December 17, 2013
2011 Mark Allen leading “Abridgment†WI4+ in the Ouray Ice Park. (Photo Tyler Jones)
IMG Guide Mark Allen reports on the status of the Ouray climbing scene:
The 2014 Ouray Colorado Ice climbing has started and is in full season. IMG customers have already enjoyed the early start with a multitude of back country ice climbs available that are in above average seasonal condition.
The first weekend of December, my guest Brian and I took advantage of the early winter and climbed some local area classics. We took on multi-pitch waterfalls as well as mixed sport climbing. The conditions really are some of the best we’ve seen in a decade.
Brian had only two-days to get his fill of ice climbing this Dec. His timing was perfect. He arrived ready and capable after participating in last year’s 5-day intermediate ice seminar in 2013. With the weather scheduled to arrive the next evening we decided to go for our first big prize right off. Brain was back on the horse and nailed it. All told we climbed 12 pitches of technical ice and mixed terrain in the San Juan mountains. The final day was spent ticking off one and two pitch classics on Camp Bird Road as we were entertained by a fast approaching Colorado storm.
Shortly after, on Dec 14th, the Ouray Ice park opened to the public and IMG is now in full swing. With the combination of the Ice park and the available ice to climb in the back country, the options are wide open for all abilities. Come on down and enjoy the comfort of the Ouray Ice park and the adventure of Ouray’s back country Ice. If you have always wanted to try ice climbing, this is the season to do it.
Mark Allen