Join MAA in Ouray Colorado for a spectacular week of ice climbing. The ice park is world-famous, boasting hundreds of routes, in addition to some amazing climbing just outside the park and into the Silverton area. We rent a huge house just minutes from the park where we can climb ice for days on end. We will also be climbing ice in the back-country weather permitting. Ice climbing experience is required (see below). Loaner gear may be available (see below). We have room for 15 stoked ice climbers! Hope to have you out with us!
DETAILS:
- DATES: Sunday, January 5th to Saturday, January 11th, 2020
- LOCATION: Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, CO
- EVENT LEADERS: Kelvin Nguyen, kelvin@mountainascent.org, Todd Martin (todd@mountainascent.org), Paul Shaughnessy (paul@mountainascent.org)
- MIN / MAX: 10 /15
- CLIMBING SKILLS REQUIREMENTS: Participants should know how to belay, tie in, lower and be lowered. A minimum of ICE 1 or an equivalent level of training is required. For those planning on climbing in the back-country a minimum level of ICE 3 or equivalent level of training is required.
- PERSONAL GEAR: Members are encouraged to use their own equipment. If you are missing something, club loaner gear may be available (excluding footwear). Use of club gear is on a frist-come-first-served basis and MUST be reserved BEFORE the trip by contacting and Event Leader. You may find rental gear in town, but please work that out before arrival.
- EXPEDITION FEE: $535 per participant. This covers house rental for 6 days, airfare or mileage reimbursement to get the ELs and gear to Ouray, and MAA operations fee ($300).
- REFUNDS: Full refunds are available 90 days before the trip date. Between 30 and 90 days, 50% refunds are possible. Less than 30 days, no refunds will be given.
- WHAT TO BRING: Warm boots, crampons, ice tools, harness, belay device, eye protection, a few carabiners, slings, PAS, any personal lead climbing or anchor building equipment, rope, cold weather clothing, shell layers, multiple socks and gloves, climbing pack, sleeping bag, travel clothes. Ice tools, ropes, ice screws, and anchor building equipment will be supplied by MAA. There are some awesome hot springs in town, so bring a bathing suit.
- MEDICAL: If you have any medical conditions pertinent to your participation on this event, please inform the event leaders after registration.
- LODGING: The Ouray Manor claims to accommodate 21, but we cap event at 15 based on past experience (very tight with 15!). Please bring a sleeping bag and mat as this will give us maximum flexibility with beds and space. There are three floors, 8 bedrooms with between one and three beds in each, and 5 bathrooms. House has a living room (some will be sleeping here), front room, dining room, full kitchen, laundry, and wi-fi.
ITINERARY:
- Sunday, Jan. 5th: Check-in is 4:00 pm at The Ouray Manor. Meet and greet, get settled into sleeping arrangements, chow, and make plans for the next day.
- Monday, Jan. 6th - Friday, January 10th: Leave early to secure routes, walking to the park for top-rope and lead ice climbing at various locations. We will also do some climbing in the back-country, as can be arranged. Climb until the afternoon, then evening meals and festivities to ensue back in town. We usually plan one group meal (often near the middle/end of the week) where each of us can share a favorite dish. It's always a highlight of the trip, so come prepared to show off!
- Saturday, January 11th: Clean house and check out by 10:30 am.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
- In order to register you must have (at time of registration) and maintain (through the duration of the event) a Base, or Apex level of membership.
- Event leaders are experienced volunteers, but may not be certified guides.
- Travel arrangements are separate. Flights can be arranged to both Grand Junction and Durango, but winter time flights into Colorado can be unreliable. Driving may also be hampered by winter storms and road closures.
For more information or questions about this climbing event, please contact the listed event leaders, or connect@mountainascent.org, or (916) 692-0005.
