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Mountaineering Committee

Our Mountaineering Committee organizes rock climbing (sport, traditional, and multi-pitch), plus the occasional ice climbing, indoor wall climbing, or backcountry skiing trip. Our volunteers run trips all year. Some are day trips or after-work evening trips to local climbs, others are multi-day trips to more distant venues.

The best climber is the one who is having the most fun. - Alex Lowe

The best climber is the one who is having the most fun. - Alex Lowe

We are committed to increasing the accessibility of the climbing world. If you're in doubt about your qualifications for a particular trip or what equipment you might need, ask the listed trip leader. Our committee is able to provide much of the equipment necessary.
We look forward to climbing with you!

Climbing at AMC

Chris Neil, Committee Chair
Rock and ice climbing are exhilarating activities that push individuals to their physical and mental limits. AMC has been a pioneer in teaching people the skills necessary to safely enjoy these challenging pursuits. Through a combination of expert guidance, experiential learning, and a deep respect for nature, AMC has cultivated a community of climbers who not only conquer mountains but also develop a profound connection to the natural world.

Upcoming Activities

Click or tap on the Register links to learn more and/or register for activities.

Gym Bouldering / Dry Tooling Night

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 20‑Nov‑2024
Register »
Come join the AMC-MA Mountaineering Committee for a night of gym bouldering and dry tooling at the Climb Monadnock Gym in Keene, NH. All experience levels welcome. There is an entry cost to the gym. Reduced fees available (15% off day passes).
We will meet by the entrance at 6PM. If you arrive late, come find us around the gym in green wristbands! In addition to registering, first time participants and spectators must complete the liability waiver. We kindly ask that you complete this form on the website before arriving. Having the forms completed in advance will help streamline the check-in process and get the group climbing faster.
If you plan on dry tooling, you will need your own tools (regular ice tools are fine), a helmet, and gloves. If you have climbing shoes you should bring them too (no boots on the wall), but you can rent them if you don't have them.

Gym Bouldering / Dry Tooling Night

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 04‑Dec‑2024
Register »
Come join the AMC-MA Mountaineering Committee for a night of gym bouldering and dry tooling at the Climb Monadnock Gym in Keene, NH. All experience levels welcome. There is an entry cost to the gym. Reduced fees available (15% off day passes).
We will meet by the entrance at 6PM. If you arrive late, come find us around the gym in green wristbands! In addition to registering, first time participants and spectators must complete the liability waiver. We kindly ask that you complete this form on the website before arriving. Having the forms completed in advance will help streamline the check-in process and get the group climbing faster.
If you plan on dry tooling, you will need your own tools (regular ice tools are fine), a helmet, and gloves. If you have climbing shoes you should bring them too (no boots on the wall), but you can rent them if you don't have them.

Wednesday Night Climbing - CRG Hadley

Location: Hadley, MA
Date: 11‑Dec‑2024
Register »
Join the Western MA Mountaineers for an evening climbing at Central Rock Hadley. It should be a fun evening of socializing and pulling on the amazing routes set by the local CRG team. There is no fee from our committee but CRG does charge either a monthly membership fee or day pass fee.

Film Tour 2024 - Western MA Climbers Social

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 13‑Dec‑2024
Register »
Are you ready to connect with fellow climbing enthusiasts and experience the thrill of the great outdoors from the comfort of an indoor gym? Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with adventure, community, and delicious food! What to Expect: 2024 Climbing Film Tour Series: Get inspired by breathtaking climbs and inspiring stories from climbers around the world! This year's film lineup is sure to ignite your passion for adventure. Pizza Party: Savor delicious slices while mingling with fellow climbers and outdoor lovers. It's the perfect way to fuel up for a night of excitement! We will also be providing non-alcoholic beverages.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to connect with like-minded individuals, everyone is welcome! Bring your friends, family, and climbing buddies for a night of fun and camaraderie.
What you'll need: Firstly you'll need to register!! We have limited space Secondly: BYOC: Bring your own chairs/seating! In order to bring you this celebration we are asking that participants bring their own chairs for the movie.

Gym Bouldering / Dry Tooling Night

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 18‑Dec‑2024
Register »
Come join the AMC-MA Mountaineering Committee for a night of gym bouldering and dry tooling at the Climb Monadnock Gym in Keene, NH. All experience levels welcome. There is an entry cost to the gym. Reduced fees available (15% off day passes).
We will meet by the entrance at 6PM. If you arrive late, come find us around the gym in green wristbands! In addition to registering, first time participants and spectators must complete the liability waiver. We kindly ask that you complete this form on the website before arriving. Having the forms completed in advance will help streamline the check-in process and get the group climbing faster.
If you plan on dry tooling, you will need your own tools (regular ice tools are fine), a helmet, and gloves. If you have climbing shoes you should bring them too (no boots on the wall), but you can rent them if you don't have them.

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 08‑Jan‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 15‑Jan‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 22‑Jan‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 29‑Jan‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 05‑Feb‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 12‑Feb‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 19‑Feb‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 26‑Feb‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 05‑Mar‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights

Location: Keene, NH
Date: 12‑Mar‑2025
Register »
Come join us for some fun in the evening at the Keene Ice Box. This is ice at night!
Participants must have prior knowledge of top rope climbing skills (i.e. how to tie in with a figure 8, how to belay and lower a top rope climbing partner).
Participants must also have their own climbing gear to participate. This includes technical ice climbing boots, crampons, and ice tools. Western MA Mountaineering does have harnesses and helmets available to borrow. HELMETS ARE REQUIRED TO BE WORN FOR THE DURATION OF THIS EVENT!

Leader Refresher Course

Location: Connecticut River Valley, MA
Date: 16‑Mar‑2025
Register »
This event is for the leaders and leader candidates of the Western MA Mountaineering committee. This event is centered around anchor building, rock climbing safety, and curriculum re-education.

Transition Gym to Rock Climbing Class

Location: Ashfield, MA
Date: 30‑Mar‑2025
Register »
1 day of instruction held at Chapel Ledge (Ashfield). Build on your indoor skills and learn the skills required to climb outdoors including: safety, proper equipment use, knots and tying into the rope, communication with a climbing partner, movement on the rock, belaying a partner, and an introduction to top rope anchors (including cleaning). There will be lots of climbing time! Gear is supplied, but bring what you have.

Activity Schedule

All activities are subject to cancellation due to poor weather conditions. Check activities on outdoors.org for up-to-the-minute additions not yet shown here. Not all activities may be posted yet.
Executive 20s/30s A.T. Management Bicycling Communications Conservation DEI Family Programs Hiking Membership Mountaineering Net Management Paddling Training and Education
Climber on rocks
  CHRIS NEIL
Rock climbing
  CHRIS NEIL
Woman climbing a rock face
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT

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