New Ice climber here. I've done some glacier climbing and have my own equipment now. I'm going to be in ouray for the four days leading up to the festival, as well as the festival itself. Can anyone recommend a good guide for the first four days? Also, what can I expect from the event? Boozing? Music? Weather?

Any insight will be most helpful.

Check out James Turner. You'll get up whatever
you want.

Skyward Mountaineering.

San Juan has some great guys( I must admit I work there) and has all the great permits.

As for the fest expect a crowded little town with lots of things to do. It can feel like a big party if you are hanging with that crew. Music would be sweet but it's more of a slideshow every night kinda of event which most people seem to really dig. Overall it's a lot of fun and a great event not to be missed.

Yikes, this is pretty expensive. Do these guys have group packages?

I think there is a guy by the name of Steve House that guides down there. You might want to look him up, he has climbed a few things in his life.