CLINICS
2026 Ouray Ice Festival CLINICS
Our clinics offer the most immersive, focused, and unforgettable skill-building experiences available, all led by the world’s best athletes and guides! Every guide is stoked to teach because they know that they are giving back to the Ouray Ice Park and thus the community at large. Your participation is what sustains the park: your clinic costs directly fund operations like the ice farming and the park operational costs, all while ensuring our local guides earn a living wage and empowering our local community. So thank you - we couldn’t do it without your participation :)
If you want to share the stoke you we now offer Clinic Giftcards for that special suffer buddy.
Friday: Intermediate & ADvanced
SATURDAY: Intro clinics
SUNDAY: Intro clinics
Sunday: Intermediate & Advanced
Guided: Open Climbing Courses
Good Things to Know
What’s Included
Guided ice 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.
Dive deep into your kit with Will Gadd in this specialized clinic presented by Black Diamond. Bring your own gear to learn the subtle art of sharpening tools and crampons, and gain a better understanding of equipment design and limitations. This is a hands-on session to ensure your gear performs at its absolute best when you need it most.
THIS IS FOR
LEVEL: Beginner
CLIMBING: WI2 to WI4
WHEN & WHERE
DATE: Friday - January 23rd, 2026
MEET: 12:50pm @ The Black Diamond Booth (in the Vendor Village)
TIME: 1:00pm - 4:00pm (half day)
THE DETAILS
GUIDE: Will Gadd
SPONSOR: Black Diamond