Free trip to the Gunks (Sky Top) - Win at Climbing.com

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kDraves

Trad climber

New York, NY

Topic Author's Original Post - Nov 19, 2007 - 01:42pm PT

http://www.climbing.com/exclusive/mohonkmountaincontest/

One lucky winner and a guest will receive a extraordinary four night all inclusive stay at Mohonk Mountain House in New Paltz. Built on the deep-blue waters of Lake Mohonk in 1869, this grand 265-room Victorian castle is one of America's oldest family-owned resorts. Mohonk – or “lake in the sky” - is a sparkling wonder, tucked away at the top of the Shawangunk Ridge. Rock Climbing at Sky Top! Sky Top is the most dramatic view on the Shawangunk Ridge, and home to over 300 documented rock climbs. Prize includes guiding and round trip airfare. Don't hesitate, for your chance to win. Courtesy of Mohonk Mountain House, Alpine Endeavors & Climbing Magazine. Enter daily!

The prize package includes:
1. Round-trip airfare for two (2) from select US gateway
2. Four (4) nights' accommodations, double occupancy in a standard room category
3. All inclusive stay includes meals and taxes (drinks and tips are not included)

rgold

Trad climber

Poughkeepsie, NY

Nov 19, 2007 - 06:14pm PT

"Prize includes guiding," a good thing, because climbing to all but guided parties is still verboten at Sky Top.

You may not need a guide, but I'm sure the guide you have to climb with (who is already paid for) will be ecstatic to do the harder routes you have in mind rather than spend another day slogging up Petey's Spare Rib.

And the Mountain House is a trip, my forty-year old terminology befitting the zany crustiness of the place. A great place to ditch non-climbing family members while you tick a few routes.

One thing that isn't clear: when would you go? Climbing is possible in principle at all times of the year, but in the late fall, winter, and early spring you need a nice sunny day to counteract the cold.

A cool opportunity to climb at a historic place. Wiessner climbed Gargoyle here in 1935, with a few soft iron pitons and a hemp rope. The second route in the Gunks---check it out; its "only" 5.5.

happiegrrrl

Trad climber

New York, NY

Nov 19, 2007 - 06:23pm PT

It says the deal must be booked by December (31?) 2008, so the winner has the entire year to decide when to go.

I entered....and I'd love to stay at the Mountain House. I wonder if Teddy could come if I were "a guest." He's not allowed on the grounds otherwise.....

ahad aham

Trad climber

Nov 19, 2007 - 09:01pm PT

crass commercialism of sacred ground. indeed turning the beauty of that wonderful crag into a lottery. damn.....

...........................

...........................

sign me up.

sign me up

Curt

Boulder climber

Gilbert, AZ

Nov 19, 2007 - 09:12pm PT

I'm all over it... The "Guide" better be able to lead me up Supercrack, Open Cockpit, Cookie Monster and a few others too. Haha...

Curt

bob d'antonio

Trad climber

Taos, NM

Nov 19, 2007 - 09:55pm PT

Curt...Clune guides there...should be no problem.

happiegrrrl

Trad climber

New York, NY

Nov 19, 2007 - 11:07pm PT

The offering is sponsored, in part, by the guide service that has a contract to guide at Skytop(Alpine Endeavors). Marty, who owns the company, is a pretty smart guy and I have no doubt he'll pair the winner with an appropriate guide for their ability.

I have to say - this seems to me another step in the direction toward "opening" Skytop further for climbing. Some might disagree, but - neither Alpine Endeavors, the Mountain House, nor Climbing "needs" the PR that this offer brings. It's geared specifically toward the climbing community, an extremely small segment of MH's market.

Though the hotel may very well be hoping to court clientele who have both an interest in outdoors "extreme sports" and some cash by offering climbing at Skytop(in general, not just through this contest), I don't think that's the case with this offering. I doubt that demographic is shared by Climbing magazine.

Hearing some of the talk around the area lately(with Rosendale Water Works in the works, and other climbing areas with potential for access), it seems to me that Gunks climbing is about to enter a new era.

Curt

Boulder climber

Gilbert, AZ

Nov 19, 2007 - 11:33pm PT

Even so, he still looks pretty dorky in a helmet, Bob...

Curt

Phil_B

Social climber

Hercules, CA

Nov 20, 2007 - 02:57am PT

Hokey smoles! $504/night with a 2 night min. stay? That's more than the Ahwanee.

Hope I win. That's the only way I'll ever stay there. . .

Anastasia

Trad climber

California

Nov 20, 2007 - 03:11am PT

Guided climbing?
I wonder what would happen if the tried to guide John...
(Giggles.)
AF

Curt

Boulder climber

Gilbert, AZ

Nov 20, 2007 - 11:42pm PT

He'd probably have a great time.

Curt

bob d'antonio

Trad climber

Taos, NM

Nov 21, 2007 - 12:36am PT

Anastasia...Russ is a long time Gunks climber and world traveler. He has been a rep for BD for at least 25 years and has solo Supercrack (12d) and various other hard routes in the Gunks and other areas.

John more than likely knows Russ and would have a great day at the crags with him.

Hope all is well for you and John.

Richie R. on a classic.

AbeFrohman

Trad climber

new york, NY

Nov 21, 2007 - 10:36am PT

sacred ground or private property?

ahad aham

Trad climber

Nov 21, 2007 - 02:18pm PT

Kind of obvious now isn't it abe. would be great to see some kid without $$ means win that prize however. those are some terrific routes out there. i remember those days when it was pretty darn sacred & not so private. nothing lasts forever i suppose....a good oportunity for someone; let's root for that kid.

what routes would you want to do there?