Winter Outdoor Programs
Do you want to learn to ice climb or have you always wanted to climb Mount Washington? Located just an hour-and-a-half drive north of Scarborough, the peaks and crags of the White Mountains are the ideal winter classroom – and playground! Offered in conjunction with New Hampshire-based Cathedral Mountain Guides, our winter programs offer premium instruction and amazing experiences to the Salt Pump community. Each program begins with an informational meeting indoors at Salt Pump on a weeknight before the course that will cover basic winter equipment, clothing systems, and what to expect on your outdoor climbing adventure.
Details: All specialized climbing equipment including boots, crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and helmets will be provided. Participants must supply their own clothing, snacks for the day, and transportation to North Conway, NH. Carpooling will be encouraged.
All Salt Pump programs are also listed in our events calendar.
Learn to Ice Climb
Curious what ice climbing is all about? Join us for a fun-filled and educational day at the winter crag, where you’ll learn basic techniques to use crampons and ice axes to ascend frozen water ice. No experience necessary!
SCHEDULE: All day climbing ice climbing on January 16 or February 20 plus preparatory class at Salt Pump the Thursday evening before each and free access to ‘Avalanche Awareness for Northeast Climbers’ on January 21 or February 10.
PRICE: $175 includes evening prep class at Salt Pump, a full day of outdoor instruction and rental gear, and free access to Avalanche Awareness class. 10% Discount for members.
Steep Ice & Mixed Climbing Skills
For those with some ice climbing experience, this program is designed to help climbers acquire the finesse and efficiency required to scale vertical ice. An introduction to basic dry-tooling and mixed climbing techniques will also be included. Participants should have some prior ice climbing experience and be capable of climbing 5.10s or V2s in the gym.
SCHEDULE: All day climbing on February 27, plus a preparatory class at Salt Pump on the Thursday evening prior and free access to ‘Avalanche Awareness for Northeast Climbers’ on January 21 or February 10.
PRICE: $175 includes evening prep class at Salt Pump, a full day of outdoor instruction and rental gear. 10% discount for members.
Mountaineering Fundamentals
This program will teach the fundamental skills that are at the core of mountaineering. Topics covered include how to kick steps, basic crampon and ice axe techniques, self-arresting, evaluating snow and weather conditions, and decision-making in the mountains. A must for anyone who aspires to be a competent winter climber or above treeline hiker. No prior experience is necessary.
SCHEDULE: January 23, with a preparatory class at Salt Pump the Thursday evening prior and free access to ‘Avalanche Awareness for Northeast Climbers’ on January 21 or February 10.
PRICE: $175 includes evening prep class at Salt Pump, a full day of outdoor instruction and rental gear. 10% discount for members.
Multi Pitch Mountaineering
This program covers the same skills taught in our Mountaineering Fundamentals class, but at a lower guide-to-student ratio that allows participants to experience a technical, multi-pitch winter climb. No prior experience necessary.
SCHEDULE: February 14, with a preparatory class at Salt Pump the Thursday evening prior and free access to ‘Avalanche Awareness for Northeast Climbers’ on January 21 or February 10.
PRICE: $200 includes evening prep class at Salt Pump, a full day of outdoor instruction and rental gear. 10% Discount for members.
Mount Washington Climb
Every winter, New England’s highest summit is transformed into an icy wonderland that can be both brutal and beautiful. Depending on conditions, the challenging, eight-mile round trip ascent can be as serious as any mountain climb in North America. We’ll get an early start to insure the best chances of summiting, and discuss general mountaineering skills, ice-axe and crampon techniques, and winter navigation during the climb. No prior experience required, but participants should be physically fit and prepared for a long day outside!
SCHEDULE: February 27, with a preparatory class at Salt Pump on the Thursday evening prior and free access to ‘Avalanche Awareness for Northeast Climbers’ on January 21 or February 10.
PRICE: $175 includes evening prep class at Salt Pump, a full day of outdoor instruction and rental gear. 10% discount for members.
Mount Washington Climb
Did you know that the Northeast leads the country in avalanche incidents involving climbers? Our Northeast terrain, particularly Tuckerman and Huntington Ravines on Mount Washington, also has some unique tendencies when it comes to weather patterns such as wind loading. If you recreate as a climber in the winter backcountry, we highly recommend this two hour primer in avalanche education to learn the basics of avalanche safety, modern day resources for avalanche forecasting and assessment, and links to future learning opportunities – all tailored for our region. We’ll also explore why and how Northeast climbers are involved in so many avalanches, and what we can do to lower those numbers. Taught by David Lottmann.
SCHEDULE:
Thursday, January 21, 7:15-9:15pm
Wednesday, February 10, 7:15-9:15pm
PRICE: $40, 10% off for members. Attendance is free with your registration in any of the Winter Outdoor Programs.
REGISTRATION: At the front desk or call (207)219-8145