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This Colorado ice playground is a labor of love

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A climber scales one of more than 100 routes in the Uncompahgre Gorge, created artificially by “ice farmers” who spray water down the canyon walls starting in November of every year at Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. (Hart Van Denburg/CPR News)
A climber scales one of more than 100 routes in the Uncompahgre Gorge, created artificially by “ice farmers” who spray water down the canyon walls starting in November of every year at Ouray Ice Park in Ouray, Colorado. Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. (Hart Van Denburg/CPR News)

The Ouray Ice Park in the mountains of Western Colorado is a beloved destination for ice climbers worldwide. It takes a team of so-called 'ice farmers' to turn on the water and maintain the ice canyons each winter.

Colorado Public Radio's Stina Sieg paid a visit to learn about the intricate operation.

This segment aired on March 13, 2024.

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