February is a great time to visit Ouray County.
The snow is soft and perfect for sledding, the ice is excellent for climbing, and the evenings are such a peaceful time for soaking in the mineral hot springs and enjoying a quiet relaxing getaway. The Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs continually strives to be not only your favorite choice for lodging in Ouray, but also your most cherished home away from home.
Bring your true love to see us this month for a wonderful Romantic night away, or bring the kids for a weekend of ice climbing, sledding and ice skating, followed by a soothing soak in our mineral hot springs tubs. Winter activities abound!
Saturday, February 4, 2012 – 10:00 pm to 1:00 am - Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
After a fantastic meal of Fried Pickles and Shepherd’s Pie, dance the night away to the soulful sounds of Tony Rosario and the Blue Heelers!
Friday, February 10, 2012 – 1 pm to 7 pm – Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 10:00 am to 7:00 pm - Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Saturday, February 11, 2012 – 10:00pm to 1:00 am – Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
Saturday nights are definitely a great time at O’Brien’s! After dinner, get ready to dance away those calories to the musical mixes of DJ Sunday Smith!
Sunday, February 12, 2012 10:00 am to 3:00 pm - Winter Arts & Crafts Festival at the Ouray Community Center
Spend an afternoon or an entire weekend enjoying this three day event featuring the talents of local artists. Admission is free, with a Silent Auction at which to bid on your favorite pieces!
Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm – Valentine’s Day Rodeo & Juliet at the Wright Opera House
Take your sweetie out for an evening of music and fun at the Wright Opera House! Enjoy the sweet soul harmonies of Rodeo and Juliet at this Valentine’s Day concert sure to be a night to remember.
Saturday, February 18, 2012 - 10:00pm to 1:00 am – Live Music at O’Brien’s Pub & Grill
Join the O’Brien’s crew for another awesome Saturday night of frivolity, dancing away to the musical styling of local favorite Funkdafari!
Don’t forget! Valentine’s Day can be every day in Ouray! Celebrate the month of romance in one of the most picturesque places on earth! Let us help you create an adventure to last a lifetime!
Weehawken Creative Arts Centers offers a plethora of learning and fun to Ouray County!
Filling a void in Ouray County for years now, Weehawken Creative Arts centers is a non-profit organization that seems to have encompassed all that defines this small County in Southwest Colorado. From visual arts to horticulture, this organization defines the arts based on the needs and interests of its community. Ballet, Poetry and culinary classes abound, as well as photography and woodworking. Zumba Dance classes are held daily, and Karate for adults and children offer opportunities for the community to express themselves while getting a great workout!
Of course, in addition to traditional dance and acting classes, one cannot forget the beauty of the area all around. Recognizing this, in conjunction with San Juan Mountain Guides, Weehawken is offering several Outdoor Winter Workshops. Beginning this weekend and operating through March, celebrate the beauty of the San Juans while participating in one of these four hour courses designed to open your eyes to the fantastic world of Ouray Sports.
Intro to Ice Climbing for Adults:
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January 22, 2012, February 26, 2012, and March 16, 2012 9am to 1pm for Adults ages 16 and up
Have you often wanted to try this sport, but felt intimidated by the ice? This is a four hour course designed to teach the basics of ice climbing. The course will include instruction on crampon and ice tools use, introductory movement skills for ice, and basic top-rope belay skills. This is an excellent way for individuals to get a taste of ice climbing, learn some fundamental techniques, and experience the Ouray Ice Park. All equipment and boots are included in the course tuition. Students need their own appropriate winter clothing.
Price Member: $60.00
Non-member: $66.00
Introduction to Ice Climbing for Youth:
January 23, 2012, February 5, 2012 and March 9, 2012 9am to 1pm for ages 11-17
A great way for the young ones to learn the basics of Ice Climbing in a safe environment. This is a four hour course designed to teach the basics of ice climbing. The course will include instruction on crampon and ice tools use, introductory movement skills for ice, and basic top-rope belay skills. This is an excellent way for individuals to get a taste of ice climbing, learn some fundamental techniques, and experience the Ouray Ice Park. All equipment and boots are included in the course tuition. Students need their own appropriate winter clothing.
