Ascent Notes for: Ames Ice Hose - WI5 Average Rating : 4.50/5

The ice was in and nice. We belayed the first pitch at the rap chains then climbed up and right of the fat upper ice wall to belay. There seems to be less ice fall at that point. There is a old pin and opportunities for gear to belay.

Climbed with Mike Soucy under really fat conditions. Was an awesome day of ice climbing!

Really Fat! Lead all the pitches.

can be done in 3 pitches

Best ice climb in Colorado.

Four hours of post holing through fresh snow on the approach & full conditions on route. No ice on the first pitch, sketchy gear, M5-6. Had to bail off the easy(er) ice at the top in the dark. We have to try again next year!

Difficulty: M6
Protection: Stubbie screws, maybe wires and small cams if first pitch isn't ice.
Description: Very aesthetic, WI 5 or sketchy M6 on the first 100 'pitch depending. Second pitch is stellar as well, thin runnel of ice with stemming off opposing walls from time to time and sort of inspiring screws. Third pitch is fat 200 ' of blue WI4 that seems to go on forever. Stay out from under your leader on this bit by moving the belay waaay to the right and out of the line of fire. Very popular, so don't even think about it during the chicks w/picks gig or the Ouray Ice Festival. Rappel on climbers left.

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Got hit on the face by a block of ice when looking up at my tool during the 2nd pitch. Warning: climbers above may dislodge stuff! Saw stars and black and then blood on the ice. Continued the route to the end!

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