Check out the Gallery for more images of the Catskills and the “Select Climbs of the Catskills” page for more information about climbing there.

The Catskill Region of southern New York is home to some great ice climbing. Steep sandstone outcrops are nestled into many of the drainages and perched high on the sides of the plateau-shaped mountains.

The ice climbing here is great for beginners and experienced climbers alike. Close proximity to New York City has made the Catskills a popular ice climbing area for NYC locals as well. A two hour ride from NYC means that access to the Catskills is easy, even for a day trip.

The wild winter temperature and weather fluctuations present throughout the mid-Atlantic region mean that conditions in the Catskills can change drastically from day to day and week to week. Ice can come into shape in three days and be gone the next day. Things get sun-baked too, and top-outs are notoriously hideous especially in the very early and late portions of the winter.

When the Catskills come into shape there’s a lot of good ice to be had. There are multipitch ice routes in Stoney Clove and in the ravines in Kaaterskill Clove. However, the Catskills are mainly a cragging destination. At some of the cliffs you can toprope all of the routes, and at others you need to lead. One of the nicest things about the climbing is the variety. There are lots of moderates to learn on and many cliffs with sustained, hard ice and traditional mixed climbing. On these routes, once you leave the ground you are working the whole time.

The rock in the Catskills, relatively loose soft sandstone, is forgiving on your picks and frontpoints, so it’s a good place to learn to mixed climb. With the abundance of toproping available there’s no better place to learn how to torque, scratch, and scrape your way up mixed lines.

The Catskills have long been overlooked as a major ice climbing destination in the northeastern United States. They should be on every ice climber’s hit list. With an abundance of moderate and high-end classics the Catskills are a great place to explore the woods and swing some tools.

The very beautiful Kaaterskill Falls amphitheater

Helpful Information

The Catskill Region is about a 2-3 hour drive from NYC. It’s an easy day or overnight trip. There are an abundance of motels and hotels in Tannersville, about 10 minutes from any of the climbing areas.

Places to eat

Both Phoenicia and Tannersville have some good places to eat before or after climbing. In Tannersville check out Maggie’s Krooked Cafe for breakfast and Lunch and Last Chance Antiques and Cheese Cafe for lunch or dinner. In Phoenicia, Sweet Sue’s is a great, cute little breakfast place. Brio’s has good hearty breakfasts and outstanding brick oven pizza (even by NYC standards!).

Guidebooks

An Ice Climber’s Guide to the Catskill Mountains by Marty Molitoris is a good reference if you’ve never visited the area. There is a lot that didn’t make it into the book as well. In order to get information about some of the other areas you’ll have to ask locals or just explore.

Where to get gear

Rock and Snow in New Paltz is one of the nicest gear shops in the northeast. They have a knowledgeable and experienced staff that can help you replace gear or stock up on new gear if you are just getting into climbing.

Guide Services

Alpine Endeavors is a year-round guide service that offers rock and ice guiding in the region. They have a number of guides who can take you anywhere you’d like to go in the Catskills.