Catskills Ice Climbing Meetup

Never ice climbed before? That is not a problem in this course! We will get you out on the ice and have you swinging the tools in no time at areas like Stoney Clove, Deep Notch, Moore's Bridge or the Asbestos Wall. You will learn basic movement on ice, how to swing ice climbing tools properly, efficient techniques for travel over snow and ice with crampons and belay commands for correctly ascending and descending ice climbs. This course is a great way to break into ice climbing. Technical climbing equipment provided by Mountain Skills Climbing Guides. We meet at Rock and Snow in New Paltz at 9 AM to go over the waivers and to get geared up at the shop. We then head out to the cliffs. Climbing usually involves a short approach hike to the climbing area. We will then climb until about 4 or 5 PM. *Please meet promptly with your guide(s) at the agreed upon time (the earlier the better). On busy weekends this is very important as parking areas fill quickly. There are a limited number of spots available and late arrival may jeopardize access to your destination.* Winter Gear List: We supply all the technical ice climbing equipment like boots, crampons, and vertical ice axes, but if you have your own gear go ahead and bring it along. The winter list has a lot more to it. Layering is the key to regulating your body temperature during the day. It is not uncommon to be hiking up a steep slope, working hard one minute and standing still belaying the next. Wearing the correct clothing can make or break your memorable day in the mountains. * Alpine day backpack 2,500 to 3,500 cu. in. for carrying all your gear. * Two litters of water, or something warm to drink in a thermos, and food. * Camera, sunglasses, chemical hand-warmers, and a headlamp. * Socks should be synthetic or wool. A synthetic liner sock works under a heavy-weight wool sock. * The long underwear first layer should be a wicking layer, lightweight capilene or silk-weight capilene. * The long underwear second layer should be a heavier weight, insulating layer, such as micro fleece or mid-weight fleece. * The heavy insulating layer over your long underwear, should be a 200 or 300 heavy-weight fleece. * I like to bring along a belay coat, like a down or synthetic down jacket for standing around. * Shell coat and pants should be Gortex or a similar waterproof, breathable material. The recently designed soft shells work well for this. * Hats should be fleece or wool. Neck gaiters or a balaclava work well in extremely cold conditions. * Gloves for ice climbing should have good dexterity so that you are able to handle carabiners, belay devices, and ropes. Gloves will get wet during the day, so bringing along a least two pairs is standard. * Gaiters are great for protecting your pants from your crampons, and for keeping snow out of your boots.