AMERICA’S TOP ICE CLIMBING SPOTS

Adirondacks, New York

Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia and innovator of ice-climbing tools, put this area on the map in 1969 when he ascended a route now named Chouinard’s

Gully. Adirondack Rock & River makes the sport accessible with lodging and an ice park exclusively for clients. rockandriver.com

Cody, Wyoming

The South Fork of the Shoshone River Valley has one of the largest concentrations of multi-pitch ice climbs in the Lower 48. Wyoming Mountain Guides can arrange tours. wyoming mountainguides.com

North Conway, New Hampshire

The International Mountain Climbing School offers guided climbs up challenging routes like Pinnacle Gully as well as clinics throughout the White Mountains. ime-usa.com

Valdez, Alaska

Novices and pros can find a challenge on 180-plus ice climbing routes in the area.

Alaska Guide Co. leads trips all winter to such well-known spots as the 183-metre-tall Bridal Veil Falls in the climbing mecca Keystone Canyon. alaska.guide

GETTING THERE

United Airlines (united.com) flies non-stop from Delhi to Newark. From there, catch a flight to Montrose. Ouray is 45 minutes away.