Price Member: $60.00
Non-member: $66.00
Introduction to Backcountry Ski Touring:
January 21, 2012, February 25, 2012 and March 17, 2012 9am to 3pm for ages 16 and up
Backcountry Skiing is one of the most exhilarating ways to experience the Uncompahgres in the winter, however, as with all outdoor activities, it is a good idea to know the fundamentals of safety and equipment. This will be a one day introduction to the fundamentals of backcountry skiing in the San Juans. It will include instruction in ski equipment selection and usage, basic snow and avalanche recognition skills, avalanche transceiver use, ski technique for uphill and downhill travel, and tour selection and planning. This is an intensive intro session. Field session will occur on Red Mountain Pass. All ski and avalanche equipment is included. Students need their own appropriate winter clothing.
Price Member: $60.00
Non-member: $66.00
So come on up to Ouray for the weekend, and experience the great outdoors while learning a new awesome sport, then come home to the soothing mineral hot springs tubs at the Box Canyon!
Ouray Colorado: A Place for Scenic Drives and Tours
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Ouray's spectacular location in Southwest Colorado is at the core of numerous celebrated tour routes. A fantastic way to see and experience the natural beauty and cultural history of Colorado is through scenic drives. Plan your tour to start, end, or stop over in Ouray and take advantage of our numerous amenities.
Ouray Hotel offers great Romance Package this February.
February has been lauded as the month of romance for ages.
At the Box Canyon Lodge & Hot Springs in Ouray Colorado, everyday can be Valentines Day! It is difficult to find a more romantic setting than soaking in our barrel tubs on the hillside. Winter brings an additional air of romance; the sureal beauty of a snowy night soaking in 108 degree waters is an experience every lover should share, as if they are the only people on earth, surrounded by a world of steam and stars.
Join us this month and enjoy a truly romantic escape for just $199.00. The package includes one night lodging in one of our lovely guest rooms, a personal Romance basket full of naughty and nice goodies, and dinner for two at the Bon Ton Restaurant, including two cocktails.
Begin your secluded getaway with an early check in. Delight in the surprises hidden in the personal gift basket waiting for you and your special someone to explore in your beautiful guest room.
Visit our movie library for the perfect romantic comedy or drama and enjoy an afternoon of relaxation, or revel in the many winter activities right outside your door!
As the evening progresses, share a delectable dinner for two at the Bon Ton restaurant and celebrate your perfect romantic evening any day of the week! Come home to the Box Canyon for one last soak, and a restful night with your love.
Call now and arrange for the romantic evening you and your loved one deserve!
A Winter Wonderland of Adventure awaits in beautiful Ouray, Colorado!
Hot Springs:
Centuries before the white man arrived, the Tabeguache Ute, a nomadic band, traveled to this idyllic setting in the summer months to hunt the abundant forest game and to soak in what they called “sacred miracle waters”. Even then, they knew the springs that simmer beneath much of Ouray were therapeutic. In fact, the town’s original name was “Uncompahgre”, the Ute word for “hot water springs”. Today, the natural hot springs in Ouray still draw visitors for their reputed healing abilities. Here at the Box Canyon Lodge, our natural hot springs come out of the ground at 140°. We then feed it into our redwood hot tubs at a more comfortable temperature, between 103°-109°, depending on the time of year.
Sledding:
The local children’s sledding hill, known as Vinegar Hill, has been Ouray’s sledding hill for over 100 years. It is located on the east side of town between Fifth and Sixth Avenue. The top and bottom of Fifth Street, between these two avenues, is blocked off with hay bales to driving traffic. In addition to this in-town sledding hill, a short drive from Ouray in either direction offers unlimited sledding in some of the most spectacular mountains you’ll ever see. If you didn’t bring a sled you can purchase an inexpensive plastic one from several of Ouray’s shops. For the more serious thrill seeker, check out Ouray Mountain Sports for handmade wooden sleds from Silverton. A large piece of cardboard works well too!
