Although the 20th Annual Ouray Ice Festival has already started as of today, this North America’s largest gathering of ice climbers and one of the world’s premier ice climbing venues, the Festival will keep going until Sunday the 11th. Presented by Asolo and Rock and Ice, the Festival includes over 100 interactive climbing clinics, free demo climbing for adults and children, the elite mixed climbing competition, the Hari Berger Speed Climbing competition sponsored by Lowa, and a full schedule of evening entertainment. The organizers of the event are also responsible for managing/maintaining the Ouray Ice Park and the Ouray Ice Festival is their biggest and most important fundraising event to help keep the Park open and free to all who want to use it - support it by paying the Festival a visit.
Clinic topics this year include “Intro to Ice”, “Moderate Mixed” and “Steep Ice Techniques”, all starting at $49. Seminars focused on backcountry climbing and multi-pitch techniques will also be available. Climbers can demo the latest gear from Black Diamond, Rab, Grivel, Scarpa, La Sportiva, Lowa, Asolo, Petzl, The North Face, Gore-Tex, adidas Outdoor and Sterling Rope. Clinics are taught by both professional climbers and professional climbing guides in conjunction with San Juan Mountain Guides.
November 4, 2023 – Val Verzasca, Switzerland – The Verzasca Dam, an engineering marvel nestled in the picturesque Val Verzasca of Switzerland that stands 220 meters tall, became the stage for the climbing elite. Red Bull Dual Ascent, now in its
second edition, attracted 24 of the world's best…
The general public and families are welcome at numerous free events including the Kid’s Climbing College and Walk-Up Demo Climbing for adults at the La Sportiva Zone. The latest gear from vendors like Patagonia, Osprey, Marmot, Hyperlite Mountain Gear, Berghaus, Arc’teryx, Outdoor Research, Millet, Zamberlan Maxim Dynamic Ropes and Mammut will be on display.
On Saturday, January 10th, the Festival showcases some of the world’s leading professional athletes in an elite mixed climbing competition featuring $9,000 in prize money. Athletes in the elite mixed climbing competition will be challenged by a route that includes a 25-foot tower overhanging the Uncompahgre Gorge in a spectator friendly venue. The action continues on Sunday, January 11th, with the Hari Berger Speed Climbing Competition sponsored by Lowa Boots. Competitors will race against the clock and side by side with $5,500 in prize money up for grabs.
Evening presenters include Conrad Anker, Kelly Cordes, Peter Metcalf and Will Gadd. Conrad Anker will present the file “Always Above Us” at the Ouray Ice Festival kick-off party on Thursday night. Kelly Cordes will present a report from the front lines of the Cerro Torre controversy on Friday, January 10. Black Diamond CEO Peter Metcalf will share his perspective on growth and changes in the sport of ice climbing on Saturday, January 11. Will Gadd (aka “Captain Adventure”) will serve as this year’s keynote presenter on Saturday, January 11.
Gear, climbing art and collectibles will be auctioned off during live and silent auctions. Petzl hosts the “The Prom” party on Saturday, January 10th. Proceeds from admission to these events supports the Ouray Ice Park and includes craft beers from the from member breweries of the Uncompahgre Brewers Association.
Adam Ondra dominated the bouldering scene again and won a gold medal in the second World Cup competition in Salt Lake City. He took second place in the qualification and proceeded to the finals from the same position. This time, he was surprised by the victory and admits that a little luck was…
Adam Ondra completed today's finals in Meiringen, Switzerland, and won a gold medal in the first competition of this year's World Cup. He kept first place in bouldering continuously from the qualification until the very exciting finals. He was satisfied with his excellent form and appreciated a…
