As if we aren’t lucky enough here in Durango! Already having access to some of the best backcountry skiing, ice climbing, rock climbing, alpine climbing, and wilderness in the country, we now have one of the most technologically advanced physical therapy clinics in the nation! I have recently discovered this gem in my fight with chronic back pain that started last October.

A team consisting of a chiropractor and two physical therapists, these three bring a multitude of the latest technology to the table. Between chiropractic adjustments, I have also had the pleasure of trying out the Class IV Laser, ASTYM treatment, Trigger Point Dry Needling, and Real Time Ultrasound. This is just a handful of treatments theses guys use in the fight against pain. These guys get my guides pick for a preventative and recovery clinic for anyone that needs a helping hand or needs to speed up the recovery process.

Give these guys a try if you’re in need of a helping hand!

BG

Dave and I got together this week to go climbing on some new terrain. We spent Monday morning in the ‘Grad School’ area of the Ice park. Neither of us had climbed in this area before and it was a nice change from the other areas we work in frequently. The routes here vary from great intro lower angle ice, broken into steps, all the way thru 100 foot continuous WI 4-. We finished the day off the best way possible, with a couple pints and good food at the Ouray Brewery.

Tuesday we climbed Horsetail Falls just a coupe miles South of Ouray. The approach, downhill, takes about 15 mins. Pitch 1 in the crux, we climbed the center at around WI 4+ for 140 feet.

Pitches 2 and 3 are much lower angle but still keep your attention at multiple small, brittle bulges. These are super fun and the views are amazing.

The last pitch is back to steeper ice, but still a moderate WI 3-.

Overall this is a super fun climb and only takes half a day. Horsetail is very popular and a great route to check off your Ouray tick-list. Give us a call today and lets get on this area classic together.

MSP

For the second year in a row Roger, Michael and Brian got together in Ouray to fine tune their ice climbing skills with Gary and myself. Day 1 was spent in the Schoolroom of the ice park to dust off any cobwebs the guys had. We climbed a variety of routes from WI 3 to WI 4 and practiced placing and removing ice screws and building v threads. After a quick lunch, we did a 2 pitch climb to exit the schoolroom. The main purpose of the multipitch climb was to teach the three of them how we do transitions at the belay between pitches. After this training exercise, Michael, Brian and Roger took turns lowering in and climbing out on the famous ‘Pick of the Vic.’

The next day we drove up to 10,000 feet where Gary and Michael climbed the ‘Ribbon’ across the valley and Brian, Roger and myself climbed ‘Slip Slidin’ Away,’ the right side of ‘Chock up Another One’ and ‘Skylight.’ It was snowing hard throughout the day but neither Roger nor Brian’s excitement and motivation diminished. We climbed all day and returned to warmth in town around 5pm.

Our last day was cut short by early flights, yet we still climbed 4 pitches on the large ice flow in ‘Senator Gulch.’ This 100 foot frozen water fall is a hidden gem of the Skylight Area. With lots of fresh snow and a blue sky, it was a great way to finish the weekend. Great work guys and see you next year!

MSP

Srdja and I spent the last four days climbing everything in sight around Ouray, CO.

Day 1:We started out in the New Frontier where Srdja quickly remembered ice climbing technique, made some v-threads, mock led some routes and was leading WI3 before the day was done. Srdja climbed 10 pitches.

Day 2:The next morning we got up early and headed up past the ice park to the Skylight Area. Where Srdja followed me up the climb ‘Skylight’ and then swapped leads with me on ‘Slip Slidin’ Away’. We spent the afternoon running laps at the park, climbing whatever was open. Srdja climbed 7 pitches.

Day 3:Again we got up early and headed back up to the Skylight area where we climbed the awesome ‘Slippery When Wet’. Next we spend some time going over rescue techniques, lowering, raising, releasing a auto-blocking belay device and much more. To finish of the day we climbed Senator Gulch a few times. Srdja climbed 5 pitches.

Day 4:We finished off the trip with a sending spree in The Schoolroom and Pick o’ The Vic area. Srdja climbed 8 pitches.

That’s 30 pitches of ice is 4 days! Nice work Srdja!

I’m looking forward to climbing with you in the future!

BK

Chris’s total domination of the ice continued last weekend with an ascent of Whore House Hoses and more sending at the Ouray Ice Park.

First off was the stunning three pitch line of Whorehouse Hoses. Though the other pitches are fun routes in their own right, the stunning first pitch is the main event at 210 feet tall and WI4!

Then some domination in the Ice Park as we climbed near Matt, Ben and Ian so we could swap ropes and hang out.

All in all, another weekend of great ice, good company, and total domination.

BG

Last weekend, Eric, Adam, and Morgan joined me for a two day introduction to ice climbing in beautiful Ouray, Colorado. Upon meeting in the morning on Saturday, we geared up and headed into the Ouray Ice Park to begin our lessons.

In an area called the “New Funtier,” a lesson on the basic techniques of Ice climbing along with a belay review was first in order and then on to the ice to practice the new skills.

Then after many laps up the ice, we packed it up and enjoyed some great dinner that evening in town.

The next morning, we were up early to get on some steeper terrain.

After more laps (mileage is important when learning), we learned about ice screws and anchor construction.

After we had climbed this area out, we were ready to try something new and so off we went to the “Scottish Gullies” for some more ice and to try out Rappelling.

All in all, a great weekend and a great crew. After completing the intro course, these three are ready to try the intermediate course and some multipitch and more advanced terrain.

BG