It’s Our 30th Anniversary!

30TH ANNUAL OURAY ICE FESTIVAL: JANUARY 23RD - 26TH, 2025

Ice Fest clinics begin the Monday before Ice Fest and run a full week, both in the backcountry and within the Ice Park. Pro climbers fly in from all over the world to teach various skills to every level of climber. Local guiding companies provide our climbing clinics, including: San Juan Mountain Guides, Basecamp Ouray, Mountain Trip, and Skyward Mountaineering.

Clinic registration for 2025 will begin this November.

 
 

2024 Clinic Schedule

Friday January 19th

Friday AM Clinics

 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by David Roetzel

Learn steep ice from this seasoned climber.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by Edelrid

 
 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Chris Snobeck

Advance your ice climbing prowess with this intermediate clinic, tailored for those ready to build upon their foundational skills.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by CAMP USA

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Jason Nelson & Charlie Faust

Dive into the world of mixed climbing.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by CAMP USA

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Logan Tyler

Explore the basics of dry-tooling with this beginner-friendly clinic, an insightful 4-hour journey into climbing with ice axes and crampons.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by CAMP USA

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Connor Chilcott

This clinic is an introduction to placing ice protection and building an ice anchor. Participants are in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Anna Pfaff

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

 
 

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Will Gadd

Learn to manage awkward bulges, fragile pillars, thin ice and much more with legend, Will Gadd.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Black Diamond

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Sarah Hueniken

This clinic teaches participants to build ice anchors, belay from above, build v-threads, and descend.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Mo Beck

This clinic is for complete beginners to climbing or ice climbing. Participants will receive ice climbing movement instruction on friendly routes and refresh or learn to tie-in and top-rope belay.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Sterling

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Matt Cornell

This clinic features the most picturesque routes in Ouray’s Ice Park. Participants will receive personalized on-route coaching from professional athlete Matt Cornell. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

 
 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Vince Anderson

Vince will teach you the techniques to take you from basic, static ice climbing into being a dynamic, more fluid climber on ever more vertical and sustained terrain.

Provided by Skyward Mountaineering | Sponsored by Grivel

 

Friday PM Clinics

 

SOLD OUT

1pm - 4pm | With Basecamp Guides

Begin your ice climbing journey with our 'Intro to Ice Climbing' clinic, perfect for newcomers seeking a comprehensive introduction.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by CAMP USA

SOLD OUT

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Marcus Garcia

Join our exclusive ice climbing clinic with mountaineering legend Marcus Garcia for a transformative climbing experience.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by Osprey

 
 

SOLD OUT

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Aaron Mulkey

Enhance your ice climbing skills with our exclusive clinic led by Aaron Mulkey, a unique mountaineering adventure.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by Black Diamond

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by David Roetzel

Learn the Art of Falling in our empowering climbing clinic, led by David Roetzel and Beth Goralski of Edelrid, for a master class in controlled descents.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by Edelrid

 
 

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Michael Gardner

This clinic is an introduction to placing ice protection and building an ice anchor. Participants are in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Graham Zimmerman

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Scarpa

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Andres Marin

This clinic is designed for participants who want to learn about maintaining body tension, managing with fewer points of contact, and other movement strategies beyond the basics. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

SOLD OUT

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Angela Hawse

This women’s clinic is for complete beginners to climbing or ice climbing. Participants will receive ice climbing movement instruction on friendly routes and refresh or learn to tie-in and top-rope belay.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Sterling

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Chris Snobeck

This clinic is for complete beginners to climbing or ice climbing. Participants will receive ice climbing movement instruction on friendly routes and refresh or learn to tie-in and top-rope belay.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by CAMP USA

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Sam Elias

This clinic features the most picturesque routes in Ouray’s Ice Park. Participants will receive personalized on-route coaching from professional athlete Sam Elias. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Vince Anderson

Alpinist and guide Vince Anderson will teach you cutting edge, no BS techniques used on modern alpine style ascents and big wall free climbs. This clinic is for intermediate ice climbers.

Provided by Skyward Mountaineering | Sponsored by Scarpa

 

Friday Full-Day Clinics

 

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by John Roskelley

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement while getting in a full day of climbing mileage.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by LOWA

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Chantel Astoria

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement while getting day worth of climbing mileage.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Alan Rousseau

This clinic is designed for those curious about the skills needed for alpine objectives. The clinic covers the basics of ice and mixed climbing movement and ice and alpine anchors. Participants have the opportunity to learn from alpinist Alan Rousseau, fresh off his legendary ascent of the North Face of Jannu. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Carlos Buhler

This seminar focuses on light efficient swings, resting on feet rather than arms, and other tips for progressing into harder ice climbing grades.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by LOWA

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Natalie Afonina

This clinic is an opportunity for women to gather and learn from inspirational female pro athletes. All ability levels are welcome. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Sam Hennessey

