Robert Allen
Daily Press Writer
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“We’re pretty much the premier international (ice climbing) festival in the world,” Erin Eddy, executive director of the ice park and festival, said. “Some of the best athletes in the world come here just because of the event.”
The festival, which draws about 5,000 guests over the weekend, accounts for about 50 percent of the ice park’s budget. It brings at least $250,000 into Ouray, Eddy said.
“We’ve likened it to the Fourth of July for winter,” Mayor Pam Larson said in regard to the boost the festival gives to Ouray’s economy.
“It impacts all areas of the community,” said Judy Frantz Grieser, of the Ouray Chamber Resort Association. “It’s brought so much worldwide attention to Ouray because it’s the largest man-made ice climbing venue in the world.”
The festival has grown each year, offering more activities for the pros, as well as for amateurs and observers.
“In 2000, I think we only had about 60 or 70 climbs,” Eddy said. “In the last five years we’ve added over 100.”
There are 72 clinics offered to climbers of all skill levels, as well as a tight rope walk across a large part of the gorge. A climbing wall has been added to the top of one of the climbs, bringing the total ascent to about 140 feet above the ground, Eddy said.
The large masses of ice that reach over and down the walls of the gorge were created using spigots similar to those of shower heads. They are part of a piping system spanning a mile and a half. The faucets begin running in November and continue for five nights per week until the walls of ice are complete, Eddy said.
Mike Valenta and seven friends traveled from Prague, Czech Republic, to take part in the festival. It is his sixth year to make the trip.
“We do not have much ice climbing back home in the Czech Republic and so most of it is like rock climbing,” Valenta said. “(Ice climbing is) different, it’s cold. It’s like different moves and you have to use different muscles.”
He stopped by one of more than 35 industry sponsor tents to demo a new pair of boots. The tents offered enough free demonstration equipment to transform any unprepared observer into a geared-up ice climber.
“This is the first time I come to any of these thing. I am from Puerto Rico so this is a very unique experience for me,” Griselle Vazquez said. “It’s really cool and I think I’m gonna try it.”
Vazquez came to the festival with her boyfriend from Colorado Springs. Having never experienced ice climbing, she developed the urge to give it a try after watching others having a good time.
“I’ve always wanted to come but never had the opportunity,” Jolene Webb of Grand Junction said. “I love coming here in the summer and hiking.”
Webb said she read about ice climbing in magazines and wanted to see what it looked like first hand.
About everyone was cheerful despite the cold weather and occasional snowfall.
“It’s nice, you know. The same crazy people around,” Valenta said. “A lot of stories and new stuff to talk about. Having some beer and then singing last night in Ouray. Just kind of fun.”
He said he intends to come back next year, for certain.
“I cannot miss this one,” he said.
Although most of the festival’s competitions ended Saturday, the professional slackline exhibition takes place today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the ice park’s lower bridge. There is also a snowshoe race at noon that is open to anyone.
The awards ceremony is tonight, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Main Street Theater in Ouray. It will include a slide show presentation by John Varco. For full details on Saturday’s competitions, see Sports, page B1.
Contact Robert Allen via e-mail at roberta@montrosepress.com
Kaitlyn Heichel wrote on Nov 3, 2009 2:01 PM:
Sarah Bond wrote on Jul 13, 2009 5:31 PM: