Master Dry Tooling in New Hampshire: Climb Steep Rock with Ice Tools
Difficulty
challenging
Duration
3–5 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have a good to excellent level of fitness, with strong upper body and core strength; endurance for sustained climbing is recommended.
Overview
Discover dry tooling near Conway, NH, where climbers merge ice axes and crampons with vertical rock to conquer challenging routes. Led by pros, this unique adventure sharpens your skills on iconic White Mountain granite.
Dry Tooling Clinic
Get ready for ice season
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About This Adventure
Experience the thrill of dry tooling, a unique climbing discipline that merges rock climbing with ice tools on dry surfaces. Led by expert guides Jeni Calzaretta and pro climber Zac St. Jules, you'll learn essential techniques and advanced skills to tackle steep routes, making this an unforgettable adventure for climbers of all levels.
Join us for a day of instruction on the ethics, skills, and techniques of dry tooling.
Dry tooling is a unique and challenging climbing discipline that combines the techniques of rock climbing with the use of ice tools and crampons on dry surfaces.
Led by IMCS Guide Jeni Calzaretta and Guest Guide, pro climber Zac St. Jules of Forecast Equipment.
From precision placements to balance and body positioning, Jeni and Zac will guide you through the fundamentals necessary for efficient dry tooling.
As you progress, Jeni and Zac will introduce you to more advanced techniques, such as hooking, torquing, and more, enabling you to climb steep and more demanding routes.
Previous climbing experience is recommended but not mandatory. This course includes all technical equipment.
Adventure Tips
Use proper dry tooling equipment
Always bring ice tools and crampons designed specifically for dry tooling to ensure safe and effective movement on rock surfaces.
Warm-up before climbing
Dry tooling demands precise tool placements and upper body strength; a thorough warm-up helps prevent muscle strain and enhances performance.
Scout routes before climbing
Examine planned routes for holds and tool placements to anticipate challenges and plan your moves efficiently.
Wear protective gear
Helmet and gloves are crucial to protect from falling debris and sharp tool edges during dry tooling sessions.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Moose
- Peregrine falcon
History
The White Mountains have been a center for American climbing since the early 1900s, nurturing generations of climbers and pioneering new techniques.
Conservation
Local guides emphasize minimizing impact through Leave No Trace principles and using established routes to protect fragile alpine ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in Conway
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Ice tools
Essential for gripping and swinging on steep rock routes during dry tooling.
Crampons
Provides critical foot traction on rock features for balance and stability.
Climbing helmet
Protects from falling rocks or tool slips during the climb.
Climbing gloves
Offers hand protection and better grip on ice tools.