Information & Policies
Weather and Cancellation Policy
Dependant on each provider; please refer to applicable guides and/or guide service for cancellation policies.
Generally, part of winter is dealing with adverse weather conditions. We hope to provide all events on the schedule; however weather or climbing/skiing conditions may force us to cancel certain clinics or tours. Please stay tuned for updates.
Lodging Recommendations
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Directions to Venues
The Mountaineer - 1866 Route 73 Keene Valley, NY 12943
Vendor Village - 1900 Route 73 Keene Valley, NY 12943
Keene Central School – 33 Market St. Keene Valley, NY 12943
- ½ mile south of The Mountaineer, off Route 73 in the center of Keene Valley
Keene Valley Fire Hall – 15 Market St. Keene Valley, NY 12943
- Just before Keene Central School
Keene Arts – 10881 Route 73 Keene, NY 12942
- The old Methodist Church building, between Stewart’s and Town Hall
Keene Fitness - 1771 Route 73 Keene Valley, NY 12943
Otis Mountain - Lobdell Ln. Elizabethtown, NY 12932
- Parking is located on Lobdell Lane, approximately .35 miles from the front gate
Registration
To register for Mountainfest clinics, please contact the providing guide service directly; each clinic has a guide service listed. This is to ensure participants are signing up for the appropriate clinic and questions can be answered before or during registration.
*A portion of registration fees for all paid engagements will contribute to Mountainfest's charitable outcomes. For guided daytime clinics, $25 of your fee will be put to work in the Adirondack and Keene Valley community.
Demo Gear
Ice climbing and clothing sponsors will have demo gear available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Ski sponsors will have demo gear available Sunday at Otis Mountain. If you plan on utilizing demo gear during clinics, please visit vendor booths well before clinic meeting time!
Although there will be opportunities to use demo gear, participants should not rely solely on this gear for their intended clinics. Please plan on attending clinics fully prepared with personal technical equipment.
Equipment Expectations
Guide services will provide equipment lists during registration. Please consult the following list for a general idea of what to expect.
All Participants:
Several adjustable layers of synthetic, wool, or silk clothing to accommodate temperature extremes when active and resting. Actively layering in lightweight, breathable options to minimize overheating is recommended
Heavier insulating jacket - down or Primaloft - to pull on during rest breaks. Be prepared for mixed to extreme cold conditions
Water resistant jacket or shell with hood
Helmet (climbing or ski certified depending on intended activity)
Warm hat and extra pair of warm gloves or mittens, heaters
Plenty of high energy food and fluids (2 liters+) for the day (a thermos full of hot liquids is also great)
Sunglasses and/or goggles for eye protection from sun and tree branches
Headlamp with extra batteries
Day pack/Ski Touring pack big enough for all of the above
Suggested personal items (Guides may have some for group):
Personal repair kit for bindings, poles & packs
Personal care kit: band-aids, athletic tape, sterile gauze, ibuprofen
Ski Equipment:
Intermediate - Modern telemark or alpine touring skis and bindings, modern telemark or AT boots, climbing skins (pre-cut and adjusted to fit skis)
Advanced - must own alpine touring or telemark equipment, as well as own and be familiar with avalanche safety gear (beacon, shovel, probe)
Climbing Gear:
Beginner Ice - Please consult with guide services as to technical equipment requirements.
All other Ice clinics - Participants are required to bring personal gear including harness, helmet, belay device, boots, crampons, and ice tools. If intending to try demo gear, participants should plan to visit the Vendor Village before clinic meeting time and be prepared to head out with the group. Although there will be opportunities to use demo gear, participants should not rely solely on this gear for their intended clinics.
Ski Ability Expectation
An honest assessment of experience, ability, and fitness level is very important. If participants are unable to keep up with the others in a particular group, the day will end in frustration. Consult clinic offerings and providing guide service for more information.
Please review the following for a general idea of what to expect.
Intermediate:
Participants may already have some backcountry experience, and should have familiarity with nordic touring or skinning. A regular alpine skier and can comfortably ski intermediate level (blue square) trails at any major ski area (like Whiteface). Fitness level is good enough to spend 5-7 hours out with a pack, and the energy for moderate to challenging terrain with variable surface conditions.
Guides will cover/review strategies for efficient travel and comfort for these types of days, and present intermediate to advanced level techniques for ascent and descent in variable backcountry terrain & mixed conditions.
Advanced:
Must have prior backcountry experience to participate in the advanced clinics. Instruction assumes prior knowledge of equipment and intermediate techniques; will focus more on advanced backcountry techniques. Fitness should be good enough to spend 6-8 hours out with a pack, with the energy for challenging terrain and snow conditions.
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