photos by Todd Newcomer

The Ouray Ice Park was teeming with ropes, crampons and ice axes last weekend as the ice climbing community gathered for the 2006 Ouray Ice Festival. The event began on Wednesday as climbers and event sponsors arrived into town and got settled in. With slideshow and film presentations, product bazaars, gear demos, and an endless supply of good beer, those who attended quickly realized the Ouray Ice Festival was much more than just a climbing competition. Warm weather and bright sunshine made for the perfect atmosphere Saturday and a much needed dusting of snow lifted spirits Sunday as the speed climbing competition got underway. To see who competed and how they faired or to plan for next years festival visit www.ourayicefestival.com.

Spectators take in the speed climbing competition from atop the high bridge at the Ouray Ice Park on Sunday. Guy LaCelle puts on a climbing demonstration Sunday as he works his way out of the Uncompahgre Gorge. Eric Ponslet gets in a little ice time Sunday before the competition began. Ice festival volunteers get the routes cleaned and rigged for the speed climbing competition. Eric Wynn catches up on the latest issue ofRock & Iceas he stays warm next to a heater Sunday. Guy LaCelle gets his ropes rigged before descending into the canyon for another climbing demonstration. Israel Blanco works his way up a route during the speed climbing competition Sunday in Ouray.

 

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