2025-05-04

We wrapped up April and kicked off May with 3 more summits on Tom’s tick list! Dial and Nippletop provided challenge and beauty with the miles and elevation gain. Tabletop’s approach was more pleasant, but the last half mile proved particularly dicey with a shark’s fin of snow taking up the narrow trail. Tom crushed it both days, always with a smile and a chuckle at the hard bits, reveling at the payoff views of the high peaks. 25 miles and 6000 feet of elevation gain over two days is not for the feint of heart this time of year, but Tom proved himself!

@newyorkoutdoorguides @lakeplacidadk #Adirondacks #PerfectDayADK #HireAGuide

A hiker stands beside a rustic wooden gate with intricate designs and the text CAMP AMR in a forested area surrounded by tall trees and a gravel pathway. A forest path meanders through leafless trees with a tree bearing a mounted sign that reads Attention Alpine Zone 4000 FT. The blue sky stretches overhead. A person hiking through a dense forest carrying a backpack and trekking poles surrounded by lush green trees and sunlight filtering through the canopy. Hiker with a large backpack climbs a snowy forest trail using trekking poles surrounded by green trees and sunlight filtering through the branches. A person stands on a rocky ledge holding a yellow helmet in a mountainous landscape with clear blue skies and forested slopes in the background. Trail signs attached to a wooden post indicate directions surrounded by snow-covered ground and pine trees. Text reads JBL 5.6 ADK Loj 9.2 Dial or Lake Road St. Huberts Nippletop 0.2. A hiker in a yellow cap climbs a snowy mountain trail using trekking poles surrounded by evergreen trees with distant mountains under a clear blue sky. A person stands on a rocky hilltop amidst greenery with distant mountains under a clear blue sky highlighting an outdoor hiking scene. Two people stand smiling against a mountainous backdrop with snow-capped peaks under a clear blue sky both wearing casual outdoor attire and sunglasses. Sun casting light over distant mountains surrounded by a forest of barren trees with rocky terrain in the foreground under a cloudy sky. A small stream flows through a forested area surrounded by leafless and evergreen trees with a distant mountain under a clear blue sky. Rocky stream winds through a forest filled with tall trees and scattered moss-coated ground in a sun-dappled woodland setting. A wooden sign points left with the text Route to Table Top Mtn in a sunlit forest; the ground is covered with fallen leaves and sparse snow. A hiker, wearing a yellow cap and carrying a large backpack, ascends a narrow, snowy path surrounded by dense green trees in a mountainous forest setting.

2025-05-04

Last weekend, I escaped the rainy ADK to climb with some friends in the rainy Red River Gorge in KY! Miguel’s and RRG was our usual weekend getaway back in the CMU days, but it’s a longer haul from NY now! Still, mega fun weekend ticking off some classic routes that I hadn’t done in years, and trying hard on new ones.

2025-04-20

When the weather’s warm and sunny down south while it’s wet and dreary up north, you go to the Gunks! A perfect weekend spent with good friends from @adkclimb.club! Finally tagged Ken’s Crack (5.7+) on this trip — what a great little route.

People carry climbing gear on a forested trail smiling and walking. A leafless wooded area with rocks and a stone structure surrounds them. Person in foreground wears a cap with “ONE MOVEMENT”. Man wearing a green helmet smiles while standing on a rocky cliff edge holding a climbing rope in a wooded area with people below carrying gear. A climber wearing a helmet and harness ascends a rocky cliff face surrounded by rugged terrain and scattered trees. A climber wearing a pink helmet holds a rope and smiles while gear is arranged beside them. They are near a rocky cliff in a wooded outdoor setting. A fire pit burns with bright flames at night on a dark surface with pants and a box labeled Sam’s Choice on a bench nearby in the background. Five people smiling and posing at a restaurant table holding menus. A green lamp hangs above, creating a warm, relaxed atmosphere. One person wears a hat with “Two Skis Means” text.