Ice Climbing:
Ouray is ranked as one of the most popular locations for ice climbing in the world. Not only do the surrounding mountains provide numerous spectacular ice-climbing routes, Ouray has the only ice park where a mile of farmed ice is available to climbers right in the city limits, easily accessible and free to all who enjoy this exciting sport. With the accessibility of the Ouray Ice Park, more Ouray visitors are walking to the park and watching the climbers from the bridges and also from the stands built for this purpose along the top of the Uncompahgre Gorge. Climbers are usually in the park throughout the day but typically start early. CAUTION: Be sure to dress warmly and stay away from both the climbing area and edge of the gorge. There are a number of world-class outfitters who live in the Ouray area. If you are interested in learning how to ice climb, San Juan Mountain Guides offers guided instruction for individuals or groups. If this sport is new to you consider staying in Ouray for several days and including ice climbing lessons with your other outdoor activities. For more information on the Ouray Ice Park consider buying “The Ouray Ice Park Guide” by local mountaineers Vince Anderson and Cindy Williams. It is available at local stores in Ouray or at amazon.com.
Ice Skating:
The Ouray ice skating rink is located at Rotary Park, approximately one mile north of the Hot Springs Pool, and offers some amazing mountain views during the day, as well as the opportunity for some serious star gazing at night! The rink is typically open from late December throughout the winter as long as winter temperatures remain cold enough to maintain ice. So bring your skates and enjoy the fun atmosphere of an outdoor ice rink. Or, pick up a game of “broom ball” with some of the locals. The rink is maintained by the City of Ouray and a cadre of volunteers. There is a small warming hut located at the rink. Lights at the rink allow for skating in the cold and silent hours of a winter evening with stars shining above.
Cross Country Skiing and Snow Shoeing:
Opportunities for winter sports activities abound in and around Ouray. Within walking distance of town, numerous trails provide cross-country skiing and snow-shoeing access, or just hiking, to take in the special charm of our beautiful valley blanketed in snow. A short drive in either direction will open up more challenging winter backcountry terrain along with miles of groomed Nordic track, or, slip on a pair of snowshoes and explore miles of untouched powder in the backcountry of the San Juan Mountains. When winter comes to stay, many of our summer hiking trails are transformed into magnificent trails through spruce forests. You can really work up an appetite on some of the longer trails so pack a picnic and a thermos of hot cocoa to rejuvenate. Snowshoe and Cross Country Ski rentals are available in Ouray at Ouray Mountain Sports on Main Street.
Experience the splendor of the Uncompahgre Mountains in the winter with us. We guarantee you will never want to leave this Christmas Card perfect town!
Ring in the New Year in a winter wonderland full of adventure in Southwest Colorado!
The villages of Ouray and Ridgway Colorado have several things to do during January that may inspire a winter visit to our picturesque towns. In addition to this list of scheduled events in Ouray County, you can also enjoy relaxation at our hotel's very own natural hot springs and indulge yourself and a partner in a romantic winter weekend getawayor a casual weekday escape. These types of impulsive Colorado getaways serve as cabin fever preventatives and rejuvenate people for the remainder of the winter.
Thursday, January 5 through Sunday, January 8, 2012: Ouray Ice Festival
17th Annual Ice climbing festival and competition! Whether you are a climbing enthusiast, or prefer to watch these skilled atheletes from the viewing areas above, the Ouray Ice Festival offers breathtaking entertainment for all! addition to climbing competitions, a free kids’ climbing college, a free walk-up trail wall for adults, interactive Climbing Clinics for all experience levels, sponsor tents full of the latest gear to try out with a gear card, a food court and more!
Friday, January 6, 2012: Funkdafari Live at O'Brien's Pub
Telluride's Funkdafari will play live over Ice Fest weekend.
Friday, January 13, 2012: Live Music at O'Brien's Pub
Enjoy a night of music and fun at O'Briens Pub!
