed climbs anywhere.
Chris will be working through a partnership with local guide services throughout the area and will have access to the best of Colorado, from the Ouray Ice Park to the Telluride and Silverton backcountry.
If you're unfamiliar with the area, the main attraction lies nestled in the Uncompagre Gorge in the sleepy mountain town of Ouray. Historically a mining community, Ouray is now more famous for its annual Ice Festival and the Ice Park where it's held. The Ouray Ice Park is a mile of box canyon located a few minutes walk from the town's center, but it's a world unto itself for anyone interested in ice and mixed climbing. For the last fifteen years the park has evolved into a truly world-class venue as hundreds upon hundreds of climbs have been created by a complex series of pipes and sprinklers set up on the canyon rim. At present, the park is the nation's premier ice climbing area and not to be missed. Throughout the winter, climbers of all abilities flock to this climber's Mecca to sharpen their points, strap on their crampons and indulge their icy fixations. 
For the aspiring ice climber, the park offers easy access from airports in Telluride and Montrose and even easier access from any number of accommodations in town located either a five-minute walk or a five-minute drive away. Climbs in the park range from low-angled, easily top-roped flows perfect for anyone interested in getting started and run all the way up to vertical and overhanging pillars and scratchy mixed climbing testpieces. The ice park even has a wall specifically designed for kids interested in getting into the action. Whether you're looking to learn to climb ice for fun, looking to improve your movement on steep terrain for your next alpine objective or even looking to learn to place ice protection, lead ice or learn modern mixed climbing techniques, this is the place.
The area's climbing isn't limited just to the ice park though. The San Juans are also home to a lifetime of backcountry climbing. Some of the area's classics include Silverton's Stairway to Heaven, a perfect long, moderate outing, as well as Telluride's Ames Ice Hose and Bridalveil Falls, routes sure to excite even the most experienced ice climbers. Furthermore, the area's winter recreation isn't limited just to ice climbing either. With miles of cross-country trails and snowshoeing at Red Mountain Pass and with Telluride Ski Resort an hour away, the San Juans are a great place to get away for the winter and fun for the whole family.
If you have ever thought about trying ice climbing, take a look at this!
For more information on the various programs available, email Chris directly at chris@timberlinemtguides.com or give him a call at (917) 913-1600!