2025-04-12

A little solo hike up Saddleback from The Garden yesterday. Trailhead says spring, but the peak’s still in winter with fresh snow. 14.3 miles, 3157 ft elevation gain, 9.5 hours.

2025-04-01

A little personal trip down to the Gunks to get ready for rock season! Feels great to be pluggin’ cams and pulling on rock. Book a trip of your own! Single and multi pitch, learn to lead, anchoring clinics — we do it all.

2025-04-01

Todd and I completed a mega day out in the High Peaks (18 miles, 6000 ft elevation gain, 13.5 hours) tagging his 20th-23rd winter summits. Our first truly warm hike together this winter, we battled steep ascents, deteriorating snow, and high winds. But it was all smiles all day with incredible views throughout the day. What a way to close out the winter hiking season!

2025-04-01

March ended in a flurry! I scurried down to the Gunks for a few days of nice weather to climb with @coppertop217 (we stayed in a school bus AirBnB!), who then followed me back up north for a very successful @adkclimb.club and skiing at @whiteface_mt. I hunkered down for a couple days while an ice storm made everything slippery and then back to Whiteface for an open-to-close laps day with the man, the myth, the legend @willclimbz for his birthday. Great way to round out the month, and now I’m back to dreaming about rock climbing!

A person holds a climbing rope wrapped around a tree on a rocky ledge high above a forested valley with bare trees and distant hills visible in the background. A climber in a helmet sits on a rocky ledge holding a phone, surrounded by climbing ropes, overlooking a vast forested landscape extending to the horizon. A rock climber scales a vertical cliff face using safety gear in an outdoor setting under partially cloudy skies. Two climbers wearing helmets and jackets smiling while securing ropes on a rocky surface surrounded by bare trees. A parked yellow bus beside a small, black camping tent amidst tall trees. Nearby, a covered round table with four stacked chairs rests on dry, leaf-strewn ground. A person sips from a white mug while seated in a cozy vehicle interior. A package of OREO cookies and a Jetboil are on a patterned table nearby. Climber ascends vertical rock face using a rope and harness in a natural outdoor setting with trees at the top and a clear blue sky above. Climbing rope extends up a rocky cliff face under a clear blue sky with sparse trees at the top edge creating a rugged outdoor setting. A climber ascends a bouldering wall with colorful holds while several people observe in an indoor climbing gym featuring padded flooring and overhead lights. Two people wearing ski helmets and goggles are smiling, standing on a snowy mountain with a wooden railing and a distant view of mountains. On the jacket, text reads FISU University Winter Games 2023 KARBON. Two people wearing helmets and ski goggles smile while sitting on a ski lift surrounded by leafless trees, both wearing winter jackets, one in blue and the other in red.

2025-03-25

Tried out an (unclimbed?) ice flow off of the Jay Mountain ridge today! T’was thin-but-in! The 3-mile uphill walk to get there was a bit of a bear, but nabbing an extra day of climbing was well-worth it. Thanks for the invitation, Jim!

Person wearing a helmet and goggles, smiling and dressed in winter gear, standing on a snowy slope. The background features trees and a partially frozen waterfall in a forested area. A frozen waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff, surrounded by snow-covered ground and leafless trees, under an overcast sky. Pine trees line the top of the cliff. Snowy mountain landscape showing dense forested hills extending into the distance under an overcast sky creating a tranquil and vast wilderness atmosphere. Mist-covered mountains with snowy patches rise in the foreground against a backdrop of overcast skies, creating a serene winter landscape in a forested area. A person climbs a large icy slope using ropes surrounded by snow-covered trees in a forested area on a cloudy day. Two people smiling in winter gear navigate through a snowy forest with bare branches and evergreen trees while carrying backpacks and wearing protective headgear.

