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So here we stand at the true beginning of the summer season, July 4th weekend. July 4th is a federal holiday that commemorates the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4th, 1776. While really a patriotic holiday, it has come more to symbolize the start of summer, baseball, barbecues, parades and a variety of other public and private events.For most of us living up here it hopefully signals the start of the summer tourist season.
If the weather is good, usually that means that we will have a good summer filled with people up here recreating and buying goods and services. If not good, it can set a precedent for that summer's season that have a detrimental effect on the economy. Of course this year on top of the pressure to have good weather for the long weekend, we also have the poor economy that can work to keep people at home. This year I have to agree with the local Chamber of Commerce who point out that we are still a much cheaper vacation destination that many other places. For folks coming from Massachusetts and the vicinity the White Mountains are only a tank of gas away! And for those who are into more outdoor activities we're a cheap date!
What's the point of this? Well just that if you are looking for place to spend some family time this summer, The Whites are a great place to come. A weekend or week-long climbing trip up here will cost a lot less that most other places you could go. And if the weather is rainy, or if your significant other doesn't climb, bike, canoe or kayak there sure is a lot of shopping to be done - with NO SALES TAX! It's kind of a win-win thing isn't it? [grin]
Have a great 4th, eat plenty of great food, enjoy your friends and family, drink responsibility and I hope to see you up here this summer.
Ice Conditions Report:
Selected Ice Conditions effective February 19, 2026
Just as you would expect following Ice Fest AND a week of truly balmy temps, going to be upper 30's today, the ice can be a mixed bag. I saw someone post about how things are terrible. But digging into it, I realized they were talking about places like the North End that are very well used. It probably gets the most use of all. There are only a few places that have really easy access to moderate climbing and where you can set up a bunch of top-ropes. So that's not unexpected. And of course the climbs that are getting a lot of full sun are getting somewhat punked-out. On my way back from Wolfeboro mid-afternoon a few days ago I took a look at Rainbow Slabs which look as if they are getting pretty funky. And I watched a hunk of the bottom of Way In The Wilderness fall down! IMO it's really the time to start paying attention to what you're walking underneath, any time of the day. Enjoy this weather, but keep paying attention...
Huntington Ravine
numerous options
Repentance
iffy
Standard Route
GREAT conditions
Dracula
IN & very fat
For the full current conditions report, CLICK
HERE
BUG REPORT:
The bugs seem down a bit from the past few weeks. Still bring the bug dope if you are in the woods, otherwise you should be OK.
Sounds Clever & Valley Horns - 3 Nights @ Wildcat Tavern:
Up for some climbing & fun this weekend? Drop by the Wildcat Tavern in Jackson on Friday, Saturday or Sunday and catch Sounds Clever & the Valley Horns. Rock, funk, blues, jazz & fun. 8:30-closing.
Mobile Version Of NEClimbs:
Up on one of the Mount Washington Valley's finest crags and want to know what that climb you're looking at is? Or maybe you're on your way up from Boston and want to check out the Ice Report for your upcoming weekend plans. Or more likely, you're at work just want to daydream about your next adventure. Well if you have a smart phone handy, you can get to NEClimbs from anywhere you have cell service. While it doesn't offer every single feature of the site and it's not an "app", in mobile form, it does do a whole lot and is very useful. Here is the live link to the mobile version of NEClimbs:
Check it out and if you have issues on your specific phone, please feel free to let me know.
NEClimbs & White Mountain Report On Facebook:
Join us and LIKE us on Facebook. I'll try and post interesting pix every Thursday and the latest Ice Report in the season, tho certainly not the whole Report. Here's where you can check it out:
Remember - climb hard, ride the steep stuff, stay safe and above all BE NICE,
Al Hospers
The White Mountain Report
North Conway, New Hampshire
To qualify for mountain rescue work, you have to pass our test. The doctor holds a flashlight to your ear. If he can see light coming out the other one, you qualify.
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.
