The current state of ice climbing in Colorado

I thought I would post this topic to provide an opportunity for many of the veteran climbers to give their opinions about the current state of ice climbing in our state. I also think this is a better place to question whether the ice conditions thread is to the benefit or detriment of the climbing community than in the thread itself.

Is it really though? I think the OP asks a great question that could spur a positive conversation

I don't feel the troll vibe with this discussion topic. I have been sickened to the point of not even going to the Colorado Ice Conditions thread anymore because of what it has become. I personally would rather see the discussions and rants that have appeared on the conditions thread on this thread. Thanks for posting and I do hope it spurs positive discussion.

Something I would find interesting would be a comparison of current ice climbing in the Boulder and Golden area to what it was like in the 70's and early 80's when there were actually several small ski areas along the Front Range. Or maybe that's a topic for a different thread.

Ok I will bite.

I am not a big fan of ice conditions reports. If you want to know if something is in go drive, hike and take a look or talk with climbers. That is how many of us still find out if climbs are in and climbable.

Like many others I feel ice conditions reports lead to overcrowding. As soon as it is posted that an ice climb is in it turns into a feeding frenzy and the climb quickly becomes hacked out and difficult to get on because of crowding.

Many people seem to share your sentiments. Personally, a lot of the ice I see pictures posted of is beyond my ability level. However admittedly I've visited a new place or two this season mainly because of conditions reports.

I've found the volume of negative commentary in the conditions thread really annoying frankly. It is actually kind of discouraging just seeing complaint after complaint. However I also sympathize with people who notice an increase in traffic on a favorite route because a conditions report was posted.

Spray spray spray.....

Conditions thread that start in August give me a break.....with jack offs posting pictures of themselves dry tooling in their home........really how is that about anything but the person posting

This is about who has the biggest tool to bring to the climb then they climb it take a few pictures and post about how great it was

Hence the folks that would rather just hike in climb it and keep quiet.....

That is not what the conditions thread is about...

It's about wanna bees surviving their walk around top rope adventure....

But whatever I stopped ice climbing in Colordo years ago........

Cause a stepped out staircase isn't ice climbing....

But whatever......

I hadn't ice climbed in about 18 years prior to last weekend. My son wanted to try it, so we went to Ouray, rented gear and hit the ice park. A lot has changed since I last hit the ice-lots more people out there than there used to be.
Can't complain too much, since I was part of the crowd but it was hard to get on a route there & I hear most of the more well known ice climbing locations in CO are really crowded these days.

I don't know how much the internet/MP has to do with the increased popularity of the sport but I can certainly understand climbers wanting things a little less publicized.

More places like Ouray Ice park would help absorb some of the demand for climbable ice but might backfire by making ice climbing moere easily accessable. IDK...

Climbing, rock or ice, has really grown in popularity since I started 40+ years ago but I don't know that there is much anyone can do to change that. The days of having a crag to yourself are long gone