Tragedy has struck the ice climbing community of Ouray. A local climbing instructor died while guiding clients in San Juan County last week.
Mark Miller, 50, was guiding clients on an ascent near Eureka last Friday. It’s reported an ice bulge broke when Miller was climbing off-rope causing him to fall to his death.
Miller taught ice climbing for over 20 years. He worked as an instructor for San Juan Mountain Guides.
Last month, Miller spoke to KVNF at the Ouray Ice Festival. He described what he loved about climbing.
"When you first walk up to ice it’s got to be the most aesthetic medium you’ll ever see," he said. "You just see these big blue sheets of all these interesting shapes. And, they change by the day, week, or even sometimes by the hour as the temperature changes."
Miller also worked an emergency responder in Ouray County.
A memorial is being planned for him Wednesday evening at the Ouray Community Center.