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like a day of mileage on ice while also learning about where and how to place ice protection.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Elias de Andres Martos

Learn ice climbing skills properly in a full-day introduction. Suitable for beginners.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Osprey

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm

This clinic is for climbers who have climbed ice and are looking to progress on steeper terrain. You’ll learn more advanced movement techniques with the goal of helping you climb WI3+ to 4.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Mountain Equipment

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Joey Thompson

Graduate from being a competent ice climber on top rope to taking the first steps into learning how to lead an ice climb in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Rab

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Jackson Marvell

Master your craft on vertical ice and pillars. Steep ice is highly technique dependent, and we’ll help you hone your skills on them steeps. Must be an avid climber with frequent ice climbing experience up to WI3+.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Black Diamond

Full-Day | $129

9:30am - 4pm

Our guides will coach, mentor, and generally be resources to support you with whatever aspect of ice climbing you’d like. The goal will be to create a supportive environment in which you can climb with highly skilled partners. We’ll check everyone off for belaying and we’ll ask you to belay when you’re not climbing, so our guides can help climbers on the ice. Participants must have climbed ice previously and understand how to belay.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Rocky Talkie

 

Saturday January 20th

Saturday AM Clinics

 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Jackson Yip

This clinic is an introduction to placing ice protection and building an ice anchor. Participants are in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Scarpa

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Sarah Hueniken

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Anna Pfaff

This clinic is designed for participants who want to learn about maintaining body tension, managing with fewer points of contact, and other movement strategies beyond the basics.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Sterling

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Jesse Huey

This clinic teaches participants to build ice anchors, belay from above, build v-threads, and descend.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Sean Herlihy

This clinic is for complete beginners to climbing or ice climbing. Participants will receive ice climbing movement instruction on friendly routes and refresh or learn to tie-in and top-rope belay.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by USAF Special Warfare Division

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Chris Snobeck

This clinic features the most picturesque routes in Ouray’s Ice Park. Participants will receive personalized on-route coaching from professional athlete Chris Snoebeck.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by CAMP USA

 
 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Chantel Astoria

This clinic is for complete beginners to the vertical world of climbing. Participants learn basic ice and mixed movement techniques.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Kitty Calhoun

This clinic focuses on steep ice technique and emphasizes efficiency of movement.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Scarpa

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Natalie Afonina

This clinic is an opportunity for women to gather and learn from inspirational female pro athletes. All ability levels are welcome.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Alan Rousseau

This clinic allows participants to be coached up classic mixed routes in the Ouray Ice Park by renowned alpinists.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Will Gadd

A custom Will Gadd curriculum clinic, participants will receive coaching on ice climbing movement- emphasis on surety in movement! The clinic features a variety of terrain and is suitable for all ability levels.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

 

Saturday PM Clinics

 

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Kitty Calhoun

This clinic is an introduction to placing ice protection and building an ice anchor. Participants are in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Scarpa

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Osprey

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Sam Elias

This clinic is designed for participants who want to learn about maintaining body tension, managing with fewer points of contact, and other movement strategies beyond the basics.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Sean Herlihy

This clinic teaches participants to build ice anchors, belay from above, build v-threads, and descend.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by USAF Special Warfare Division

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Sam Hennessey

This clinic is for complete beginners to climbing or ice climbing. Participants will receive ice climbing movement instruction on friendly routes and refresh or learn to tie-in and top-rope belay.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Chris Snobeck

This clinic focuses on steep ice technique and emphasizes efficiency of movement.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by CAMP USA

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Sarah Hueniken

This clinic is an opportunity for women to gather and learn from inspirational female pro athletes. All ability levels are welcome.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Sterling

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Andres Marin

This clinic allows participants to be coached up classic mixed routes in the Ouray Ice Park by renowned alpinists.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by La Sportiva

Half-Day | $199

1pm - 4pm | Taught by Anna Pfaff

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Petzl

 

Saturday Full-Day Clinics

 

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by John Roskelley

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement while getting in a full day of climbing mileage.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by LOWA

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Michael Gardner

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Connor Chilcott

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement while getting in a full day of climbing mileage.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Carlos Buhler

This clinic is helps climbers manage awkward bulges, thin ice, pillars, and more. The terrain is varied and suitable for beginner and intermediate levels. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by LOWA

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Mo Beck

This clinic is an opportunity for women to gather and learn from inspirational female pro athletes. All ability levels are welcome. Participants get to learn the fundamentals of ice climbing from 2X Paraclimbing World Champion and 9X National Champion Mo Beck.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Full-Day | $299

9:30am - 3pm | Taught by Matt Segal

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like mileage on ice while also learning about where and how to place ice protection.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

 
 

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Joey Thompson

Learn ice climbing skills properly in a full-day introduction. Suitable for beginners.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Rab

