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So here we are a mere day away from the 2025 Ice Fest! And unlike last year, we truly have a GREAT season already in progress. You won't have to scuffle to find things to climb, it's all right there. Shucks, even the Frankenstein Amphitheater is in good shape. I'm kind of bummed that I'm playing music all three days this weekend, so I won't be out there with all of you. [snif] But of course I'm very happy to be able to do what I am able.
That said, if you haven't signed up for a clinic, a lesson or a guided climb, I'm really not sure what's left. Get on the phone ASAP and call IMCS. I suppose there IS a possibility of them squeezing you in to something. I do know that Saturday evening's Will Gadd one is SOLD OUT! Too bad 'cause I don't know when I will get the opportunity to see him in person. [booh]
A NOTE ABOUT NEXT WEEK'S REPORT:
I have to run down to Washington DC to see my sister next week and not getting back 'till Thursday afternoon. Thus I will take pictures on Friday morning and post them later in the day along with a short Report. Sorry 'bout that, but at times life does get in the way...
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
Here are some of the pictures from Thursday. For ALL of the pictures and full Conditions Report go to the Ice Conditions page.
MUSICAL NOTES:
This is a busy week for sure. I played in Wolfeboro on Tuesday which was great. I'm playing jazz trio at the Majestic Cafe with guitarist Jarrod Taylor and drummer Craig Bryan on drums, then with my full band at Tuckerman 4-7 on Saturday and lastly at Ledge Brewing for the Ice Fest after party 6-9 on Sunday. It all should be tons-o-fun.
VALLEY CYCLING:
The riding has been great for several weeks. Right now there are a few inches of snow in the trails, and we're going to get a bit more on Friday. But I'm sure that the trail-elves will be out grooming in the next day or two, or possibly sooner.
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:
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.
