GO PATS!!!! Starting tomorrow, Thursday, the 2026 ICE FEST WEEKEND is upon us, and that's the main reason for this early Report. Kudos to Paul, Lisa, Rick, Brady and the whole IME/IMCS crew for keeping the stoke alive. Three days of warmish daytime temps, but no rain (!), should really help. And based on the ice conditions I've seen so far, this could be one of the best.
The MWV Ice Fest is considered one of the premier climbing events in the country. For over 33 years it has provided a great opportunity for those attending to network, socialize, try new gear and participate in multiple day courses, one-day technical clinics and privately guided climbs. Don't miss it!
Feb 5 - Feb 8, 2026 in North Conway, NH.
Our Current Review
AVALANCHE DREAMS: A Memoir of Skiing, Climbing and Life
Louis Dawson describes his life in six sections with each one representing a different era of his life. The forty-three short chapters flow smoothly and keep the reader wanting to explore one more episode at each reading.
Hip Deep -
WI 4 IV
The start is thin ice over low angle rock slab. If the ice is too thin, bypass the slab and start in the shallow snow gully and work your way to top of a rock slab to low angle ice.
The name came because the first ascent party waded for a half mile thru snow up to their hips for 1 1/2 hours from the leanto to the cliff.
When you consider the ratio of adrenaline to dollars spent, I think ice climbing is a pretty economical.
—Mike T (from the NEClimbs forum)
In case you weren't really believing that there is a train running!
Frankenstein trestle, Crawford Notch
Selected Ice Conditions effective February 4, 2026
Every picture tells a story... There's lots of ice out there and there will be lots of climbers out there this weekend as well. Enjoy...
Huntington Ravine
numerous options
Repentance
been done
Standard Route
GOOD
Dracula
IN & fat
For the full current conditions report, CLICK
HERE
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One Of Our Articles: Getting Your (Ice) Rack Together
Ice racks are personal, like fine cars and wives. Every climber's rack is different, and putting one together can be as easy or as complicated as you like. Here's a few tips on putting one together that will do most of what you'll need here in New England.
Climbing is a very dangerous sport. You can get hurt or even kill yourself. When you go climbing, you do so of your own free will. Everything on this site is to be taken with a grain of salt. Don't blame us if you get up some totally heinous route, in over your head and fall and hurt yourself.
