CLINICS
ICE(LESS) CLINICS Are Live
The Ouray Ice Park has always been a collaboration between human effort and the natural world. We farm the ice, but nature provides the canvas. This season, the temperatures have been uncharacteristically warm. We have been listening closely to the canyon, and right now, the ice simply isn't forming to a standard that is safe for climbing. Out of respect for the environment and for the safety of our climbers, we are cancelling on-ice climbing clinics for the 2026 Ouray Ice Festival.
Adaptability is the core skill of any alpinist. Since we cannot be on the ice, we are shifting our focus to the skills that get you to the ice and home safely. Check out the new line up :)
Friday clinics
SATURDAY clinics
SUNDAY clinics
If you’ve already booked a clinic
You should have received an email on Thursday giving you various options on how to handle your ticket and clinic purchases. We appreciate how stoked you are, and want to offer you access to around 40 clinics that focus on the most diverse range of topics we’ve ever offered. From trip planning to companion rescue - find the clinic that suites you. We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!
SOME Clinics are not changing
There are several clinics that have not changed and are still offered. These will remain in place and can be registered for normally. Folks already registered for these clinics will not be removed unless you explicitly tell us to! We’re stoked to see you and grateful that you’re willing to show up for us and the community :)
Good Things to Know
What’s Included
Guided climbing per the clinic description in the Ouray Ice Park by athletes and guides
Maximum 8:1 participant to athlete/guide ratio
Stoke all around because you’re supporting a non-profit that just wants to get you climbing
Group climbing equipment (ropes, anchor material, ice protection, etc.)
OIP user fees (there’s a fee to guide services operating in the park that is covered)
What’s NOT INCLUDEd
Personal snacks/food (due to dietary restrictions - bring what you need)
Personal climbing clothing and equipment (clothing will be available on a first come first serve basis from sponsors if you purchase a Gear Card)
Travel and rescue insurance (highly recommended, but that’s on you)
Lodging. Definitely check out our Lodging Options. Some local spots have discounts for Members
Transportation to/from/in Colorado. If you need help check out our Getting Here options
Ouray Ice Park Membership (encouraged to support the Ouray Ice Park Non-Profit)
Incurred costs by leaving a trip early
The ability to help you send your project. We’ll do what we can, but technically it’s not included
Incurred costs as a result of force majeure
Customary guide gratuity - typically 10% - 20%. The Ouray Ice Park prides itself on paying guides a living wage, but handing a Hundo to your guide helps keep the tires on their vans
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Upon Registration – 50% non-refundable. Payment is required to reserve your dates and guide(s). We know it sucks if you have to cancel, and we’re sorry. It also sucks for us because our guides don’t get to eat if you cancel last minute. We are a non-profit, so call it a good deed. We appreciate your support.
Two Weeks Prior Start Date – 100% non-refundable. Payment is required to reserve your dates and guide(s). If you have to cancel within 2 weeks of the start date of your clinic we cannot refund you. At that point the roster is set, the athletes are pumped, the guides ordered new boots, the ice farmers and rangers got their little party hats on, Tres probably already bought a celebratory beer or two, we just can’t take that back. We hope you understand and appreciate your donation to the Ouray Ice Park.
The Fine Print
The Ouray Ice Park works with 6 wonderful local guide services that manage athletes and guides for our clinics. All participants are required to complete the Ouray Ice Park Waiver in order to climb in the park during the fest. All participants are also required to complete the appropriate guide services Release & Indemnity Agreement (Waiver) prior to participating in any ice climbing clinic. You will receive an email with links to the Ouray Ice Park Waiver and Waiver appropriate to your clinic.
All participants that are Ouray Ice Park Members, purchase a clinic, attend the ice fest with a gear card and events pass, and donate will forever have our love, and can call themselves a badass ice climber.
If you have any questions or need to cancel/refund reach us at clinics@ourayicepark.com.
When things go wrong in the vertical world, you need the skills to make them right. Join athlete and world class guide Elias de Andres-Martos for this intensive ground school on Haul Systems & Self Rescue. You will learn the fundamentals of escaping the belay, raising systems, and lowering injured climbers—essential skills for any dedicated partner that wants to know what to do when shit gets real.
THIS IS FOR
LEVEL: Intermediate
WHEN & WHERE
DATE: Friday - January 23rd, 2026
MEET: 8:50am @ Around the INFO Booth
TIME: 9:00am - 3:00pm (Full Day)
THE DETAILS
GUIDE: Elias de Andres-Martos