Saturday, January 14, 2012, 11:00 AM at Ouray Rotary Park: Ouray Parks & Rec Flat Ice Festival
Icy fun, food & beverages. Don’t have skates? No problem, the Ouray Hot Springs Pool will once again be renting ice skates this season.
Pick up new supplies at the silent auction and enjoy a thrilling slideshow hosted by a surprise guest! The $5.00 entrance fee and proceeds from the auction go to local womens shelters and the Ouray Ice Park.
Saturday, January 21, 2012, 6:00 PM: Prime Rib Dinner and Live Entertainment at the Ouray Elks Lodge
Enjoy a served prime rib dinner with all the trimmings, followed by live entertainment, all for just $20! This event is open to the public, and was a big hit last year, so RSVP early to Jim Pettengill, 626-4239. A limited number of unreserved meals will be available.
Saturday, January 21, 2012, 10:00 PM: Live Music at O'Brien's Pub
Live music and dancing at O'Brien's Pub!
Saturday, January 28, 2012, 10:00 PM: Live Music at O'Brien's Pub
Live music and dancing at O'Brien's Pub!
Sunday, January 29, 2012, 7:30 PM: Mountaineer Opera at the Wright Opera House
A wonderful night of music and entertainment.
Funkdafari
Reagrdless of your interests, Ouray and Ridgway provide a Winter Getaway to remember! Come relax and enjoy for a bit with us!
New Years Eve culminates with fireworks at Midnight over the town. Relax in our soothing mineral hot springs over the New Year and know that Ouray Colorado dishes up some divine culinary options should you desire some perfect vacation getaway at an affordable price. The following list outlines the dining choices on these two days filled with fun and merriment:
Saturday, December 31, 2011: New Years Eve:
Beaumont Hotel New Year’s Eve Dinner Party: 7:00 pm - A fantastic four course surf and turf dinner served in the Grand Ballroom. Reservations required - $49.99 per person.
The Buen Tiempo New Year’s Dinner - Open 5:30pm - close. They serve the best Mexican food and margaritas this side of Santa Fe! Entrees include such items as Carne Adovada, Camarones (spicy grilled shrimp), Carne Asada, Chile Rellenos, Spinach Enchiladas with Blue Corn Tortillas, Vegetarian Quesadilla and Huevos Rancheros.
New Year’s Eve Dinner at the Bon Ton: 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm – Enjoy a marvelous dinner at the Bon Ton Restaurant, featuring a special New Year’s Eve menu, as well as options off of the menu!
New Year’s Eve Dinner and Party at the Outlaw Restaurant: 5:00 pm to Midnight – Join the folks at the Outlaw for an evening of incredible food and fun as you wait for the fireworks at midnight!
Ouray Elks New Year’s Eve Party: 6:00 pm - For the small cover charge of $5.00 per person; join the Elks Lodge in ringing in the New Year! Karaoke starts at 7:00 pm, with finger food and drink specials all night long!
New Year’s Eve at O’Briens Pub: All night til 2:00 am – Join DJ Smith for an evening of fun and festivity ringing in the New Year!
Live Music New Year’s Eve at the Ouray Brewery: 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm – Live music with James Patterson at the Brewery on New Year’s Eve! Jam with your friends until 9:00 pm, then mosey on out to one of the other fantastic celebrations!
Ouray County Fair Board’s 2011 New Year’s Eve Fundraising Gala: 7:00 pm – Doors open at 7:00 pm, and the dancing begins at 8:00 pm! A Silent Auction will run from 7:00 – 8:00 pm, with two ways to ring in the New Year! At 10:00 pm a live news feed will show the ball drop, and then at midnight, you can step out to see the fireworks above Ouray! Complimentary champagne is included with dinner. $35.00 per person, or a table for 8 is $30.00 per person (when all tickets are purchased at the same time).
