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Ice Climbing
During the winter months the Adirondacks become one of the most popular
locations in the country for winter outdoor activities as the entire area
becomes a frozen playground.
Our ice climbing program is newly based out of the High Peaks Cyclery Guides House in the Olympic Village of Lake
Placid. We climb at numerous sites within the High Peaks Region of the
Adirondacks.
The focus is on learning the fundamental concepts and techniques of ice
climbing and building a solid foundation for further development.
Basic climbing skills will be introduced and reinforced: belaying,
rappelling and general climbing etiquette. Specific ice climbing
techniques will be taught and explored while using a top rope set up
at any number of popular locations.
Ice tools and equipment will be provided. No prior climbing
experience is necessary.
Participants must be 14 years of age or older. Group size limited
to 10 persons including adult leaders.
Summit Base will supply all specialized equipment for the
activities including boots, crampons, ice axes and helmets. Participants must have appropriate clothing for the
weather (see below).
2013 Fee: $2,400 for up to 10 persons for Westchester-Putnam Council
unit. $2,700 for units outside Westchester-Putnam Council.
Fees subject to change as arrangements are finalized.
A $200 non-refundable deposit (applied to your total fee) is due with
your application.
An additional $1,000 non-refundable payment is due by December 1st.
Balance of payment is due two weeks prior to activity weekend.
2014 Program Dates
January 3-5
January 10-12
January 24-26
January 31-February 2
February 14-16
February 21-23
February 28-March 2
Information last updated: 5/1/2013 9:57:24 PM
Please contact us if your group is interested in the program and all
available weekend dates are full. Cancellations may free up a
weekend.
View Photos,
Troop 1 Mt. Kisco & 42 West Nyack Ice Climb in Keene
Ice Climbing Flyer and
Registration Form
Personal Gear List for Ice Climbing
- Boots. The climbing will be done with special boots but
winter boots are recommended in case boot swaps are necessary at the
climb site. An inventory of everyone's boot size will be
needed in advance of the weekend.
- 1-2 sets of Bergelyene or silk long underwear and undershirt
- 1-2 sets of heavy/mid-weight insulating long underwear and
undershirt
- Some type of waterproof pants and jacket. The
crampons worn on the feet are very sharp. Beginning climbers have been known to
slice their pants, especially baggy versions. Cheaper (but
still warm) pants are recommended rather than expensive brands.
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- Socks 1-2 pr. (Heavy wool/synthetic and light synthetic liner)
- Fleece or wool sweater
- Wool or fleece hat (which will fit under a helmet)
- Sunglasses
- Winter gloves or mittens (preferred)
- Ski goggles for extreme conditions.
- Face covering for extreme conditions.
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Essentially, plan for gear similar to that required for a cold day of
skiing. The ice climbing sites are located at exposed locations. Be sure to
bring proper clothing. Review
upcoming weather forecasts for the area; it can be very cold in the Lake
Placid area especially in January. The guide house accommodations are in a warm house-like setting with several large bedrooms with bunk-beds. Bed linens and blankets are provided, sleeping bags are not permitted. Towels are also provided. See Guide House information at the High Peaks Cyclery site for more information.
High Peaks Cyclery is right next door for any last minute purchases and there is an Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS)
store in Lake Placid which is open until 9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. A gear store in the Westchester county (NY) area is American Terrain
in White Plains.
Meals
The Summit Base program and local eateries provide Saturday and Sunday breakfast and Saturday night dinner. Breakfast and dinner are at the hostel. Lunch is on your own with convenience stores within 10 minutes of most climb sites.
Travel Directions
The ice climbing program is based from the High Peaks Guide House in Lake Placid, NY, about 2 1/2 hours north of Albany, NY.
- From lower New York state proceed to Albany using the Taconic State
Parkway or the NYS Thruway (I-87).
- If using the Taconic: From the end of the Taconic following I-90
west into Albany (exit B1 off the Thruway to follow I-90) then to I-787 N then to Rt 7 West to I-87 North, (the
Northway).
- From Albany continue on I-87 North (the Northway) to Exit 30, mile
marker 102 (miles from Albany). There are two good rest areas
(neither with food) on
the Northway: one in Clifton Park at about mile marker 13 and one just
before exit 30 at mile marker 100. Last fast food is a good
Subway at Exit 18 (mile marker 45) and a McDonalds at exit 23. Last (cheap) gas is
at exit 19, gas is also at exit 23 and 25 (mile marker 72).
- At exit 30 from the Northway (mile marker 104) turn left onto Rt 73. This
30-mile section of road is one of the most scenic in the Adirondacks
but can be quite challenging in winter conditions as you ascend and
descend through two mountain passes. Continue on
Rt. 73 through Keene Valley and then through Keene (both of these towns have
radar activated strobe speed control signs at their town limits). The
section after Keene at the top of the hill (Cascade Lakes) can be
covered with wind blown snow at times along with a strong wind.
One of the climb sites is in this area.
- Rt. 73 will then drop slowly into Lake Placid. Passing
the ski jumps on the left and then the fair grounds on the right continue into town to the traffic light intersection of route 86/main street Lake Placid. Go left on to route 86 North and head up the hill to the next traffic light. The driveway is on the right just before the the traffic light at the High Peaks Cyclery Shop. It is a two story green house next to Hight Peaks Cyclery. Park in the driveway. High Peaks Cylery 2733 Main St Lake Placid - NY - 12946 Phone (518) 523-3764
High Peaks Cyclery
2733 Main St
Lake Placid - NY - 12946
Phone (518) 523-3764
The Guide House phone number should only be used in case of travel difficulties.
It should not be used as a contact number for guests. The Summit Base
coordinator will provide groups with the coordinator's cell phone number.
Please try to
arrive prior to 10 p.m. on Friday.
View Larger Map
Program
Schedule
Friday night: arrive at the guide house
Saturday morning: breakfast at the guide house. Head out to the climb site by 9
a.m.
Saturday lunch: at the climb site with time available to drive to a
convenience store.
Saturday evening: return to the guide house around 4:30 p.m. Dinner at the
guide house. Free time after dinner.
Sunday morning: breakfast at the guide house. Pack all gear and head out
to the climb site by 9 a.m.
Sunday lunch: at the climb site then head for home.
Weather conditions may require
changes in this schedule. 
Other Useful Information
Lake Placid has cell phone coverage by most major carriers.
However, there is little or no coverage from Exit 30 on the Northway
until Lake Placid. Most ice climb locations do not have cell
phone coverage.
Lake Placid hosted the 1932 and 1980 Olympics and
remains an Olympic training center. Visit the
Lake Placid Olympic Region site for
winter training events. The
Empire State Games typically
occur in late February. The climb sites are located in areas where the parking can be poor,
especially after a snowfall. While four wheel drive vehicles are not a
requirement it is recommended that vehicles be considered that can park in
(and get out of) several inches of plowed snow without issue. | 
