JANUARY CALENDAR OF EVENTS 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 getaway or a casual weekday escape. These types of impulsive Colorado getaways serve as cabin fever preventatives and rejuvenate people for the remainder of the winter. January 5: Digital Point and Shoot Photography workshop: This class is for you regardless of your level of experience. Learn the full power of your digital point and shoot camera. This class is perfect for learning the basics of operating your camera and for artists that work in other mediums like painters that want to capture images from which to work. Topics covered will include how the camera works, your cameras features, composition for photography, and getting your digital images to print form. The class is taught by Rich Durnan a local Ridgway photographer, who has many awards and accolades to his name. Sign up through Weehawken Creative Arts by calling (970) 318-0150. January 6-9: The Ouray Ice Festival kicks off on January 6th. This event lasts for 3 days and includes a climbing competition, clinics for all skill levels, speakers, slideshows and fundraising events. This event is the premier fundraising opportunity for the Ouray Ice Park, the largest ice climbing facility of its kind in the world. Even if you do not climb, it is a wonderful time to come to Ouray and watch these amazing athletes hanging off the edge of the ice. January 7: Big'Ns is back! Come listen to the hottest Irish Rock band from Pagosa Springs, starting at 9:30pm at O'Briens Pub. January 8, 15, 22, and 29: Free Fly Tying seminar Saturdays from 10:00am - 12:00pm at RIGS in Ridgway: In addition to Free Fly Tying Seminars, the Fly Section at the Shop has also expanded its new tying materials section to be the most comprehensive in the region. Every thing from new hook styles to the latest and greatest in dubbing, beads, tools and tackle. January 9: Kids Climbing College: 10am at the Kids Wall. There will be four ropes set up with four San Juan Mountain Guides on staff to instruct the kids on safety and on how to climb ice. Two ropes will be dedicated to pre-registrants while the other two ropes will be dedicated to "walk'up" customers. All necessary climbing equipment will be provided along with hot chocolate, but please have your future ice climbing stars dressed warmly! January 14-17: Chicks with Picks: women's ice climbing clinics whereby women teach women the techniques and the sport of ice climbing. There are different levels of clinics from never-ever climbers to very advanced. January 15: Moonlight ski at Ironton. The Ouray Nordic Council sponsors this event. Details have not been finalized but generally, there is a meeting point in Ouray and then folks head out together to Ironton to enjoy some track time. Please contact the hotel for exact information. January 25-29: Chicks with Picks: women's ice climbing clinics whereby women teach women the techniques and the sport of ice climbing. There are different levels of clinics from never-ever climbers to very advanced. January 25, February 1, 8, 15, 22: Digital SLR Photography Basics : Learn essential photographic skills such as familiarization with your camera's controls and composition while you will learn how much fun you can have with your camera. This class has been expanded to five evenings and is for beginners and intermediates who want to increase their knowledge of manual SLR camera operation and still photo creation. The course includes an in depth look at how digital cameras work, use of essential controls, and composition. Weekly assignments provide an opportunity for students to critique and learn from each others work. This class is taught by Rich Durnan. Classes will be in Ridgway, 6:30 to 8:30 PM. Sign up through Weehawken Creative Arts by calling (970) 318-0150. | 
