OURAY, COLORADO
steep ice and mixed climbing seminar
Jan - March
2-Days
Intermediate
$549
Courses
Winter 27’ Live
EXPLORE THE OURAY ICE PARK
| OVERVIEW |
This two-day course splits the focus of two important skills needed to climb challenging routes around the world— steep ice and mixed terrain. Day one is all about steep ice; new movement techniques, resting concepts, and practice. Day two moves into mixed and drytooling terrain, but fear not, you will use your steep ice movement skills here too! Book additional days to put your new skills into practice under expert guidance.
Smile’s steep ice and mixed climbing Seminar equips climbers with the skills, techniques, and knowledge to climb WI5 / M5 routes, unlocking new possibilities for mountain adventures and adding an exciting dimension to your climbing repertoire.
| GALLERY |
| ITINERARY AND PREP |
Pre-Course call
Our team will schedule a group call before your seminar. They will discuss the three-day itinerary, review gear needs, and share a general time plan for each day of the trip. This is also a great way to ask any questions about the day!
day 1
You will meet your guide at the Artisan Bakery & Cafe and share a quick morning hello, and the day’s itinerary. The team will make any small adjustments to the climbing kit and then take a stroll to the Ouray Ice Park.
This day will focus on steep ice movement, starting with warm-ups and movement drills emphasizing good footwork. As our day progresses, so do we. We tackle steeper and longer routes working specifically on the movement techniques associated with natural vertical pillars and overlapping vertical ice.
day 2
Today focuses on the rock portion of mixed climbing— drytooling. We will start at a venue within the Ouray Ice Park that offers easier dry routes so that we can develop these new techniques in a slightly easier learning environment.
The second half of the day will then combine both disciplines together at a venue where we can tackle routes with both rock and ice sections.
Technical Experience
Ideal participants are climbers who have extensive top roping ice climbing experience. They are comfortable climbing vertical ice on a top-rope, and are looking to climb WI4+ / WI5 and M5 mixed routes.
Fitness
Solid physical fitness is required. Steep ice and drytooling are endurance pursuits, oftentimes requiring extensive time cleaning and clearing poor ice on route to achieve adequate tools placements. Climbers should be able to hike and climb for approximately 8 hours while carrying a small pack.
CIRCLING VULTURES WI4+ M7
STEEP ICE, OURAY ICE PARK
- Group climbing equipment
- Personal climbing equipment: helmet, harness, ice axes, crampons
- Certified guides
- Ice boots
- Lodging in Ouray
- Transportation to the venue
- Tips for guides
| WHATS INCLUDED |
HIGH ABOVE OURAY
JEFF LEADING TOURIST TRAP
| PRICING DETAILS |
OURAY, COLORADO
Steep ice and mixed climbing seminar
Jan - March
2-Days
Intermediate
$549 Per Guest
Courses
Winter 27’ Live
| QUESTIONS |
steep ice and mixed climbing seminar.
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Ouray Mountain Sports offers ice boot rentals in the town of Ouray. We can accompany you when you arrive in town to pick up boots if you need them.
Please book your boots in advance.
If your trip is set to begin in the A.M. you are typically able to pickup your rental after 5 P.M. the night before. If you would like to make a special early morning pickup request there is an additional fee ($20) at the shop.
***All gear is provided except mountain boots.
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Do you currently have ice climbing experience? Do you feel comfortable top-roping WI4? Are you interested in pushing your climbing grades and learning to mixed climb? Then, Yes!
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Yes, we provide the following gear at no charge. Helmet, harness, ice tools, crampons, screws, and a small multi-pitch backpack. We can also provide additional climbing equipment such as carabiners and a belay device upon request.
While booking you can provide your gear needs via our booking questionnaire or you can email climb@smilemountainguides.com with personal gear requests.
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Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.
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Best Places to Stay:
Great pricing, friendly service, and you can have a whole house suite.
Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs
Great atmosphere and hot springs located just off the main street close to the Ouray Ice Park.
You will notice there are many other Hotels, Inns, and AirBnB options in town at most budgets options.
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Cafes and Restaurants:
The best pastry and cafe spot in town!
High-end western Americana dining with a good wine selection.
Need a good burger or sandwich? Here you go!
Local pub sporting a great small-town atmosphere and no-fuss beer selection.
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Please email:
climb@smilemountainguides.com for more information about this program.