Conditions remain very good in the Ouray Ice Park.  Most of the terrain upstream of the Upper Bridge has been really fun lately.  Early last week the Ouray Hydro crew performed maintenance on the penstock thus flooding the gorge.  They finished on Wed and the river level has returned to a low level.  Access in the gorge is still very good.  Climbers can easily navigate the base areas of School Room, Grad School, New Funtier, and South Park.  Please exercise good judgment and avoid hanging out under disconnected ice features.

Closed areas include everything downstream of the Upper Bridge.  The last day for climbing this season will be March 31.  Get your AXE in gear!  Thank you for supporting the Ouray Ice Park and the community of Ouray.

Jason Nelson on Jesus Built My Fingercrack (M7) by Richard Durnan Photography

Please note that all terrain downstream from the Upper Bridge will be closed as of Sunday, March 17.  This includes between the bridges, Lower Bridge area, Stone Free, Scottish Gullies, Five Fingers, and the Stump, Shithouse, and Gazebo Walls.

Another view of the "Lower Bridge" climbing area, Ouray Ice Park

Despite of the warm temps as of late the Park remains in excellent condition over all.  The Ouray Ice Park has set the closing date for the 2012/13 season as March 31st.  Get your AXE in gear and enjoy a few final laps this season.

Park staff will be working hard to manage the terrain as best they can to ensure high quality climbing until the very last day.  The crew will be out every day chopping icicles and mitigating some of the more obvious objective hazards.  Please use good judgment and avoid being under anything that is free hanging or looks significantly affected by the sun.  The best climbing will be found on the most shady aspects in the Park.

Thank you for your support this season!