32nd AnnualOuray Ice Festival
Three days of elite mixed & speed competitions, 100+ clinics taught by global pros, Vendor Village gear demos, and legendary mountain-town parties—all funding the Ouray Ice Park.
Three Days That Transform Ouray Into An Ice Mecca
Every January, climbers and spectators from around the world gather in the Uncompahgre Gorge to celebrate the sport of ice climbing.
Fri – SunPro Climbing Clinics
Elite athletes fly in from around the world to teach every level of climber alongside our local guiding companies.
Vendor VillageGear Demos in the Gorge
Wander through the Vendor Village and demo the latest boots, tools, crampons, and apparel from Title Sponsor Rab alongside Scarpa, Petzl, and more.
Scottish GulliesMixed & Speed Comps
Watch world-renowned athletes battle for glory on natural rock, sheer ice, and our towering overhanging plywood "Comp Tower."
After DarkNight Shows & Parties
Head downtown for films and presentations from top alpinists, the opening Rab Pool Party, and the Saturday Night Extravaganza.
Showdown in the Scottish Gullies
Hundreds of spectators line the rim of the Uncompahgre Gorge to watch elite athletes defy gravity on natural rock, vertical ice, and the overhanging "Comp Tower" right here in the ice climbing capital of the world.
Official Festival Sponsors
Led by our Title Sponsor Rab, these industry leaders bring demo fleets, pro athletes, and massive giveaways to Ouray.
Rab Title Sponsor
As the Title Sponsor of the Ouray Ice Festival, Rab kicks off the weekend at the legendary Thursday Night Rab Pool Party, outfits climbers with technical alpine apparel in the Vendor Village, and brings global pro athletes to teach clinics and share stories downtown.
Demo precision Italian mountain and ice climbing boots inside the Vendor Village.
Test the latest ergonomic ice tools, crampons, screws, and helmets on canyon ice.
Explore All Sponsors →
See every Official, Supporting, and Community partner backing the Ice Park.
Build Your Fest Experience
Customizable passes, world-class clinics, and volunteer shifts all Drop In November!
Demo Gear Cards
- Check out gear from sponsors in the Vendor Village to utilize within the Ice Park
- Test the latest ice climbing equipment, boots, tools & apparel from Rab, Scarpa, Petzl & more
- Watch for our 10% Early Bird Bundle Discount a month prior to Fest!
Evening Event Passes
- Attend world-class athlete presentations, adventure films, talks & parties downtown
- Includes the Thursday Rab Pool Party & Saturday Night Extravaganza
- Loaded with sponsor prizes—bundle with a Demo Card a month prior to Fest for 10% off!
Clinics & Volunteering
- Climbing Clinics (Fri–Sun): Pro climbers teach every skill level; $40 per registration goes directly to the Park (pre-fest courses run Mon–Thu)
- Volunteer (100+ Crew): Help with belaying, groundskeeping, or evening doors—complete 1 shift and score official Fest swag!
2027 Schedule Overview
Click each day below for a preview of the festivities.
The History of Ouray Ice Fest
How leaky hydro pipes, a six-pack of beer, and frozen garden hoses thawed in a hotel hot tub created the world's premier ice climbing gathering.
Bridal Veil & San Juan Pioneers
Jeff Lowe and Mike Weiss make the historic first ascent of Telluride's Bridal Veil Falls on ABC’s Wide World of Sports, putting San Juan water-ice on the global map.
"Bobo" & The Leaky Hydro Pipe
James "Bobo" Burwick spots an 80-foot icicle leaking from the Uncompahgre hydro penstock. Climbers rappel into the Gorge in wool mittens and 12-point crampons—occasionally "accidentally" punching holes in the pipe with their axes to farm new routes.
A Six-Pack Handshake & Hot Tub Hoses
Victorian Inn owners Bill Whitt and Gary Wild walk over to hydro plant owner Eric Jacobson with a six-pack of beer and negotiate the legendary $1/year water lease. When garden hoses froze solid overnight, they hauled them into the Victorian Inn hot tub to defrost.
The First Ouray Ice Festival
Visionary alpinist Jeff Lowe launches the inaugural Ouray Ice Festival in January 1996, turning a sleepy winter town into an international climbing mecca.
The Mixed Revolution & Year 32
From pioneering leashless mixed climbing with legends like Will Gadd and Ines Papert to becoming the largest annual fundraiser for Ouray Ice Park, Inc., every dollar raised during Year 32 directly funds Park operations.
Frequently Asked Fest Questions
When will we know more?+
Ice Fest details drop in early November—and keep an eye out a month prior to Fest for our 10% Early Bird Bundle Discount. GET STOKED for Year 32!
Are there recreational climbing areas open during The Fest?+
We leave dedicated areas of the Park open to recreational climbers each year and publish a map before Fest begins so you don’t run into any clinics.
Please be aware: Ice Fest is BUSY. If you are not in a clinic and want to recreationally climb, get to the Ice Park first thing in the morning to set up your anchor.
I want to take pictures. Do I need a Press Pass?+
We invite all photographers, videographers, content creators, and journalists to capture Ice Fest! All press must register to film at Ice Fest. Press Passes go on sale in November.
Will there be a shuttle available?+
Yes! We offer a free shuttle service within the town of Ouray up to the Ice Park running Friday through Sunday, with a pickup map and schedule released ahead of the event.