Your Day:

What to wear:

We recommend comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Functionality and flexibility is paramount to your comfort throughout the day. Layering is always a good idea. Wear shorts or long pants, depending on the time of year, and bring along a wind breaker and a hat for cooler days. Heavy hiking boots are not necessary, but wear comfortable shoes that will allow you to scramble over rocky terrain. Sneakers or trail shoes are best, and avoid open shoes and sandals. Keep in mind that sunny winter days can become surprisingly warm, and hot summer days can become cool, so be prepared for any type of weather.

What to bring:

Bring a lunch, and lots of water or sports drinks, at least 2 quarts, per person, per day. Sunscreen, insect repellent, camera and a hat is also a good idea. Bring along a small to medium sized backpack to carry it all in.

What to expect:

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 such as

              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.

Cancellation policy:

Weather forecasts are rarely 100% accurate. For the most accurate and up-to-date forecasts please call us. We live here, so we can look out our window, and tell you exactly what the weather is doing in the Gunks.

Cancellations due to inclement weather will be determined by Mountain Skills Climbing Guides. If you have booked a trip and think that the weather might be poor, call us and we will make the determination. Cancellations are accepted up to 72 hours in advance for credit or refund. Cancellations from 72 to 24 hours before your trip will be charged at 50% of the day fee. Within 24 hours no cancellations will be accepted, and you will be charged for the full day.

Rock and Snow
The finest outdoor store in the Northeast.

Mohonk Preserve
World class rock climbing

AMGA Accredited
We are an AMGA accredited program.