Sunday, January 1, 2012, New Years Day
Backstreet Bistro - Open 7am - 5pm. Warm, fresh coffee, homemade bagels and pastries, and sandwiches as well as a full breakfast menu with pancakes, bacon, sausages, eggs, omelets, and skillets. A very yummy way to treat yourself the morning after!
New Year’s Brunch at the Beaumont: 10:30 am to 2:00 pm – Ring in the New Year with a wonderful Brunch Buffet, including prime rib, Eggs Benedict, and assorted breakfast and lunch item, with Bloody Mary and Mimosa specials. $22.99 per person. Reservations recommended.
New Year’s Day Brunch at the Bon Ton: 9:30 pm to 1:00 pm – This New Year, enjoy a decadent brunch menu, with specialty coffee drinks, Mimosas and more!
The Bon Ton Restaurant Dinner: 5:30 Reservations recommended. A delicious and intimate dining choice where you can experience upscale casual dining with an Italian flair, serving prime Angus steaks, fresh seafood and pasta, complemented by a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and Martini bar. Typically Christmas Eve features a traditional menu in addition to their daily fare.
The Buen Tiempo - Open 5:30pm They serve the best Mexican food and margaritas this side of Santa Fe! Entrees include such items as Carne Adovada, Camarones (spicy grilled shrimp), Carne Asada, Chile Rellenos, Spinach Enchiladas with Blue Corn Tortillas, Vegetarian Quesadilla and Huevos Rancheros.
O'Briens Pub: 11am - close. Offering homemade Irish-American cuisine and a full bar, including Guinness on tap. The menu includes Irish Eggrolls, Scottish Eggs, Guiness Stew, Fish & Chips and other Irish specialties.
Outlaw Restaurant: 5:00 pm – Steak, Seafood and Pasta dishes fit for a king in this great little restaurant filled with historical pictures and featuring John Wayne’s Hat!
We would love to make your reservations and ensure a delightful stay in Ouray Colorado. Add Ouray CO to your 2011 Getaway Wish List!
Relax in our soothing mineral hot springs over Christmas and know that Ouray Colorado dishes up some divine culinary options should you desire some perfect vacation getaway at an affordable price. The following list outlines the dining choices on these two remarkable days:
Christmas Eve Dining Options:
On Christmas Eve in Ouray, there will be plenty of dining options all day long but when the sun sets and the town prepares for Santa's arrival, these restaurants will keep serving holiday cheer.
The Bon Ton Restaurant - Open 5:30pm - close. Reservations recommended. A delicious and intimate dining choice where you can experience upscale casual dining with an Italian flair, serving prime Angus steaks, fresh seafood and pasta, complemented by a Wine Spectator award-winning wine list, and Martini bar. Typically Christmas Eve features a traditional menu in addition to their daily fare.
The Buen Tiempo - Open 5:30pm - close. They serve the best Mexican food and margaritas this side of Santa Fe! Entrees include such items as Carne Adovada, Camarones (spicy grilled shrimp), Carne Asada, Chile Rellenos, Spinach Enchiladas with Blue Corn Tortillas, Vegetarian Quesadilla and Huevos Rancheros.
Bulows Bistro - Open 11am - 9pm. Bulows is in the Beaumont Hotel. They offer a casual menu in a warm and inviting Bistro. The European setting offers a secluded cozy feel and is easily accessed right off of Main Street or through the hotel lobby.
O'Briens Pub - Open 11am - close. Offering homemade Irish-American cuisine and a full bar, including Guinness on tap. The menu includes Irish Eggrolls, Scottish Eggs, Guiness Stew, Fish & Chips and other Irish specialties.
Ouray Brewery - Open 11am - 9pm. This brewery features an interesting menu -- a combination of bar food and gluton and vegetarian options as well as a few specialties of the chef. They carry 3-5 different brews at any one time and serve tasting flights.
Christmas Day
Backstreet Bistro - Open 7am - 2pm. Warm, fresh coffee, homemade bagels and pastries, and sandwiches as well as a full breakfast menu with pancakes, bacon, sausages, eggs, omelets, and skillets. A very yummy way to treat yourself after presents!
