Kids Ice Climbing

Kids Ice Climbing Ouray, CO

Kids Climbing College

Ice Climber Ouray

The 2014 Kids Climbing College (KCC) will be a free opportunity for kids ages 8-17 to try the exciting sport of ice climbing.  Held annually at the Ouray Ice Park Kids Wall, The KCC is a super fun way for youths to get a taste of this great local winter sport. The Kids Wall is a specially developed 40 ft high, 140 foot wide slab of ice located on top of the ice park with easy walking access. It features a dozen different routes with various levels of difficulty for all the kids.

The 2014 Kids Climbing College will again be hosted by San Juan Mountain Guides and sponsored by the Ouray Ice Park. The KCC is free, ages 8-17, first-come-first-serve.  SJMG will provide harnesses, helmets, boots, crampons, and ice tools.  Participants should bring: an adult to sign paperwork, warm clothes, gloves, and warm hat (ski clothes work well for climbing). Participant’s families should park in the designated Ice Park Parking areas and walk up to the Kids Wall.

Just wanted to drop you a line and express how much I thoroughly enjoyed your ice class. It was fun to spend sometime with a climber of Andres ability and he was a terrific instructor an a joy to be around. You have a great business and I will be back again….Thanks again for a thoroughly enjoyable two days.” – S. Morgan, Basic Ice Course Dec 11-12, 2010

Kids Ice Climbing Itinerary

Danika Climbing


Day 1

The Kids Ice Climbing College is taught at the Upper Bridge area and the Kids Ice Wall.  Climbing with SJMG on these days is a first-come, first-served basis.  Kids will receive instruction from one of our expert guides in the art of ice climbing.

We have honed our curriculum and itinerary through many years of ice climbing instruction. These courses offer a great way to introduce yourself to the sport of ice climbing in a fun, more affordable group atmosphere.

Kids Ice Climbing Equipment List

SJMG will include all the climbing equipment for this activity.  Parents and participants should bring:

  • Warm clothes (ski clothing OK)
  • Warm hat
  • Warm gloves
  • Parent or Guardian to sign waiver
  • A great attitude!

 

Training & Follow Up Climbs

As always, being in excellent physical shape is an important component of our our programs. A good mixture of cardiovascular fitness, muscular fitness, and especially core strength will help you to maximize the potential rewards that are possible on a great climbing trip.

1Before Your Trip

Whorehouse Ice Climber

Familiarity with basic climbing principles such as knots, belaying, rappelling, and rock climbing technique can be very helpful for our Kids Ice participants. Though not required, prior rock climbing experience will help you to acquire and assimilate the information covered in our ice climbing course progression as quickly as possible.

2Follow Up Climbs

We very much enjoyed our time in Ouray! The private 2-day climbing program was impressive. Our guide, Mark, was/is an excellent teacher. He took the time to build the skills for each of us, listened to the concerns and course corrected to ensure we were achieving what we wanted to achieve. Basically, Mark rocks! We look forward to coming back. – J. Bowers, 2011 Private Program

Ouray, Colorado: Getting Here

Ouray is located in the SW corner of Colorado, approximately 30 minutes south of Montrose. Known as “The Switzerland of America”, the town of Ouray is a vibrant outdoor oriented community. All local businesses are very friendly to the ice climbers who flock each winter to climb in the Ouray Ice Park and surrounding areas.


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Flights: The best option for flying to the area is to fly into Montrose, CO. Many airline options exist, and most connections originate from Denver, CO. It is also possible to fly into Durango, CO, Telluride, CO, or Albuquerque, NM. It may be necessary to rent a car and drive to Ouray if you’d like to fly into one of either of these airports.

Driving: Below are some approximate driving times if you’d like to drive to Ouray. If you plan on renting a car, please consider the winter weather when selecting your vehicle and at a minimum choose something that offers either front wheel or all-wheel drive.

  • Montrose, CO: 45 mins
  • Durango, CO: 2 hours
  • Denver, CO: 6 hours
  • Albuquerque, NM: 4.5 hours
  • Salt Lake City, UT: 6 hours

Hotels: Ouray has a number of great hotels, suites, and vacation rentals for you to stay in while you’re in the area. Give our office a call at 800-642-5389 if you have any questions about what would suite you best for this trip!

  • Box Canyon Lodge
  • Ouray Chalet
  • San Juan Chalet

Additional Information

  • This is a Free Program offered by both San Juan Mountain Guides and the Ouray Ice Park Inc.

  • Registration:

  • Parents or Guardians may fill out the Activity and Waiver form ahead of time and submit it via email or fax to our office, or you may complete this paperwork at the Kids Wall on the day of the program.