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1st Time at Ouray Ice Climbing Festival
Transitioning from one job to another, interim I was asked to help at the Ouray Ice Cilimbing Festival from Jan. 8th til Jan. 11th. What a great opportunity for a paid vacation. Matt and I headed over thursday morning to arrive at 2PM so that we could set up the La Sportiva booth and prepare for handing out demo boots on fri., sat., and sunday. We demo'd the Trango Extreme Light Evo', the Nepal Evo, the Trango Prime, and the Mega Ice Boots! They were a true hit at the Festival. Normally we were out of demo boots by 9AM! It was really fun interacting with true "Ice Climber Buffs" and first timers alike. The atmosphere was electric and high energy. Clinics were arranged as sponsored climbers would meet participants and head to the ice. Slide shows in the evening were a hit. Parties afterwards capped off the nights. Ouray is a beautiful little mountain town and the festival attests to the character of a fun loving hard working community! It snowed (blizzard) all day friday and friday night and left a true winter wonderland for saturdays and sundays events. I personally only had time to participate in one clinic learning about anchoring, and multipitch belay and rappel transition. Highlights for me were the opportunity to converse with sponsored athletes Conrad, Steve and Rafael. On sunday we opened the backside of our booth and watched slackliners giving it their best over the Canyon. The competition was available on a TV near our booth but I slid out and watched a few minutes "Live" as well! I am so thankful to Bret, Kathleen, Laura and Lee for the opportunity and am so pleased that I have been asked back to lend a hand next year! Thank you La Sportiva! Anyway...I didn't have time to take many photos, but here are a few that I had time to take!
