Experience the "All In Ice Festival" in Colorado This Jan 9

Location: Ouray Ice Park, Colorado Dates: January 9 – January 11, 2026

If you’ve ever looked at a frozen waterfall and thought, "I wonder if I could climb that?" but hesitated because you didn’t see anyone who looked like you on the wall—this weekend is your invitation to change that.

This Friday, January 9th, join us as the All In Ice Festival returns to the stunning Ouray Ice Park in Colorado for its 5th annual gathering. Unlike the massive, general-admission ice festivals that happen later in the season, All In is something special. It is a dedicated affinity festival designed specifically to elevate and celebrate historically marginalized communities in climbing.

Here is why you should clear your calendar and join the adventure in the "Switzerland of America" this weekend.

1. It’s About Community, Not Just Crushing

The core mission of All In is to create a safe, supportive space for BIPOC, LGBTQIA2S+, and adaptive climbers.

Ice climbing can often feel like an exclusive club with a high barrier to entry (specialized gear, technical knowledge, intimidating environments). All In smashes those barriers. It isn't just about getting to the top of a route; it’s about looking to your left and right and seeing a community that supports you. Whether you are a total beginner or a seasoned alpinist, the vibe here is about connection over competition.

2. World-Class Instruction

The festival offers clinics led by some of the best guides and athletes in the business. Because this is a smaller, community-focused event, the ratio of instructors to climbers is often excellent. You can expect:

• Intro to Ice: Learning how to swing tools and kick crampons for the first time.

• Adaptive Climbing Clinics: Specialized instruction making the ice accessible to climbers with disabilities.

• Advanced Technique: For those looking to refine their movement on steep ice.

3. The Gear Barrier? Gone.

One of the biggest hurdles to joining the sport is the cost. Boots, crampons, axes, helmets, harnesses—it adds up fast. The All In Ice Fest partners with major outdoor brands to provide demo gear fleets. This means you can often show up with just your warm clothes and borrow the technical hardware you need to get on the wall.

4. The Magic of the Ouray Ice Park

If you haven’t been, Ouray is a bucket-list destination. The Ice Park is a man-made ice climbing venue located in the spectacular Uncompahgre Gorge. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can walk 15 minutes from your hotel room and drop a rope on world-class ice.

• Note on Conditions: As of early January 2026, temperatures in the San Juans have been fluctuating! While the park crews work magic to farm ice, it's always smart to check the latest conditions on the Ouray Ice Park website. Even if the ice is thinner than usual, the community events, dry-tooling clinics, and social hours make the trip worth it.

5. Beyond the Ice

The festival isn’t just about freezing your toes off in the canyon. It’s about the warmth of the after-party. Expect community dinners, panel discussions, and social hours where you can swap stories, make new belay partners, and relax in the hot springs that make Ouray famous.

Essential References & Links

• Official Festival Info: All In Ice Fest Website

• Venue & Conditions: Ouray Ice Park Official Site

• Park Events Calendar: OIP Events Dashboard