At a Glance
- Dates: Late January
- Attendees: ~5,000
- Clinics: All skill levels
- Free Events: Films + demos
What Happens at the Ice Festival
The Ouray Ice Festival is a 3-day event (typically Thursday–Sunday in late January) combining world-class ice climbing competitions, guided intro clinics, gear demos, evening films, and parties that take over Main Street.
World and national champion ice climbers from across the globe compete and demonstrate at the Ice Park. The competition routes are sprayed on the most dramatic sections of canyon wall — the visual spectacle is accessible to anyone standing on the canyon rim above.
Attending as a Non-Climber
You don't need to climb to enjoy the Ice Festival. The canyon rim viewing area above the Ice Park is free and open to the public — watch world-class climbers on dramatic ice features from above. Evening events including film screenings and gear demos are also accessible to all.
The festival atmosphere transforms Main Street — gear vendors, food options, and a convivial crowd of climbers from around the world. Simply being in Ouray during Ice Festival week is an experience.
Book Ice Festival Lodging Early
The Lumberyard Condos is a 10-minute walk from the Ice Park entrance. Ice Festival accommodation in Ouray books out sometimes 6–12 months in advance — do not wait until January to look for rooms.
Reserve your Ice Festival stay directly at ouraycondos.com as early as possible. The hosts can also recommend local guide services for festival clinics.