Ouray Veteran's Ice Climbing Seminar with International Mountain Guides

These 5-day seminars are designed for those who have already completed a previous Ouray program with us. We maintain a 2/1 climber-to-guide ratio. We will not necessarily be climbing at a more technical level. Rather, drawing on our past experience, the group will move past some of the basic training quickly so that we can visit different and more varied terrain. We will attempt to climb in a new area each day, as conditions permit.

Ouray, located in the San Juan Range of southwestern Colorado, is one of the few locations in the lower 48 states where quality ice climbing is virtually guaranteed in the winter months. A combination of good weather (285 sunny days per year), easy access to quality climbing, and the small, picturesque resort town setting have contributed to Ouray's nickname, "Ice Climbing Capital of North America."

These seminars are an excellent choice for those considering participation in an expedition or climb that requires confident cramponing in icy conditions. Focusing on the balance and technique necessary for climbing steep water ice gives one a real advantage on expeditions that require the ability to crampon with confidence. Upcoming IMG expeditions for which this seminar is useful training include Denali, the Wrangell/St. Elias Range, Mt. Logan, the big peaks of South America and the Himalayas.

For you skiers, ice climbing is the perfect complement to a ski vacation. Telluride is just 47 miles or an hour drive away from Ouray! Bring the family skiing, then come spend a few days training with us.

A typical seminar day will start with breakfast at the hotel. Access to the Ice Park is a stroll across the street to the start of the box canyon. There are at least 12 distinct areas in the Ice Park with all levels of climbing and upwards of 200 named routes. The 5-day seminars have the option of visiting "natural" ice outside the Park on Forest Service land. In the evening we will head straight to the hot tub or the hot springs pool in town to soak and relax, then finish with dinner at a local restaurant.

Seminar instructors are selected from IMG's premiere staff of ice guides: Jeff Ward, Jake Norton, Chris Booher, Ben Marshal, Matt Farmer, Zoe Hart and Justin Merle. George Dunn still makes an appearance for a week or two each year, it is too fun to miss!

The focus of the seminars will be on improving individual climbing skills. With a small instructor/student ratio there will be lots of close attention for all levels of climbers. Participants are encouraged to progress at their own pace and comfort level.