I admit that I have a problem with jackets. Particularly hard shell waterproof jackets. I have too many! I only wear these jackets in the winter months for hiking and ice climbing, for protection from wind and moisture. I want something waterproof, durable, and VERY breathable. This is a hard combination to get right. Shell…
Review: Furnace Industries Kronos Ice Tools – Wooden Tools?!
Furnace Industries, a USA based company that operates out of New York was generous enough to send me a pair of their premium (and only) ice tools dubbed the “Kronos“. These tools have one major feature that stands them apart from the competition. The Kronos tools are the only Ice Tools available on the market…
It’s Time For Ice! – Pinnacle Gully’s First Ascent of the Season
Saturday, November 11, 2017 We’ve had a group text message going for about 3 weeks now between my buddies Zac (Instagram), Billy (Instagram), and myself. “Think it’s in yet?” “It’s cold enough right?” “lets get it boys!”. The objective was to be the first party to climb Pinnacle Gully in Mount Washington’s Huntington Ravine in…
Review: Furnace Industries DRY ICE – Ice Climbing Training Tools
Hey Ice Climbers, how do you stay in shape during the warmer months and at home between alpine climbs? Climbing rock is a great alternative but it’s not quite the same sensation as being gripped on ice tools while searching for that perfect foot placement. You could use your ice tools to climb artificial walls…
The Sharp End – Ice Climbing Hitchcock Gully on Mount Willard
With the approaching ice climbing season on the horizon here in the North East I thought I’d reminisce about the last real ice climb I was on last season. It was April 2nd, 2017 and the diminishing weeks of late ice climbing season were upon us. Luke and I were eager to get one last…
Tutorial: How I Built My Woody – DIY Outdoor Rock Climbing Wall
With ice climbing season fast approaching here in the North East I’ve been focusing on training to get my strength where it needs to be. I haven’t climbed as much rock as I hoped this summer mainly due to focusing on trail running goals and a busy family / work schedule. It’s been hard to…
Climbing Into The Darkness – A Night Climb of Pinnacle Gully
March 17, 2017 With ice season coming to a close here in the North East. Brent (www.brentdoscher.com) and I made the irresponsible decision to scramble and go for an evening ascent of Pinnacle Gully on Mount Washington. This decision was made in part to the forecast being extremely calm for Mount Washington. Temperatures around zero,…
Cathedral Ledge Ice Climbing – Goofers Direct and North Pillars
March 12, 2017 Late start today! In a somewhat impulsive decision Brent (www.brentdoscher.com) and I decided to climb “something”… we weren’t quite sure what. Conditions were ideal with temperatures in the 10-15F range with mild wind coming from the west, ice reports were looking promising. I geared up and hit the road by 1PM. Lucky…
A Lesson on Bailing Out! – Climbing in Huntington Ravine
March 2, 2017 Today I met up with my friend Brent (http://www.brentdoscher.com/) in hopes to climb some ice. The recent warm weather took its toll on a lot of the good ice climbing destinations. We knew we’d need to go to higher elevations and colder temps to find good ice conditions. The initial plan was…
Champney Falls, Climbing in the Ice Box!
Today I met up with a new friend Kevin. We decided that we’d hike into Champney Falls to do some top rope ice climbing on the frozen waterfalls. With the forecast showing increasingly warm weather we knew this would be one of the last opportunities to climb! Getting There We met at the Champney Falls…
Adventure on Landslide Gully – Mount Webster
January 14, 2017 – My alarm went off at 4AM and I didn’t smash the snooze button. My gear was packed, crampons and ice tools freshly sharpened. My Stoke? That was high and plentiful. This could only mean one thing… It was time for another adventure filled day in the mountains with my friends at Northeast…
Plan B! – Frankenstein Cliff Standard Route
When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! I had made plans with my friend Zac (Check out his instagram @zacst.julesclimbing) to climb Shoestring Gully on Mt. Webster. I was stoked because Shoestring is a classic that’s been on my to-do list for a long time. It’s a nice long route with varied difficulties and at a…