2025-03-19

The rock season starts with Pitchoff! The Lonely (5.6, onsight) → Pete’s Farewell (5.7) was the perfect way to kick things into gear with @saw_dust_ery. Let’s go climbing: onwardguides.com

A person wearing a blue helmet climbs a steep rocky cliff holding onto a rope in a rugged forested area with bare trees and shrubs. Climber wearing blue helmet ascends rock face using rope beside a road and frozen river surrounded by snow-dusted terrain with sparse trees.

2025-03-14

Finally ticked Central Pillar with Jim and @saw_dust_ery! Both pitches were so much fun today. I led up the right side with some big traverses. Then top roping the steeper left side was one of my favorite pitches of the season. Hope to get back to lead that one soon!

A frozen waterfall descending a rocky slope is framed by bare trees with snow covering the ground and surrounding landscape. A climber ascends a steep, icy slope using ropes and gear, situated in a snowy, mountainous forest under a clear blue sky. Frozen waterfall cascades down rocks forming layers of ice surrounded by a forested area with trees and shrubs. A person in a blue helmet climbs a steep ice wall using a rope surrounded by trees and rocky terrain. Frozen waterfall cascades down a rocky cliff surrounded by snow and leafless trees against a clear blue sky.

2025-03-13

Squeaking in perhaps our last climb on Multi Gully for the season, @izzolp33 and I had a grand time on the fat and sticky second pitch (first pitch is definitely deteriorating). Great day in the Adirondacks!

@newyorkoutdoorguides @lakeplacidadk #Adirondacks #PerfectDayADK #HireAGuide

2025-03-12

Sneaking in a few pitches with @ben_k_ and @andrew_jarvis05 before the next big warm-up. North Side of Pitchoff seems like it’ll hold on for a bit longer. 🤞

Book your ice trip before it’s too late!

2025-03-12

Hiking Marshall and Cliff mountains together meant we could cut out an extra drive to Newcomb, but, boy, 20-mile days are long! Spring is knocking at our door with wet snow conditions, and rivers opening back up. But the peaks are still plenty snowy and gorgeous. Another couple winter peaks checked off the ol’ list!

2025-03-07

A little impromptu High Peak ski this morning with @izzolp33, snagging Esther Mountain after skinning up the Wilmington Trail at @whiteface_mt. Conditions were better than we hoped! (Forgot the summit pic! 😭)

2025-03-04

A little guide’s day off action on Three Flows with @joewagnerphoto. Right line is still fat! Killer blue ice across the pass too.

Winter’s still roaring in the ADK. There’s still time to book a trip to climb some ice in March!

Two people wearing helmets and winter jackets stand smiling and looking upwards in a snowy forest with bare tree branches surrounding them. Icicles drip down a rugged rock face surrounded by snow and sparse trees in a cold, outdoor landscape. A climber wearing a red jacket stands on a snowy mountainside holding a rope. The landscape features rugged, tree-lined slopes under a cloudy sky. A climber wearing a blue jacket and helmet uses ice axes to ascend a frozen waterfall high in a snowy mountainous area surrounded by trees. Two people interact with a frozen waterfall on a snowy slope surrounded by bare trees. One examines the ice wall while the other stands, equipped with climbing gear and rope. A person wearing a helmet and a red jacket grips climbing ropes attached to an icy slope, surrounded by snowy trees. Ropes are attached to an ice cliff with carabiners, indicating an ice climbing activity. Leafless trees are nearby, and snow covers the ground, suggesting a cold environment. A frozen waterfall cascades over a rocky hillside surrounded by snow and evergreen trees visible through bare tree branches in a wintery forest setting.

