Day Trips
Ice Climbing

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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 securely 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. Please carefully read the Pack List tab (above) for what to wear and bring with you.

Event Intensity Level

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

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Event Details

  • Depart 7:15 AM Please arrive at 7:00 AM for check-in
  • Return Approximately 7:00 PM
  • Departure/Return Location Northeast corner of 73rd Street and Broadway. Meet in front of Apple Bank.
  • 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.
  • Please indicate your gender and shoe size in the comments box on the checkout page.

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About the Guides

On your ice climbing trip, you will be led by professional climbing guides, dedicated to providing safe and educational adventures. To ensure your trip is safe as well as successful, the guides are certified by American Mountain Guide Association. AMGA only certifies individuals who demonstrate the highest level of knowledge and ability in the areas of rock and alpine climbing and ski-mountaineering, including leadership, judgment, client care, technical expertise, rescue skill, and environmental consciousness. Most importantly, our guides are sensitive, encouraging teachers willing to work hard to make your days rewarding and successful.

Intensity Levels

This event or trip is Intensity Level 3.

Overview > Adventures at All Skill Levels

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We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

  1. Activity

    How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

  2. Distances

    You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

  3. Surfaces

    What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

  4. Elevation Change

    The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

  5. Altitude

    The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Level 1 > Laid-Back, Unhurried, Restful

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  1. Activity

    1 – 3 hours

  2. Distances

    Walk or hike less than 3 miles

  3. Surfaces

    Flat terrain

  4. Elevation Change

    Little or none

  5. Altitude

    Less than 3,000 feet

Level 2 > Easy Active — Perfect for Active First-Timers

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  1. Activity

    2 – 5 hours

  2. Distances

    Hike up to 6 miles, cycle 10 – 30 miles most days

  3. Surfaces

    Flat or rolling terrain with some steeps possible

  4. Elevation Change

    Up to 1,500 feet per day

  5. Altitude

    Up to 6,000 feet

Level 3 > Moderate — for Novices & Above

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  1. Activity

    4 – 6 hours most days

  2. Distances

    Hike up to 10 miles, cycle 20 – 40 miles most days

  3. Surfaces

    Rolling or mountainous terrain with some steeps

  4. Elevation Change

    Up to 2,000 feet per day

  5. Altitude

    Up to 10,000 feet

Level 4 > Vigorous — Recommended for Fit Travelers with Basic Skills

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Experience required.

  1. Activity

    5 – 8 hours most days

  2. Distances

    Hike up to 12 miles, cycle 30 – 50 miles most days

  3. Surfaces

    Mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascents/descents and uneven trails

  4. Elevation Change

    Up to 3,000 feet per day

  5. Altitude

    Up to 14,000 feet

Level 5 > Strenuous — Very Fit or Experienced Travelers

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Experience required; doctor’s release may be required (if so, will be noted in trip description).

  1. Activity

    10 plus hours per day

  2. Distances

    Hike 12 or more miles, cycle 50 miles most days

  3. Surfaces

    Remote mountainous, exposed terrain with steep ascent and descents, uneven trails with loose features

  4. Elevation Change

    Up to 4,000+ feet per day

  5. Altitude

    May well exceed 14,000 feet

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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. Soup or hot tea is a great thing to have in your thermos!

Wear

Be prepared to be out moving and standing outdoors in temperatures from 35 degrees to below freezing. We may also be hiking into the climbing area—so please wear winter hiking boots. No tennis shoes or inappropriate footwear. Keep in mind that in the winter “cotton kills.” Be sure to wear clothing made out of synthetic materials. Wool is a great 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 midweight insulating layer, such as a fleece.
  • An insulated jacket
  • Two warm hats
  • Ski gloves or mittens, two pair
  • Wool or synthetic socks. Bring an extra pair as well.
  • Sunglasses or goggles
  • Optional Gaiters to keep the snow out of your boots.
  • Optional Any personal medications you may need and a camera.
Outdoor Bound Singles Raccoon Brook Hike

Singles Raccoon Brook Hike

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.

