Frequently Asked Questions

  • Climbing festivals in general are an opportunity for like-minded individuals to gather, celebrate, and dream. They serve as a point of entry for new climbers and an opportunity for experienced climbers to discuss their latest achievements. Festivals are a place to build connections and foster community-- and this is how the climbing community grows and pushes the limits of the sport. The unfortunate truth is that a lot of climbers from historically marginalized groups do not experience that invigorating feeling and sense of community because they face unique challenges and are not represented in most festival programming.

    ALL IN is different because we are addressing these community needs directly by highlighting and elevating people from historically marginalized groups. To us, that means offering equitable opportunities and access to the sport. It means having a diverse team that understands social and emotional needs in addition to physical. It means developing a program that includes role models of different shapes, sizes, genders, races, abilities, and sexualities. It means fostering an environment where people can be their whole authentic selves and tell their complete stories, beyond just the stories of the challenging climbs they’ve accomplished. It means recognizing the differences and nuances between and within historically marginalized communities, because we are not checkboxes with single barriers. It means challenging the outdoor industry to redirect resources and support us in our vast journeys from the margins. It means knowing we don’t know all the obstacles ahead, but plan to try our best when we get there. Simply put, it means going ALL IN from different angles to create a space where climbers that are longing for a sense of belonging can gather, celebrate, and dream of an ice climbing community where we all feel safe, supported, and included. That is how WE plan to grow the community and continue pushing the limits of the sport.

  • Clinics will be specifically for people that identify as part of a historically marginalized group in order to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment. For more information on why affinity spaces are beneficial to learning, please read this recent AMGA article.  We do recognize that the social support system of clinic-goers may include people that do not self-identify as historically marginalized. Because of this, volunteer opportunities and festival admission will be available to clinic companions. We will consider having open registration in future years so we can invite everyone to join us in the celebration.

  • Yes! Regardless of your “out” status, ALL IN Ice Fest is a safe, inclusive, and a protective space for you to participate in. We have discussed the sensitivity of photo release with the Ouray Ice Park, and at registration we will have separate media release forms so that you can let us know whether or not you consent to having your likeness publicly posted.

  • YES! Registration will be open to self-identifying larger bodied folks, and we'll make sure to discuss fat-inclusion with festival staff and in the festival community guidelines. We will try our best to offer size inclusive harness and jackets, however, we are working within the limits of the outdoor industry and what product is offered to us from sponsors. Inclusion of diverse body sizes and shapes is often an intersectional issue and is something we are advocating for with sponsors when discussing our event needs. 

  • YES! One of our big goals is to introduce this sport we love to more people AND offer access to gear. Our “Ice Climbing Essentials” clinic is designed for climbers with little to no climbing experience and we encourage you to sign up!

  • Clinic descriptions and schedules are available for preview now and registration will be available December 6. We expect clinics to fill quickly so register soon! We will also have a waitlist and notify participants as spots become available.

  • Instruction from awesome instructors or guides, access to essential ice climbing gear, shuttle transportation from the Ouray community center to the Ice Park, access to supervised climbing at the demo area for the weekend, and admission to festival events (including talks and socials)!

  • We will have the option to register for general admission.

  • Access to demo gear, shuttle from the community center to the Ice Park, access to supervised climbing at the demo area for the weekend, and admission to festival events!

  • Absolutely. If you already own your own ice climbing gear you are more than welcome to use it. You will also have the opportunity to try other products from the demo fleet if you’re thinking about changing up your gear for the season.

  • Yes. We will set up a supervised open climbing area for people interested in trying out gear or just getting some extra supervised laps in.

  • Yes! Some climbing areas will be reserved for clinics, but the rest of the park is open to independent climbing. You can check-in with Ouray Ice Park for current terrain conditions. Further, most ALL IN clinics will end by 3pm and some clinic areas will be available to the general public afterward

  • Ouray is located in Southwestern Colorado, 70 miles north of Durango and 98 miles south of Grand Junction. In winter, snow tires are recommended, but you don't need to have four wheel drive. International airports can be found within a 6 hour drive in Denver, Salt Lake City, and Albuquerque. Regional airports exist in both Grand Junction and Durango, both within a 2 hour drive.

  • Once you are in town, we will be offering shuttle services between the ice park, hotel, and community center.

  • We are partnering with Twin Peaks Lodge to offer discounted room options for all festival participants. Book soon to reserve your spot near other festival participants!