Your Ultimate Guide to the Ouray Ice Festival & Competition

Get ready, Colorado! One of the most exciting winter events is returning in January; we've got all the details. The annual Ouray Ice Festival will take over the town of Ouray and transform it into an ice-climbing extravaganza for three days and four nights.

Ice climbers and fans from all around the world descend upon Ourray for the festival. But the best part? "Every dollar made during Ice Fest goes directly to funding our operational costs so we can continue to build a free and public ice climbing park every year!" says event organizers.

And luckily for you, we've put together the ultimate guide to this incredible event, including competitions, clinics, auctions, and more. So, let's get climbing, shall we?

Your Guide to the 2024 Ouray Ice Festival and Competition:

When Is the Ouray Ice Festival 2024?

The Ouray Ice Festival and Competition will be held from January 18–21, 2024.

How Much Does It Cost to Attend?

There are two types of passes for the Ice Festival:

All Access Pass
- Cost: $85
- Includes: Access to all the parties and events, including movie screenings, presentations, games, raffles, costume parties, and more. It will supply you with a complimentary Gear Card.
Demo Gear Card
- Cost: $25
- Includes: Access to demoing the latest products from sponsors.

Ouray Ice Festival Schedule of Events

Various events and festivities are happening over the three days and four nights. Here's a full schedule breakdown:

Thursday, January 18:
- Jirischanca Movie Premiere and Live Q&A with Vince Anderson
  - When: 6–8 p.m.
  - Where: Ouray Community Center
- Winter Pool Party: Barbie
  - When: 8–10 p.m.
  - Where: Twin Peaks Lodge & Hot Springs
Friday, January 19:
- Outdoor Gear Expo
  - When: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
  - Where: Vendor Village next to the Lower Bridge within the Ice Park
- Walk-Up Climbing Wall
  - When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  - Where: Kid’s Wall next to Dick’s Chalet within the Ice Park
- Fest Clinics
  - When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  - Where: Throughout the Ice Park
- UIAA Ice Climbing Continental Open
  - When: 8 a.m.
  - Where: Scottish Gullies
- Fireside Chats with Aaron Mulkey and Laka Rita Sherpa
  - When: 10 a.m. (Aaron Mulkey), 1 p.m. (Lakpa Rita Sherpa)
  - Where: Vendor Village across from the Information Booth
- Apres Party
  - When: 3–5 p.m.
  - Where: Box Canyon Parking Lot down Box Canyon Road from the Vendor Village
- Adventures with Will Gadd
  - When: 6–8 p.m.
  - Where: Ouray Community Center

Saturday, January 20:
- Outdoor Gear Expo
  - When: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
  - Where: Vendor Village next to the Lower Bridge within the Ice Park
- Walk-Up Climbing Wall
  - When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  - Where: Kid’s Wall next to Dick’s Chalet within the Ice Park
- Kids' Climbing College
  - When: 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
  - Where: Kid’s Wall within the Ice Park
- Fest Clinics
  - When: 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
  - Where: Throughout the Ice Park
- UIAA Ice Climbing Continental Open
  - When: 9:30 a.m.
  - Where: Scottish Gullies
- Fireside chats with Will Gadd and Marcus Garcia
  - When: 10 a.m. (Marcus Garcia), 1 p.m. (Will Gadd)
  - Where: Vendor Village across from the Information Booth
- A Fine Line with Graham Zimmerman
  - When: 6–8 p.m.
  - Where: Ouray Community Center
- Petzl Party
  - When: 8–11 p.m.
  - Where: Ouray Community Center
Sunday, January 21:
- Outdoor Gear Expo
  - When: 8 a.m.–1 p.m.
  - Where: Vendor Village next to the Lower Bridge within the Ice Park
- Walk-Up Climbing Wall
  - When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  - Where: Kid’s Wall next to Dick’s Chalet within the Ice Park
- Kids' Climbing College
  - When: 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
  - Where: Kid’s Wall within the Ice Park
- Fest Clinics
  - When: 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
  - Where: Throughout the Ice Park
- Youth Competition
  - When: 8:30 a.m.
  - Where: Scottish Gullies
- Fireside Chat with the Ice Farmers
  - When: 10 a.m.
  - Where: Vendor Village across from the Information Booth
- Memorial
  - When: 3:30 p.m.
  - Where: Memorial Wall next to the Kids’ Wall

What If the Weather Is Bad?

It's wintertime in Colorado, so it's always best to expect the unexpected. Luckily, Ouray Ice Park has up-to-date weather conditions, so you can check in before you arrive for the weekend.

To give you a better idea of what to expect from the Ice Festival and Competition, check out the video below: