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Mohonk Mountain House, Alpine Endeavors Partner to Offer Rock Climbing on Sky Top
Rock climbers who've longed to tackle the Shawangunk's Sky Top, closed to climbers since the mid-1990s, now have a means to the goods: As of April 1, 2007, overnight guests of the Mohonk Mountain House can climb at Sky Top with an approved guide.
Rock climbing at Sky Top will be available exclusively to overnight guests of the 265-room Victorian castle resort, located 90 miles north of New York City, through a special partnership with Alpine Endeavors, a renowned guide service accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. Guiding costs are in addition to hotel accommodations. Unescorted guests, day guests and the public are not permitted to rock climb at Sky Top at this time.
“The Shawangunk Ridge is a natural wonder, described as one of the ‘Last Great Places’ in the world by The Nature Conservancy. We are thrilled to offer our guests a rock climbing program that is accessible to complete beginners, advanced climbers and children ages seven and older,” said spokesperson Nina Smiley, a member of the family that has owned and operated the resort for 138 years. “Climbing the formations and gazing at the dramatic views of the valley below is an exhilarating experience.”
Historically, Sky Top is one of the most significant crags on the continent. Its sublime setting is home to one of the earliest routes in the Shawangunks, Fritz Weissner’s 1935 Gargoyle. Climbers participating in the program will ascend the most prominent point of the Shawangunk Ridge.
“This particular part of the Ridge is home to over 300 documented rock climbs, such as Lakeview, Grey Face, Sound and Fury, and Foops, which are classics that will be sought-out by seasoned climbers,” said Marty Molitoris, director of Alpine Endeavors.
Rock climbing at Mohonk Mountain House will be offered annually from April though November, seven days a week upon reservation. Climbers can choose from three options: an all-day session from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; a morning session from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; or an afternoon session from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Private group outings are available for up to 20 participants. Guests can choose to hire a guide for a private climb or participate with a group. Advanced climbing courses are available for experienced climbers looking to gain more complex technical skills in areas such as top roping, anchor building, self-rescue skills and gear placement.
Session prices start at $142 per person for a half-day climb and $189 per person for a full-day climb. Prices are based on group size and inclusive of all charges. Climbing equipment is provided by Alpine Endeavors. All fees are subject to cancellation and inclement weather policies. Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by an adult.
For more information on the rock climbing program, visit www.mohonkmountainguides.com; for information on the Mohonk Mountain House, visit www.mohonk.com. For overnight reservations, call (800) 772-6646 and specify your interest in rock climbing.
About Mohonk Mountain House
Mohonk Mountain House is a National Historic Landmark and Historic Hotel of America located in the Hudson Valley region of New York State, just 90 miles north of New York City. The new 30,000-square-foot Spa wing at Mohonk Mountain House features 16 treatment rooms, a solarium, and outdoor heated mineral pool, along with an indoor heated swimming pool with an underwater sound system, comprehensive fitness center and yoga/motion studio. Mohonk’s award-winning Skating Pavilion is host to special activities including skating lessons and corporate team-building programs. For invigorating outdoor fun, guests can enjoy 85 miles of trails for seasonal hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Overnight guests can enjoy rock climbing on one of the most acclaimed cliffs in the world. The grounds feature exquisite gardens, a challenging nine-hole golf course, red clay tennis courts, and stables with horseback riding and horse-drawn carriage rides. The half-mile-long, glacial-formed Lake Mohonk is ideal for boating, fishing and swimming. Over 40 theme programs are presented annually, including culinary classes, gardening workshops, music festivals and nature programs. Overnight rates at Mohonk Mountain House include accommodations, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Afternoon Tea and Cookies, and most resort activities. For additional information, please call (800) 772-6646 or visit www.mohonk.com.
About Alpine Endeavors
Alpine Endeavors operates year-round for rock climbing, ice climbing and mountaineering. It also offer specialty courses to help round out outdoors skills in fly fishing, canoeing, wilderness medicine, and Leave No Trace. Alpine Endeavors is the only school in the area (and in New York) since January 2005 to meet the new 2006 AMGA Accreditation Standards.
Alpine Endeavors is based in some of the best climbing on the East Coast, the Shawangunk and Catskill Mountains of New York.
The Shawangunks are legendary for rock climbing. They offer an abundance of high-quality routes for all abilities. Only 90 minutes north of New York City, it is a common day trip for guests. The Catskills offer incredible ice climbing that is reliable every year. Only two hours north of New York City, they offer some of the best ice climbing in the east, without the long drive. For more information about Alpine Endeavors, visit www.alpineendeavors.com or call (845) 658-3094.