Ice Climbing at Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch

Things to know

• Covid measures in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch, New Hampshire

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity. 

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, their guides, and the communities they’re traveling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch, New Hampshire, please refer to the New Hampshire COVID-19 information website and the COVID-19 guidelines for international travel to the United States.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local ice climbing guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • Six or eight hours of ice climbing or instruction
    • Boots, backpack, and all technical ice climbing equipment

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation 
    • Accommodations
    • Food and drinks
    • Guide gratuities — optional
• How fit do I need to be?

  If you can climb a ladder, you’re good to go. Being in good shape is always a plus but far from necessary. Ice climbing is all about using good movement technique rather than muscling up an ice wall using brute strength. To ensure you have a fun day, your guide will choose routes that best suit your skill and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never climbed before?

  Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch have plenty of options for beginner ice climbers. Whether you’ve never climbed before or are transitioning from the rocks to the ice, your guide will customize the day to suit your skill level and objectives. With a guide by your side, you’ll learn something new, stay safe on the ice, and most importantly, have fun!

  For intermediate to advanced climbers, Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch have loads of excellent routes to spend the day on. Your guide will discuss your objectives and customize the day to your goals. Let your guide plan the day so you can focus on developing your skills while climbing the classic routes or best-hidden gems the area has to offer.

• What do I need to bring?

  All ice climbing equipment will be provided by your guiding service. However, if you have your own gear, feel free to bring it. You’ll need:

  • • Harness
    • Helmet
    • Double plastic winter mountaineering boots
    • Well-fitting mountaineering crampons
    • Piolet

  For technical ice climbing routes, your guides will provide:

  • • Harnes with belay loop and gear loops
    • Modern leashless ice tools and/or Piolet
    • Climbing helmet
    • High-friction belay device like a Reverso or ATC Guide with locking carabiner
    • Locking carabiners
      

  Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:

  • • Backpack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 40L bag, can be provided by your guide)
    • Water bottle, thermos, vacuum flask, or insulated Nalgene bottle with at least 2L of liquid
    • Moisture-wicking base layer top and bottoms
    • Insulative mid-layer top and bottoms
    • Fleece vest, down or synthetic jacket
    • Un-insulated waterproof and breathable shell top and bottom
    • Medium-weight belay parka or puff jacket
    • Three pairs of gloves and mittens with glove liners
    • Fleece or wool hat
    • Warm wool or wool blend socks
    • Lunch and snacks you can eat on-the-go
    • Sunglasses
    • Headlamp
    • Camera — optional
    • Trekking poles — optional

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • • For the Introduction to Ice Climbing Course, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 5:1. 
    • For the private ice climbing tours, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 2:1. 
    • The cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to climb with friends and family!

  Ice climbing in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

  Min. age requirements:

  • • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
    • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch, NH, most people fly into Boston Logan International Airport in Boston, MA, 4 hours away. From there, you can rent a car, take a bus, or take a shuttle service.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet. For the Introduction to Ice Climbing Course, this will generally be near the campground on Lost River Rd. For the private ice climbing tours, you will usually meet your guide at the Crawford Notch parking area. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.