The Beaumont Hotel - Open with three seatings at , 2:30pm and 5pm. The Beaumont will be serving a scrumptious buffet in the Grand Ballroom. Seating will be limited so reservations are recommended. Menu: Prime Rib, Ham, and Turkey carving stations, with all of the traditional Holiday dishes you may expect. $39.99 adult/ $16.99 child.
The Outlaw Restaurant - Open 5pm - close. Enjoy their Special Holiday Menu on Christmas Day or order from their complete menu of aged steaks, prime rib, crab, lobster, vegetarian options and kids menu.
We would love to make your reservations and ensure a delightful stay in Ouray Colorado. Add Ouray CO to your holiday Wish List!
The Ouray Ice Park opens for the 2012 season on December 17th.
For close to 30 years, Ouray has been one of the best kept secrets for ideal ice climbing conditions. In 1992, when Eric Jacobsen, who had purchased some property in a bankruptcy auction made arrangements with Ouray County to lease the land for recreational purposes. The amount of the lease? $1.00 per year, with an insurance umbrella which would allow the public free use of this area.
In the fall of 1994, Bill Whitt, Gary Wild and Mike O'Donnell, using garden hoses and other household items, created the first farmed climbs in the Uncompahgre Gorge.
The next couple of years, Ice climbing enthusiasts began to flow into the sleepy winter town to try out the park. By 1997, Ouray Ice Park Inc was created to better organize the number of volunteers and materials needed to develop the Ouray Ice Park into the world famous climbing venue it is today.
With climbs ranging from extreme for the most seasoned climber, to the Kids Wall, a specially developed 40 foot high, 140 foot wide slab of ice specifically designed for training children ages 8 to 88 it is hard to believe that all of this was made possible by the generosity of so many volunteers!
With training classes provided by some of the top climbers of our generation, the San Juan Mountain Guides have outdone themselves yet again.
This year, SJMG is once again offering an interactive Ice Climbing class for children ages 8-17. The 2012 Kids Climbing College is a free class hosted by San Juan Mountain Guides, and sponsored by the Ouray Ice Park, and all of the necessary equipment is provided. All your young ones need to bring are warm clothes, (ski clothes are great) gloves, a hat, and a grownup to sign paperwork! Each 2 to 3 hour class is on a first come, first serve basis, and is a fantastic opportunity for young people to be introduced to this fabulous sport!
Parking is available at the park, in designated areas, or just walk up to the park from the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs! The walk back is a great way to revisit all you have learned as you prepare to relax in the mineral hot spring tubs, a perfect way to finish a great day!
The Kids wall is located at the Upper Bridge of the Ouray Ice Park.
2012 Interactive Ice Climbing For Kids Class Schedule:
Monday December 26, 2011 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
Saturday January 7, 2012 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Sunday January 8, 2012 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Sunday February 12, 2012 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm
SANTA DELIVERS!
A CHRISTMAS TRADITION IN OURAY FOR OVER 75 YEARS!
On December 10, 2011, Santa came to town riding in not his traditional sleigh, but atop a firetruck destined for the Ouray Elks Lodge! Santa and Mrs. Claus spent several hours visiting with local children of all ages, gathering information for Christmas. Of course, Santa is a very busy fellow this time of year, but has yet to forget a child. Especially in Ouray!
Every Christmas Eve, the Ouray Elks Lodge brings smiles and gifts to the children of Ouray County. During your visit over Christmas to the Box Canyon Lodge and Hot Springs we invite you to take part in this Ouray Christmas tradition. Please give us a call at 800-327-5080, or send us an email, letting us know the names, ages, and gender of the children staying with you over Christmas Eve. We will contact the Ouray Elks Lodge with your information and arrange for Santa to drop by your room and hand out gifts and treats for the children. You can even arrange to leave gifts here in the lobby that you would like Santa to deliver for you.
If you do not have reservations for this holiday, we still have some availability. We love having you here!
