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
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 Climbing at CRG Hadley
Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 5:30 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.Leader Ice Climbing Skills Refresher
This is a leader-only, on-ice skills refresher for AMC Western MA Mountaineering Committee leaders, co-leaders, and approved leader candidates. The focus of the day is sharpening technical skills, reinforcing AMC best practices, and aligning on risk management standards before the heart of ice season. Exact location will be chosen based on conditions (likely a roadside crag with reliable ice). Refer to the registration page for more information.Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).Gym Climbing - Central Rock Gym Hadley
Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 5:30 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).Gym Climbing - Central Rock Gym Hadley
Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 5:30 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).Gym Climbing - Central Rock Gym Hadley
Work week got you down? Please join the Mountaineering Committee for some midweek climbing! We will meet at 5:30 PM at Central Rock Gym in Hadley for a few hours of laid-back climbing and socializing.Wed Night Ice Climbing in the Lights
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).AMC 150 Farley Ledges Rock Climbing Day
Join us at Farley Ledges for an evening of cragging in celebration of AMC's 150th Anniversary Outdoor Relay! We'll climb classic Western MA rock, tell tall tales that get 5.10 every time they're retold, and add our vertical contribution to the AMC 150 relay route. Newer outdoor climbers (with some gym or outdoor experience) and seasoned rope guns are all welcome. Refer to the registration page for more information.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.
CHRIS NEIL
CHRIS NEIL
COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHT
MA Climbers Win Big at Farley Ledges
With Access Fund's support, the Western Massachusetts Climbers' Coalition has secured permanent conservation protection for Farley Ledges and Rose Ledge. The victory is another reminder that when climbing access is threatened, local climbing organizations are often the first and best line of defense. READ MORE »Resources
- Mountaineering »Contact our committee
- AMC Trip Policy (PDF) »Information for participants
- AMC Activity Rating System »Difficulty levels for climbing and mountaineering
- Favorite Climbs »Favorite places to climb from the Mountaineering Chair
- Climbing and Dry Tooling »A thrilling challenge at AMC
- Embrace the Challenge! »AMC ice climbing
- 7 Home Workout Exercises for Rock Climbers »Creative ways to stay in climbing shape
- Beginner Resources »The basics for newbies
- Best Backcountry Skiing in the Northeast »The bible of backcountry skiing