When the forecast calls for -19 degree wind chill in Smuggler’s Notch, I pack hand warmers and extra tea for everyone. When those hand warmers turn out to all be duds, you become even more thankful that the day turned out to be very very pleasant, with a quiet, gentle snow falling in the morning, and zero wind in the afternoon.
We started off the morning meeting at the Sunrise Café to grab coffee and some snacks for the day, then headed up to the Workout Wall in Smuggler’s Notch. We started off on the right side, working on climbing technique, movement, and awakening new muscles! Everyone progressed so much during the day- learning to trust the crampons, each swing getting better, and trying out little mixed sections (using rock and ice) to get up steeper sections at the top of the climbs. We worked on our ab muscles too… so much laughter. A fun glissade out at the end of the day and a jaunt up to check out the top of the Notch completed a full winter adventure.
Thanks to Kara, Katie, Nicole and Alison, who came all the way from Boston, and Brittany (representing VT!) for coming out for a day on the ice!
-Andrea Charest
