“I’m in!” I was psyched to get first “sticks” of the season before the forecasted rain and holiday busyness set in.

Pinnacle Gully is located on a dark, north-west facing wall of Huntington Ravine. The mountain is famous for some of the worlds worst weather and highest recorded wind speeds. High winds, low visibility, cold temps, fostbite and avalanche are just some of the hazards on a winter ascent. But as I drove north from Connecticut, it looked like we could catch a break in the weather. Skies were clearing and the low snow accumulation totals meant avalanche risk would be virtually non-existent.

When the route came into view we commented that the ice looked a little scrappy and might not be thick enough to accept even short ice screws. Climbing conditions on the route turned out to be pretty good. The climbing was fun and moderate but protection and belay anchors were scarce. Rushing water could be seen and heard just a few inches under the surface. We opted to move quickly and simul-climb the easier sections in search of belays and protected stances. Thin ice meant that loose rocks would fall in the narrow gully.

Stats: Pinnacle Gully, Huntington Ravine, Mt Washington

Grade: III WI3
First Ascent: 1930, Scoville & Whittlesey
Temps: 0 to 10 F, wind chill ~30 below
Winds: Gusts to 62mph
Round Trip: 8 miles (approx)
Duration: ~7hrs Pinkham to Pinkham

Thanks to Matt Shove for an awesome day!

The cold temps this week mean there is lots of ice climbing already available in upper elevations and nearby in the Catskills!

We’re booking our ice climbing programs now!

Get in touch or call (203) 675-5510 to book your ice climbing trip!

Pinnacle Gully, Huntington Ravine, Mt Washington – November 25, 2013

Panoramas

Two Connecticut Shows

Trinity College (Hartford) – Saturday, October 26, 2013

Yale University (New Haven) – Friday, November 15, 2013

Trailer

Help support a worthy cause

These past years we’ve raised several thousand dollars for some great causes. This year we’re sharing proceeds with two non-profits that create opportunities and access for climbers right here in CT and across the north east.

Ragged Mountain Foundation
A local group of climbers working hard behind the scenes to preserve access to Connecticut’s climbing areas. Become a member, join an Adopt-a-Crag or attend a meeting to keep your favorite crag clean and open for climbing.

Paradox Sports
Based in Boulder, Colorado Paradox Sports works to improve people’s lives by creating adaptive sports communities, built to inspire. Funds donated to Paradox will help support adaptive rock and ice climbing events at the Gunks in NY and the White Mountains in NH.

Gallery – Scenes from REEL Rock 8

Ascent Climbing is pleased to present a free slideshow and talk with Mingmar Dorji Sherpa!

Mingmar Sherpa is a trek leader for Destination Hamalaya and has summitted Mt. Everest 4 times. He was an assistant to David Breashears on the filming of “Storm over Everest”, a film about the 1996 tragedy on Everest. He also served as head filming Sherpa to Conrad Anker during the making of “The Wildest Dream”, a film about George Mallory’s ill-fated 1922 expedition to Mt Everest.

Mimngmar will be sharing photos and stories from his mountaineering adventures on Mt. Everest, Nepal and beyond. More about Mingmar Sherpa.

Mingmar on the summit of Mt. Everest 2007.

Monday, January 28, 2013 | 7:30pm

Location:
Yale University
WLH207 – William Harkness Hall (Map)
100 Wall Street, New Haven
Admission: Free
Open to the Public




Download show poster (.pdf)

Last years show was a huge success and we raised more that $1200 for the Ragged Mountain Foundation; a climber-run organization that advocates for recreational climbing access in Connecticut.

This year promises to be even bigger. Our sponsors have been extremely generous with their donations to the raffle…bring a few extra dollars to purchase raffle tickets.

Don’t miss this awesome film and opportunity to support climbing access here in CT. Hope to see you there!

Yale University ( New Haven )

Friday, November 30, 2012 | 7:30pm

Tickets: $10 ea / $7 Yale University students & faculty
Location: Linsly-Chittenden Hall, 63 High Street, New Haven (Map)
Note: This show is likely to sell out! Purchase your tickets online today.

Proceeds benefit:

Ragged Mountain Foundation: Preserving access to Connecticuts high and wild places.

Please support our sponsors:

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