Outdoor Bound Winter Hike or Snowshoeing: Catskills, Slide Mountain

Winter Hike or Snowshoeing: Catskills, Slide Mountain

Other Trips in This Category

  1. 3rd of July Hike & Swim
  2. 4th of July Hike & Swim
  3. Adventure Tri Clinic
  4. Autumn Glider Soaring
  5. Autumn Mohonk Scramble Challenge
  6. Autumn Waterfall Canyoneering
  7. Awosting Falls
  8. Backcountry Snowshoe on Russian Bear Mountain
  9. Backwoods Snow Sledding
  10. Backwoods Snowshoeing
  11. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskill Mountains, High Point
  12. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskills, Panther Mountain
  13. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Catskills, Slide Mountain
  14. Backwoods Snowshoeing: Surebridge Mountain
  15. Bearfort Mountain Hike
  16. Black Ash Mountain Hike
  17. Black Rock Hike
  18. Breakneck Ridge Hike & Scramble
  19. Breakneck Ridge Hike to Mount Taurus
  20. Bullets, Beer & BBQ
  21. Canoe & Kayak
  22. Canopus Lake Hike
  23. Castle Ruin Hike
  24. Catskills Hike & Rappel: Panther Mountain
  25. Catskills Hike: Indian Head Mountain
  26. Catskills Hike: Panther Mountain
  27. Catskills Hike: Slide Mountain
  28. Catskills Hike: Sugarloaf Mountain
  29. Catskills Snowshoeing & Rappelling
  30. Class V Whitewater Rafting
  31. Clay’s Private Rock Climbing, Hiking & Camping Weekend
  32. Columbus Day 6 Mile Hike: Gertrude’s Nose in Minnewaska
  33. Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe
  34. Diamond Mountain Hike
  35. Dog, Beach & Vine
  36. Echo Lake Hike
  37. Empire Hotel Rooftop Cocktails & Gear Raffle
  38. End to End: Sterling Ridge Hike
  39. Evening Horseback, Hayride & Cookout
  40. Fall Foliage Hike, Apple & Pumpkin Picking
  41. Fall Foliage Horseback, Apple & Pumpkin Picking
  42. Flamenco Lesson, Dinner, Drinks & Performance
  43. Fourteen Peaks Hike
  44. Fourth of July Skydiving!
  45. Full Moon Halloween Hike
  46. Full Moon Hike
  47. Full Moon Kayaking to Abandoned Castle
  48. Gertrude’s Nose 6 Mile Hike in Minnewaska
  49. Groundhog Day Hike: Russian Bear
  50. Gunks Hike & Whiskey Tasting
  51. Gunks Horseback Riding & Whiskey Tasting
  52. Gunks Winter Hike & Whiskey Tasting
  53. Half Day Hudson Valley Biking, Hiking & Pub
  54. Halloween Costume Hike & Pub
  55. Halloween Hangover Hike: Ramapo Ridge 9 Miles
  56. Halloween Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting
  57. Hang Gliding Adventure
  58. High Peterskill Hike in Minnewaska
  59. High Ridge Hike & Yoga
  60. High Ropes Climbing
  61. Hike & Art Gallery
  62. Hike & Hound 6-Mile Hike
  63. Hike & Hound Eight Mile Hike
  64. Hike & Pilates
  65. Hike & Wine Tasting
  66. Hike The Great Escape
  67. Hike the Hamptons
  68. Hike to High Point in the Catskills Mountains
  69. Hike, Swim & Wine Tasting
  70. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Grateful Dead Tribute
  71. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Harvest Moon Folk Festival
  72. Hike, Swim, Wine Tasting & Johnny Cash Tribute
  73. Hike, Wine & Charcuterie Tasting
  74. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Appalachian Trail
  75. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Ship Rock Ridge
  76. Hike, Wine & Fondue Dinner: Tom Jones Mountain
  77. Hike, Wine & Fondue Tasting: Tom Jones Mountain
  78. Hike, Wine & Shakespeare in the Orchard
  79. Hike, Yoga & Swim
  80. Hippo Rock Hike
  81. Holiday Ice Skating at Bryant Park
  82. Holiday Ice Skating at Bryant Park
  83. Holiday Party at Country Club
  84. Hollywood Stunt Class: High Falls
  85. Hollywood Stunt Class: Trampoline
  86. Horseback & Art Gallery
  87. Horseback & Hike
  88. Horseback Riding & Wine Tasting
  89. Horseback Riding and Introduction to Polo
  90. Horseback, Hike & Swim
  91. Horseback, Wine Tasting & Apple Picking
  92. Hot Air Ballooning
  93. Hudson Half Day Sailing & Hike
  94. Hudson River Brunch Sailing Excursion
  95. Hudson Sailing & Hike
  96. Hudson Valley Biking, Hiking & Pub
  97. Ice Climbing
  98. Indoor Rock & Pints
  99. Indoor Rock Climbing
  100. Intro to Dragon Boat Racing

Bringing a Friend or Two?

Please be sure to enter the total number of people in the Qty box. In addition, be sure to include your friends’ names and cell-phone numbers on the final Checkout page. The final discount price is the price per person, multiplied by the Qty you enter.

Reminder about Trip Conditions

We closely monitor snow, ice and related weather conditions before each trip. Lack of snow or similar, unsatisfactory weather/trail/river conditions may lead to changes to the trip or rescheduling or cancellation.

Please consult the individual trip description or Event Calendar for notice of any such changes. Refer to our full Policies page for more information about reservations and cancellations.

Register > Ice Climbing

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