2025-03-04

It was a distinct pleasure to climb and film with @joewagnerphoto, @karl, and @blakecort for @arche.productions on Three Flows today! Superb conditions and stoke from the crew gave me the confidence I needed to lead my first WI4 when the easier lines to the left didn’t look as good. What a fun route!! (You’ll have to wait for the official footage to see me on the sharp end. 😉)

2025-03-04

Trekking with Todd up Allen Mountain for @highpeaksmountainguides on Sunday was a joy! 14 miles on skis, 4 miles in snowshoes. The crystal-clear bluebird views made the bitter cold 1000% worth it! (And the best butt-slide in the ADK. 👌)

2025-03-01

Winter weather fuels Adirondackers in their favorite outdoor pursuits! The 3P Race (Pole, Pedal, Paddle) is an awesome community event here in @saranaclake that showcases the joy in outdoor movement, no matter the sport. 13.4 miles of alpine skiing, biking, Nordic skiing, paddling (the still partially frozen river), running, and flat-out fun.

Thanks to the dozens (hundreds?) of folks who made this happen! I already can’t wait for next year.

2025-02-25

Sunday’s warmer temps made climbing Giant & Rocky Peak Ridge a joy with Todd. We had the trail to ourselves for most of the day and was even gifted a view here and there! Some epic butt slides on the way down kept things fun and fast. ~8 hours round trip

Wooden trail signs attached to a tree indicate directions: Giant Mt with arrows, and Roaring Brook Trail. Text includes Foot Trail, 1.0 miles, and Giant’s Nubble 0.8 mi. Snowy nighttime forest background. Snow-covered landscape stretches across a serene winter scene with coniferous trees blanketed in snow resting beneath a distant mountain under a misty sky. A person in winter gear hikes uphill through deep snow using snowshoes surrounded by densely packed evergreen trees and leafless branches in a snowy forest setting. A person wearing winter clothing is snowshoeing with poles on a snow-covered path surrounded by snow-dusted evergreen trees under a cloudy, snowy sky. Icicles hang from snow-covered evergreen branches in a wintry forest setting under an overcast sky. A snow-covered mountain peak stands surrounded by evergreen trees under a gray sky lightly dotted with falling snowflakes in a tranquil winter landscape. Two hikers trek up a snowy mountain slope one smiling in the foreground with a blue hooded jacket the other behind using poles surrounded by a foggy winter landscape. A person in warm clothing sits on a snowy slope with snowshoes amidst dense, snow-covered trees in a forest setting. A person stands with snowshoes and poles looking at a snow-covered mountain surrounded by trees wearing a backpack with a patch reading ADK in a snowy alpine environment.

2025-02-25

Dial in your winter systems with a ski tour through the beautiful High Peaks region in the heart of the Adirondacks! Extend the adventure by camping out with our experienced, knowledgeable, and friendly guides.

@newyorkoutdoorguides @lakeplacidadk #Adirondacks #PerfectDayADK #HireAGuide

2025-02-25

There’s nothing quite like climbing these spectacular frozen formations, especially when illuminated and sparkling on a dark winter’s night! Come climb with us on Thursday evenings or book a private trip!

2025-02-16

🐶 Phin decided chewing fire logs was more fun than helping me shovel. Can’t knock it till I try it, I s’pose!

2025-02-16

Yesterday, I cheered on Sarah and Dan skiing the formidable Johansen’s Last Call. I joined for Marcy (NY’s highest point) and the long ski out Mr. Van trail. It was a 20-mile, 4,180-foot vertical gain day for me (they did 30 miles!). The beer, fire, and music capped an epic day with best friends.

2025-02-14

Conditions couldn’t have been more different than yesterday! The wind was brutal! But still made it in ~6 hours while breaking trail both up and down Street & Nye Mountains with @highpeaksmountainguides. And still bunches of fun! 🏔️

2025-02-13

Well that’s not what you want. 😨 Just yesterday I took a photo of the massive icicle forming above this small auxiliary roof on the side of our house. When I came home today, the whole thing had ripped right off. Amazingly, no major damage done to anything below, but now I have a roof in my yard. 😬

Tree-covered house with decorative porch and fallen roof section surrounded by heavy snow, set in a wooded area. Icicles hang from a snow-covered roof of a dark wooden house nestled in a wintery landscape with bare trees and evergreens under a blue sky.