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Aaron Mulkey

Aaron Mulkey and Mountain Trip guides will coach, mentor, and generally be resources to support you with whatever aspect of ice climbing you’d like. The goal will be to create a supportive environment in which you can climb with highly skilled partners. We’ll check everyone off for belaying and we’ll ask you to belay when you’re not climbing, so our guides can help climbers on the ice. Participants must have climbed ice previously and understand how to belay.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Black Diamond

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Elias de Andres Martos

This clinic is for climbers who have climbed ice and are looking to progress on steeper terrain. You’ll learn more advanced movement techniques with the goal of helping you climb WI3+ to 4.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Osprey

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Matt Cornell

Graduate from being a competent ice climber on top rope to taking the first steps into learning how to lead an ice climb in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by The North Face

Full-Day | $249

9:30am - 4pm | Taught by Santiago Vega

Master your craft on vertical ice and pillars. Steep ice is highly technique dependent, and we’ll help you hone your skills on them steeps. Must be an avid climber with frequent ice climbing experience up to WI3+.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Mountain Equipment

SOLD OUT

9:30am - 4pm

Our guides will coach, mentor, and generally be resources to support you with whatever aspect of ice climbing you’d like. The goal will be to create a supportive environment in which you can climb with highly skilled partners. We’ll check everyone off for belaying and we’ll ask you to belay when you’re not climbing, so our guides can help climbers on the ice. Participants must have climbed ice previously and understand how to belay.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Rocky Talkie

 

Sunday January 21st

Sunday AM Clinics

 

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by La Sportiva

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Jesse Huey

This clinic is designed for participants who want to learn about maintaining body tension, managing with fewer points of contact, and other movement strategies beyond the basics.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Arc’teryx

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Matt Segal

This clinic features the most picturesque routes in Ouray’s Ice Park. Participants will receive personalized on-route coaching from professional athlete Matt Segal.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Katie Beringer

This clinic is an opportunity for women to gather and learn from inspirational female pro athletes. All ability levels are welcome.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Yeti

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Sam Elias

Enjoy custom-curriculum by Scarpa professional athlete Jackson that prepares climbers for bigger alpine objectives. This clinic is designed for those curious about the skills needed for alpine objectives. The clinic covers the basics of ice and mixed climbing movement and ice and alpine anchors.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by The North Face

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by John Roskelley

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by LOWA

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Santiago Vega

This clinic is designed for beginner climbers/ice climbers. Participants will learn the basics of swinging, kicking, and hip movement.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Mountain Equipment

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Connor Chilcott

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like to sharpen their skills on WI4 ice. Dial your efficiency by learning from Connor Chilcott, IFMGA Mountain guide and pro-athlete.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Grivel

SOLD OUT

9am - 12pm | Taught by Graham Zimmerman

This clinic is helps climbers manage awkward bulges, thin ice, pillars, and more. The terrain is varied and suitable for beginner and intermediate levels.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Scarpa

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Sean Herlihy

In addition to intro to ice curriculum and plenty of laps, participants will also practice v-thread rappelling and multiple ways to lower a partner. 

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by USAF Special Warfare Division

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by James Kan

This clinic is suited for participants with some ice climbing experience who would like mileage on ice while also learning about where and how to place ice protection.

Provided By San Juan Mountain Guides | Sponsored by Osprey

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Suzanna Lourie

Join Suzanna Lourie's women's freestyle ice climbing course, a supportive environment for adventurous women to master icy verticals.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray

Half-Day | $199

9am - 12pm | Taught by Joey Thompson

Step up to lead climbing on ice with our 'Learn to Lead Ice Climbing' clinic, designed for climbers transitioning from top-rope.

Provided by Basecamp Ouray | Sponsored by Rab

Half-Day | $199

9am - 1pm | Taught by Chris Snobeck

Learn ice climbing skills properly in a full-day introduction. Suitable for beginners.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by CAMP USA

Half-Day | $199

9am - 1pm | Taught by Jackson Marvell

Graduate from being a competent ice climber on top rope to taking the first steps into learning how to lead an ice climb in a mock lead scenario.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Black Diamond

Half-Day | $199

9am - 1pm | Taught by Elias de Andres Martos

Master your craft on vertical ice and pillars. Steep ice is highly technique dependent, and we’ll help you hone your skills on them steeps. Must be an avid climber with frequent ice climbing experience up to WI3+.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Osprey

Half-Day | $129

9am - 1pm

Our guides will coach, mentor, and generally be resources to support you with whatever aspect of ice climbing you’d like. The goal will be to create a supportive environment in which you can climb with highly skilled partners. We’ll check everyone off for belaying and we’ll ask you to belay when you’re not climbing, so our guides can help climbers on the ice. Participants must have climbed ice previously and understand how to belay.

Provided By Mountain Trip | Sponsored by Rocky Talkie

 

Banner Photo By: James O’Neil