Smile's Mixed Master Seminar introduces and pushes climbers to learn the techniques and art behind dry tooling and mixed climbing which can open doors to bigger mountain adventures or add a new fun style to the climbing kit.

This seminar takes place over two eight-hour days in the Ouray Ice Park.

We will discuss the gear used in Mixed climbing and Drytooling including similarities and differences to ice climbing.

Our skills will develop and be practiced on the wall, with real-time feedback to help each guest refine their skills.

Mixed Masters Seminar Itinerary –

Topics are broken down into teaching sessions and may be taught in a slightly different order.

Pre-Group Google Meet and Before Seminar Start -

Our team will link everyone together via Google Meet at a pre-determined time. Discussions will center around the seminar, answering any guest questions, providing clarity on gear, and explaining what to expect when you arrive in town.

In Town Meet Up -

Guides will meet with guests in town, before the day one program start date to grab boots at Ouray Mountain Sports.

Day 1 – 7:30 am- 5:00 pm

1. Program Overview Session at Cafe

2. Equipment Session for Mixed Climbing

   Move To Ice Park

3. Belaying and Protection & Anchoring

4. Teach Basic Movement Skills for Footwork and Tool

5. Practice

Day 2 – 8:00 am- 5:00 pm

1. Crampon and Axe Sharpening practice

   Move to Ice Park

2. Stein Pulls and Tool Leveraging Practice

3. Practice

4. Steep Tooling First & Second Position Considerations

5. Practice

Group Dinner In Town

FOOTWEAR

+Mountain Boots

+Socks

UPPER LAYERS

+Synthetic T-shirt

+Sun Hoody

+Fleece

+Light Windshell Jacket

+Active Climbing Insulated Jacket

+Warm Belay Jacket

BOTTOM LAYERS

+Softshell Pant

BACKPACKS

+35-45 L Ice Crag Pack

ACCESSORIES

+Sunglasses, Utu Sunscreen, Lip Balm, Sun Hat

+Nalgene, Minimum 1.5L

+Climbing Snacks: 100 calories an hour!

+ Buff

+Climbing GlovesLight, Insulated

+Belay GlovesLight, Heavy

EQUIPMENT

+Helmet

+Harness

+Ice Axes

+Crampons

+Quickdraws

+ABD Belay Device

+MBD Belay Device

Bringing any personal climbing gear you have from the above list is encouraged, group gear can be provided by Smile Mountain Guides.

Best Places to Stay:

Ouray Main Street Inn

Great pricing, friendly service and you can have a whole house suite.

Twin Peaks Lodge and Hot Springs

Great atmosphere and hot springs located just off the main street close to the Ouray Ice Park.

Cafes and Restaurants:

The Artisan Bakery & Cafe

The best pastry and cafe spot in town!

The Brickhouse 737

High-end western Americana dining with a good wine selection.

Ouray Brewery

Need a good burger or sandwich? Here you go!

Colorado Boy

Artisan Pizza

Grumpy Pants Brewery

Local pub sporting a great small-town atmosphere and no-fuss beer selection.