Day Trips
Ice Climbing

Scale Frozen Waterfalls for Beautiful Winter Views!

Few things compare to this: climbing a mountain face with other adventuresome New Yorkers, exploring a vertical ice flow high in the crisp winter air!

When ice climbing you will be harnessed and belayed with ropes, while scaling features such as icefalls, frozen waterfalls and cliffs and rock slabs covered with ice refrozen from flows of water. Ascend to an icy perch by anchoring your ice axe above and planting your crampons snuggly in the ice. This great workout will be even more exhilarating as you learn new climbing skills in the midst of snow drifts and beautiful hanging icicles.

You can change your course over the day, as you gain skills and confidence. You will learn equipment usage, climbing techniques, rappelling and safety steps and you will have ample time to put it all to use. We will spend a full 5-6 hours learning and climbing. This trip is appropriate for avid climbers as well as first-timers as we will have a number of courses and climbing guides to coach each ability level.

All technical gear is provided: ice boots, crampons, helmet, ice axes.

Event Intensity Level

This trip is Intensity Level 3. Read a full description of all levels.

Event Details

• Depart 7:15 AM Please arrive at 7:00 AM for check-in. Our trips leave on time!
• Return Approximately 7:00 PM
• Departure/Return Location Northeast corner of 73rd Street and Broadway. Meet in front of Apple Bank (Subways to 72nd Street: 1,2,3).
• Bring Please click the Pack List tab above for what to wear and pack; bring your own lunch and water.
• Includes All technical equipment, but you may also bring your own (crampons, helmet, ice axe), transportation in 15-passenger van, climbing insurance, taxes and roadside tolls.
• Please indicate your gender and shoe size in the Comments box on the checkout page!

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About the Guides

We climb with an AMGA-accredited rock climbing school based in New York’s Shawangunk mountains, affectionately known to climbers as “The Gunks.” This company was created to help aspiring climbers learn how to climb safely while fostering a sense of awareness about the natural environments that climbers visit.

Our climbing guides provide an introduction to the vertical environment for beginners and help experienced climbers hone their skills and pick up a few more. Our guides are highly experienced professionals licensed by New York State. We have climbed extensively throughout North America as well as in some of the finest crags around the world. Rock climbing is our passion, and we bring our experience and enthusiasm to every client each day. We pride ourselves on having a staff that is sensitive to your needs, we teach with patience, and we never forget that your safety is our number-one priority.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

How to make the most of your adventure

What’s Included

All technical gear: ice boots, crampons, helmet, ice axes

Bring

• Backpack, lunch, water, money for snacks
• Water bottle, two quarts. Must be a non-glass container and have insulated parkas to keep water from freezing. A thermos is a great idea. Hot Jello (liquid) is a great thing to have in your thermos!
• Food: energy bars, sandwiches, snacks, etc. Something that can be eaten on the go.

Wear

Be prepared to be out moving and standing outdoors in temperatures from 35 degrees to below freezing. Keep in mind that in the winter “cotton kills.” Be sure to wear clothing made out of synthetic materials. Wool is a good choice, but it gets heavy when wet and is not as warm as fleece. Down is a great insulator—just be sure to keep it dry! Use a layering system that consists of the following:

• A wicking first layer: capilene, bergaline, thermal dynamics, polypro, etc.
• A lightweight insulating layer - micro fleece, 100-weight fleece, expd. weight Capilene.
• A heavier insulating layer - 200 or 300 weight polartec, or down.
• A large insulated parka to go over all the clothes you have on to keep you warm while you are belaying is highly recommended.
• A protective waterproof/breathable outerlayer - Gore-Tex, Sympa-Tex, etc.
• Two different weight hats or balaclavas. Especially a thin one to wear under the helmet.
• Don’t forget to use the layering system with your mitt/glove combos. Bring at least three pairs or gloves or mittens. Your hands will get wet!
• A synthetic liner sock under your heavy wool or synthetic sock. Bring extra pairs.
• Goggles and a face mask if the temperature is going to be really cold. The goggles can also be used to protect your face from ice while climbing.
• High gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.
• Optional Any personal medications you may need and a camera.

Experienced, Fun & Qualified Guides

From cycling across the United States to leading horse treks through New Zealand to scaling Nepalese peaks, Outdoor Bound guides have real-world outdoor experience. Collectively, they have hiked, biked, climbed and kayaked tens of thousands of miles around the globe.

Whether their professional backgrounds are as teachers, personal trainers, artists, environmentalists or business leaders, they all have an extensive knowledge of the natural world and local history. Each guide has also passed a rigorous guide certification program and is trained in wilderness first aid or as a Wilderness First Responder.

Diverse & Interesting Groups

There is no typical Outdoor Bound participant. While ages typically range from 20 to 50, those who come to experience outdoor adventure range from singles to couples, from lawyers to waiters. They are a mix of women and men. While the group is always diverse, you will certainly feel welcome. Our guides go the extra mile to make the atmosphere of each trip social and fun. Many people in the Outdoor Bound community have forged lasting friendships as a result of our trips.

New Experiences

Skydiving, ice-climbing, hot-air ballooning, skiing and hiking every weekend are just a few of Outdoor Bound’s year-round adventures. These trips are accessible to everyone, including the novice, who might feel a little uneasy, the young urban professional trying to get away and even the adrenaline junkie looking for a new rush.

Environmental Awareness

“Leave nothing but footprints, take nothing but pictures,” is the Leave No Trace motto embraced by Outdoor Bound. From purchasing bamboo T-shirts to printing with soy-based inks on recycled paper, Outdoor Bound strives to create the least environmental impact possible while on trips and in the office.

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