2009 Annual Report of the Boston Chapter Mountaineering Committee

Overview

The Mountaineering Committee (MC) continued to promote climbing and protect access to climbing areas in and around the Boston area. The MC offered its annual ice climbing instructional program in the winter and the beginners’ rock climbing program in the spring. These classes were organized and operated by volunteers from the MC. Additionally, avalanche and rescue courses were organized by the MC and taught by certified guides. The MC has continued to publish The Crux, its climbers’ newsletter and to operate a successful website. Monthly social events were hosted by volunteers. In 2009 the MC chair position was assumed by Simon Kozin. The previous chair, Paul Dale, has taken the vice chair role.

Instructional Programs

The MC taught beginning ice and snow climbing this year, as it has for many decades. Approximately 20 experienced ice climbers volunteered their time to act as co-leaders and assistants to teach 23 students. The Harvard Cabin in Jackson, NH was utilized as a base of operations for the two upcountry weekends. The Ice Program was coordinated by dedicated volunteers Dave Yee, Dave Gibbs, Mare Weiss, Marc Regan, Joe Solomon, Otto Weiss, and Simon Kozin who have been running this program for the last several years.

The spring rock climbing program, a fixture of the MC for many decades, involves 5 weekends of instruction. Approximately 40 experienced climbers volunteered their time to teach 77 new climbers. The Rock Program was organized by Mare Weiss, Chuck Reed, and Ron Birk. Weekend leaders graciously volunteered to coordinate details of each specific weekend and ensure appropriate gear is on hand and organized. Rusty Reitinger has been the trusty gear coordinator for both the Ice and Rock Programs for several years, not an easy job.

Two other training programs were offered to enhance the skills of local climbers. The MC organizes a rescue class, which was offered in both the spring and fall. In the winter the MC offered avalanche training. Both of these courses are taught by certified climbing guides. Nancy Savickas organized these courses in 2009, as she has for many years.

Preservation of Quincy Quarries

The MC was very excited to see the culmination of several years of hard work influencing the Big Dig to complete the transfer of $780,000 to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation (DCR). Without the hard work of committee member Larry Sodano this outcome might not have been successful or could have dragged on for many more years. In 2010 the MC’s challenge will be to influence the Blue Hills master plan to ensure the money is well spent and directed to projects beneficial to the climbing community and other parties that appreciate the Quarries.

The Crux Newsletter and Web Site

The MC published 3 issues of our newsletter entitled The Crux, that is sent to over 400 people. Many thanks are owed to Al Stebbins and Nancy Zizza for organizing, printing, and mailing The Crux. The MC operates a web site, www.bostonclimbers.org. Both The Crux and Web Site contain news of interest to the Boston climbing community. In recent years Ron Birk has taken ownership of the website and greatly increased its functionality and the wealth of information available. Currently, registration for all MC organized programs is handled electronically through our web site. Payment is collected via PayPal greatly simplifying the work of our trusty treasurer, Eric Engberg.

Weekend Trips

Several weekend trips were sponsored throughout the year. Over one hundred climbing leaders, new seconds, and assistants participated in New Seconds weekend held in May at the Shawangunks in NY. A summer gathering was held in Rumney, NH. Unfortunately, the annual fall gathering at the Shawangunks (The Gunks), NY was cancelled this year due to foul weather.

Monthly Get-Togethers and Annual Holiday Party

The MC sponsored monthly get-togethers called Climbers’ Nights on the first Thursday of each month. In addition, the MC will hold a Holiday Party in December. Approximately 130 climbers, friends, and family are expected to attend. The Holiday Party organizing crew is headed up by Chris Dame.

Simon Kozin, BCMC chair.