Arc’teryx Athlete Will Gadd climbs vertical ice for 24 hours at the Ouray Ice Festival to raise money and awareness for the dZi Foundation. Get a behind the scenes look at his physical preparation and the grueling 24 hour event.

January’s Ouray Ice Festival this year featured Arc’teryx’s Athlete Will Gadd climbing vertical ice for 24 to raise money and awareness for the dZi Foundation. Will is known as being one of the most versatile outdoor athletes in the world. He is an especially accomplished Ice Climber and mountaineer. His creativity, drive and aggressive style has enabled him to win the 2000 Ice World Cup Overall. He has made several benchmark first ascents on routes such as Musashi (M12), Howse of Cards (1100 Meters, VI, WI6X, M7), Great Western (2000 meters, V, WI5, M7), and the first one day ascent of Mount Robson.

Next years 16th annual Ouray Ice Festival is right around the corner. The dates this year are Thursday, January 6th through Sunday, January 9th, 2011. The Festival will have several great speakers in there lineup this year including local favorite Chad Peele and the Canadian legend Barry Blanchard. Conrad Anker will also be unveiling his fantastic full length feature film on the search for George Mallory’s remains on Mount Everest.

This year’s party lineup consists of:

• Thursday Night – Jason Nelson and Chad Peele
• Friday Night – Zoe Hart, Sam Elias and Emily Harrington
• Saturday Night – Conrad Anker movie “The Wildest Dream”
• Sunday Night – Barry Blanchard
• And lots of climbing…

The Ouray Ice Festival is 100% locally owned and operated by Ouray Ice Park, Inc., and is a major source of funding for the Ouray Ice Park. All proceeds go directly to the operation and maintenance of the Park.

Follow Will Gadd on his latest venture on a steep ice line on Teng Kangpoche in the Khumbu region of Himalayan Nepal. Follow the action at:  http://www.icelinenepal.com

Enjoy