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Highly underrated by everyone but the locals, New Hampshire is a strong contender for the best ice climbing on the East Coast. Thanks to its long, freezing winters, minimal tourist attention, and abundance of classics, the White Mountain National Forest is great for both learning the sport and cutting your teeth on harder routes. Newcomers will love the shorter pitches and gradual difficulty progression of spots like Frankenstein, while seasoned climbers will appreciate the icy sidepulls and the nail-biting mixed sections of areas like the Black Dike, the premier ice climbing challenge in the Northeast. These routes are stiff, scrappy, showy, and as satisfying as they get.
Dozens of classic routes for all skill levels
Long, cold winters ensure excellent ice climbing conditions
Many of the climbing areas are crowd-free even in peak season
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 you get on this adventure:
What’s not included:
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.
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.
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:
For technical ice climbing routes, your guides will provide:
Here’s a list of the equipment we suggest you bring:
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 prices:
Ice climbing in Franconia Notch and Crawford Notch can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements:
If your group has climbers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
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.