2012 Ouray Ice Festival
Jan 09, 2012
On January 6-8, 2012 the world renowned Ouray Ice Festival took place at the Ouray Ice Park right in our backyard! This event draws climbers from around the world to come hang out, climb at the park, and enjoy everything that the wonderful city of Ouray has to offer. Black Canyon Regional Land Trust was able to have a booth set up for the entire weekend to chat with local and world travelers about our mission to conserve land.
The event started Friday morning with a great turn out of climbers and spectators that would continue for the rest of the weekend. Clinics ran during the entire event inviting the most novice and experienced ice climbers alike to practice and gain new skills. Climbers also had the opportunity to demo gear for the entire weekend from companies such as Marmot, Patagonia, Black Diamond, and Petzl. BCRLT’s booth ran from about 9am until 3pm each day in the upper tier of tent city. We were fortunate to have a great location that generated prodigious exposure for the organization. Friday evening, BCRLT was then invited to attend the Silent Auction/Spaghetti dinner held at the Community Center in downtown Ouray. The Ouray Fire House cooked a massive dinner for patrons and New Belgium Brewery supplied the libations. Dan Murphy, Conservation Director at BCRLT, attended the dinner and had a great chance to chat in a more intimate setting with event-goers to discuss Black Canyon’s role in helping conserve the pristine landscape in Southwest Colorado.
Saturday was the big day of the event in which professionals climbers competed in the mixed climbing competition. During the day, spectator numbers were estimated between 3,000-5,000. Travelers from as far as Australia and France were excited to chat with BCRLT staff and volunteers to discuss what we do in the local area and also show support for the organization to continue conservation in our service area. Special thanks to board members Elaine Brett, Fred Stemmler, and Bill Bottomly who volunteered that the event throughout the weekend - thanks for your continued dedication and support to the organization! That evening, a number of events took place throughout town ranging from video screenings, silent and open bid auctions, to the late night dance party hosted by Arc’Teryx and Petzl.
Sunday proved to be the wrap up of the entire weekend with microphone climbing demonstrations from professional climbers. Attendance was low as compared to the first two days, but that didn’t stop event goers and vendors from having a great day in the gorgeous Colorado sun. Overall, the event for Black Canyon Regional Land Trust as a whole was a huge success. The publicity generated for the organization and the world of conservation was nothing short of extraordinary. It was great to see and talk with a diverse group of individuals who are excited not only about climbing, but keeping the beautiful landscape in this area we are fortunate to call home intact. Thank you to the Ouray Ice Park Staff, Kentee Pasek, staff and board members, and everyone else involved with making this weekend truly incredible. See you next year!
