The Ouray Ice Festival Kicks Off This Weekend!

The 2009 Ouray Ice Festival officially gets underway tomorrow, January 9th and runs through the weekend. Held annually in the Ice Park located in Ouray, Colorado the Ice Festival has become an international event attracting the best ice climbers from around the world, as well as top gear manufacturers, and crowds of onlookers soaking in the unique experience.

The weekend is jam packed with events including climbing clinics, gear demonstrations, games, auctions and more. There are even activities just for kids encouraging them to learn to climb in a safe, supervised environment. And when the cold weather gets to be too much for the little ones, they can warm up in specially designated tents with a hot cup of cocoa.

The centerpiece of the festival is usuall the climbing competition however, and this year will be no exception. The best climbers in the world will take turns racing up a manmade frozen wall of ice that runs through the mile-long Uncompagre Gorge. Using ice axes, crampons, and a set of incredible skills, the quickest climber to the top is crowned the Ouray champion.

If you're looking for some outdoor adventure this weekend, and happen to be in or around Ouray, Colorado, drop on by to take in all the festivities. You'll have the opportunity to see some amazing athletes in a beautiful setting.

Filed under: Climbing