About Us

The Ouray Via FerrataFriends of the Ouray Via Ferrata (FOVF) was organized as a non profit 501(c)(3) to execute a plan to install a world class Via Ferrata on property owned by the City of Ouray in the Ice Park gorge. FOVF has obtained all required approvals, raised funds, and contracted with professionals to engineer and install the required improvements.

There are more than 1500 Via Ferrata routes in the world, but currently less than 10 in North America, including Canada. This controlled, but thrilling, sport has proven to be immensely popular in Europe and there is good reason to believe that current conditions will create a surge of interest and participation in the United States. The Uncompahgre Gorge represents a phenomenal opportunity to build a marquee Via Ferrata route. It is a location and prospect that has the potential to make it first class in much the same way as the Ouray Ice Park was when i was introduced.

Forecasts indicate that the construction of a Via Ferrata will be a tremendous boon for the economy of Ouray. Development of this resource will directly and positively impact the fiscal condition of nearly every business, government and citizen in the county. Once complete the improvements will be owned by the City of Ouray. It is anticipated that the use of the course will be treated as the Ice Park, with no fees to users.

Total expenditures by new visitors stimulated by Via Ferrata development should ultimately result in nearly $5 million in new local expenditures, 48 new full time jobs, $145,000 in additional tax revenue, over 4000 additional lodging nights, and nearly $14,000 in new annual LOT revenue.

Upcoming Public Board Meetings

Friends of the Ouray Via Ferrata hosts public board meetings periodically throughout the year. Time & Location details will be updated approximately 1 week prior to the meetings. Below is a list of upcoming Board Meetings in 2022:

  • April 25, 2022 (time & location TBD)
  • June 27, 2022 (time & location TBD)
  • August 29, 2022 (time & location TBD)

FOVF Board of Directors

Nate Disser

Nate Disser

Nate is the Owner/Director of San Juan Mountain Guides. Previously, he also owned Southwest Adventure Guides in Durango, CO before taking over SJMG in 2012 and merging the companies under the SJMG brand. He began guiding in the St. Elias Mountains and has also guided on Mt. Rainier and Denali. He has a BA in Psychology and a BA in Organizational Communications, is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and is AIARE Level 3 Avalanche Certified.

Nate is an IFMGA Mountain Guide / AMGA Certified Ski, Rock & Alpine Guide, the highest level of certification available for guides working in that terrain. Nate has also served on the AMGA Board of Directors 2011 – 2014. He currently serves on the Ouray School Board, and the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team.

Mark Iuppenlatz

Mark Iuppenlatz

Mark Iuppenlatz is Co-Owner and Director of Business Development for San Juan Mountain Guides. He is an avid backcountry skier and former ski instructor for Vail Resorts. He is also a member of the Ouray Mountain Rescue Team, a Ouray County Planning Commissioner, a member of the Civil Air Patrol, a member of the Board of the Ouray Tourism Organization and a certified Wilderness First Responder.

Alan Cook is an FOVF Board Member. A local resident of Ouray County, Alan also owns and operates Hypoxia Crossfit Gym and Hypoxia Window Washing. His diverse outdoor interests include backcountry skiing, via ferrata, and the occasional round of golf.

Sharon is a local resident in the City of Ouray. She owns and operates Wild West Realty and is deeply involved in Ouray Community affairs. Her diverse background is a huge asset to the FOVF Board of Directors.

Chris Hinkson is a longtime local resident of the City of Ouray. She has previously served on the Ouray School Board, Ouray Tourism Organization, as a well as a number of other community minded volunteer groups and non-profits. She is an avid outdoor enthusiast and loves the addition of the Ouray Via Ferrata to the area!

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