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Ouray Ice Park to Close March 29
The 2011/2012 ice climbing season at the Ouray Ice Park will officially close on March 29, 2012. Please note that climbing is not allowed in the Park after it is officially closed. The 2012/2013 season will kick off in mid December 2012.
Late Season Conditions
As of March 23, 2012, most of the terrain upstream/south of the Upper Bridge remains open (South Park, New Funtier, Grad School, School Room, Pick of the Vic, and Lead-only climbs). The 2012 climbing season is over for all areas downstream/north of the Upper Bridge (Gazebo Wall, Shithouse Wall, Stump Wall, Five Fingers, and the Scottish Gullies). We have also closed the climb at Anchor #1 in the School Room, and a portion of the Trestle Area (between Flemenco and The Verminator). All closed areas are clearly marked, and climbing is strictly prohibited in those areas. We still have plenty of fantastic ice in the Park, and if conditions allow, we hope to be able to keep at least a few areas open for the rest of March. Please stay tuned for more updates, and respect terrain closures.
Please keep in mind that although climbing in the Ouray Ice Park is incredibly accessible, it is not a climbing gym. The objective hazards inherent in any outdoor climbing area are also present at the Ouray Ice Park. Also, climbing in the Ouray Ice Park entails accessing climbs in the bottom of deep and narrow river gorge, where water levels can change throughout the day. A healthy dose of situational awareness is as important at the Park as it is in any climbing venue.
It’s hard to imagine that we are approaching the end of another great year at the Ouray Ice Park. However, when the calendar flips to March, we know that we are approaching the tail end of the season. We receive a number of inquiries about when the Park will close, but our basic philosophy is that we will keep on climbing as long as conditions in the Park make that a reasonable proposition. In a typical year, the Park stays open through most of the month of March. We have been able to squeeze out a few days in April in the past, but that is not necessarily typical.
As we approach the end of the season, we will continue to post the status of the terrain in the Park. It is likely that certain areas will close before others, and we will provide updates as those decisions are made. If you are planning a trip to Ouray in late March, or early April, try to stay flexible. By that point in the season, there are just too many factors beyond our control to make many promises. When it’s over, it’s over, and we won’t hesistate to close terrain, if conditions warrant that decision. Please respect closures in the Park. If an area is closed, climbing is absolutely, and positively, not allowed in those areas.
Important note: When you are in the bottom of the Uncompahgre Gorge, please keep in mind that you are walking around an active river bed. Water levels in the river may vary from day-to-day, or even on any given day. Much of the water that normally flows in the Uncompahgre is diverted through the penstock that you see at the top of the Gorge, so that it can be used for the Ouray Hydroelectric plant. That penstock is almost 100 years old, and requires repairs from time-to-time. Water levels in the river will rise during these repairs, so stay alert! Always use designated crossings. Please also respect repair work areas and equipment. Crews working on the penstock will work as quickly, and safely, as possible.