summitseeker Posted October 25, 2001 Posted October 25, 2001 A little while back someone posted a rumor they heard that the ice park might not be open this year because of "the drought". Well, I emailed the folks from the ice park, and here is what they had to say. It's awesome news! ---- Not true...the park is actually up and running as we speak. We were able to completely replace all of our old plumbing with new material and tapped into a different water source. This new source is up higher, giving us more water pressure, and allowing us to run water about 3/4 ml farther up river to the south. We should be able to create at least 30 - 40 more climbs. many of these climbs will be moderate but there should be some WI5's $ 6's throughout the area. With this new system we will be able to turn off the water during the day or during warmer tempatures so that we are not deteoriating the climbs and allowing us to maintain quality ice climbs that are not hacked out. So... we hope to see you in Feb. with ice that doesn't appear to be beaten up and your favorite climbs appear as they do when they first come in. Quote
texplorer Posted October 25, 2001 Posted October 25, 2001 Nice detective work summit. I climbed in the Tetons briefly with Mark (who runs the ice park) and he told me the same thing. They were able to upgrade the pipes due to a nice contribution to the park. Before the upgrade of pipes there was some concern over the control of water use by the locals. I think right now the park is free but if there are any of you dotcom millionaires out there they can always use extra funds to keep the place up. my 2 cents- Quote
summitseeker Posted October 26, 2001 Author Posted October 26, 2001 From what I hear, there is now a membership fee... think it's around $30 or so, but can't remember exactly. Not sure if it's mandatory. Apparently, they are going to use the funds for upkeep of the park. I do know that only one climber in the party "needs" to be a member. Seems like a good idea to me. [ 10-26-2001: Message edited by: summitseeker ] Quote
goatboy Posted October 26, 2001 Posted October 26, 2001 My understanding of the membership is that it's voluntary -- the park is still free and anyone can use it, member or not -- but if you're a member, you get discounts at local stores, lodging, etc. Plus, being a member helps support the enterprise and keeps the ice flowing. I intend to join, as I will be down there in january. goatboy Quote
rodeo Posted October 26, 2001 Posted October 26, 2001 And for those of us who are new to ice climbing and don't know where this place is, could someone enlighten me? --Climb on,,, Quote
summitseeker Posted October 26, 2001 Author Posted October 26, 2001 Ouray is in Southwestern Colorado, near the town of Telluride. It's an absolutely beautiful place, with outdoor geothermal pools, incredible scenery, easy access from the airport (Montrose or Telluride), good restaurants, quiet atmosphere. In addition to being a great place to learn to ice climb (bolted TR anchors on many climbs and good trees), there is also some great multi-pitch, moderate to difficult, backcountry ice all through the area. Definitely give it a visit some time. [ 10-26-2001: Message edited by: summitseeker ] Quote
goatboy Posted October 26, 2001 Posted October 26, 2001 Sorry. Ouray is an icepark in SW Colorado, not too far from Telluride -- real ice, created by artificial means (a pipe which seeps water into a canyon). Supposed to be a great place, though it can get crowded in there I hear. They have an ice festival each year. I believe the site is Ouray Ice Park Quote
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