Skiing and riding at Whiteface. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.
All spring the Northwood Outing Club (NOC) participates in paddling, rock climbing, hiking, fishing, and various other types of recreational activities. The fall season begins in September, but since the Adirondacks tend to get chilly quickly, it ends around late October or early November.
During the off-season, when it is too cold to go outside but too warm for snow and ice, NOC takes its annual Thanksgiving break trip to the beautiful Red Rocks Canyon in Las Vegas, Nevada. When school begins again, there isn’t much for the crew to do. They keep busy by traveling to climbing gyms from Burlington, Vermont all the way to Queensbury, New York. There are more local spots in Lake Placid, like Mt Van Hovenberg, and the climbing gym at Paul Smith’s College, located thirty minutes away in Paul Smith’s, NY. If traveling can’t work, staying at school and using Northwood’s climbing gym is always a great option.
Ice climbing. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.
Now that it is December, the snow is falling, and the ice is forming. For NOC, this means that they can get back outside to participate in sports like ice climbing, skiing/snowboarding on the famous Whiteface Mountain, in the backcountry, and even cross country. Even if you have never tried these activities, NOC gives everybody the opportunity to participate and learn. With the amazing Bobby O’Connor as the teacher and the wide range of equipment that Northwood can lend out, every student is able to experience winter sports in the Adirondacks.
The NOC winter season entails students being able to ice climb in areas like the North Face of Pitchoff, Cascade Pass, and the Chapel Pond area. They are also able to ski tour up Wright Peak then go down the Angel Slides or take easier days through the Penny Glades. Students can ski the toll road or at Mt Van Hovenberg, take daily trips to ski and snowboard on Whiteface Mountain, and occasionally Gore Mountain.
On the gondola at Whiteface. Photo: Avery Novia ’24.
The opportunity to recreate in this beautiful area isn’t the only amazing thing about NOC in the winter; you also get to connect with others who share the same love and interest in these sports. Whether it be friends from school or professionals in the field, these connections allow you to enjoy going on these trips even more.
December is just the beginning of the Northwood Outing Club 2023-24 winter season. There are still many months to go. Holiday break is arriving quickly; sadly, this will put a small pause on all their adventures. You’ll get the chance to see these amazing students around the Adirondack Park when they get back, but until then, happy winter!
