J. Gregory Gerdel
Described as a “weekend of community, skill building, stewardship, and shenanigans on the cliffs in your own backyard,” the sixth annual Vermont Climbing Festival is coordinated by CRAG Vermont. Mischa Tourin, executive officer for the climbing-focused organization, said the Basecamp for the Sept. 19–21 event will be at Farr Field in Waterbury.
Advance publicity for the festival describes “a weekend of camping, climbing, workshops, clinics, competitions, speakers, music and more!”
Tourin noted that the website also includes detailed bios about the experiences of all 18 guides and instructors who are participating in the festival. It also details the personal and environmental values that guide the organization and its members.
In addition to the resident Vermont members, Tourin expects participation from people across New England who have an interest in honing their climbing skills and enjoying the fun that has come to define the festival.
Clinics Offered Each Day
With a separate registration required, climbing clinics are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Most of these will be held at Bolton Gap, long recognized as a destination for climbing. Climbers at every skill and experience level are welcome, guided by well-qualified instructors. Fees for participating in the clinics include purchasing the weekend pass for access to the climbing sites; the specific clinic fee will be based on the ratio of attendees to guides.
While the event is a fundraiser for CRAG Vermont, the website provides a form for individuals who want to apply for financial assistance.
Bouldering Competition!
Saturday’s events include a bouldering competition at nearby Black Barn Farm, which has at least a dozen climbing sites on the property. These range from the complexity of the Beer Belly Boulder to the relative simplicity of the Yerba Boulder and a host of in-betweens. Although a few “pads” (typically small mattresses) are available, climbers are encouraged to bring their own.
Evening Events
Friday evening begins with a bluegrass concert by a group of Vermont musicians, the opening act for the Climbers’ Story Campfire, led by storyteller Bill Patton, who is also a local climber. Patton has offered to assist individuals interested in developing their own stories in advance of the event. For further information, contact stories@cragvt.org.
On Saturday, following the premiere of a new documentary film that includes significant historical footage, keynote speaker Sarah Garlick will reflect on her climbing adventures and travels as a geologist and science writer. She has climbed not just in New England, but in Yosemite, Peru, Patagonia, the Middle East, and Greenland. Garlick is the author of two books: “Flakes, Jugs, and Splitters: A Rock Climber’s Guide to Geology,” and the “National Geographic Pocket Guide to Rocks and Minerals of North America.” She currently serves as the director of conservation for the Nature Conservancy in New Hampshire.
Because the weekend is rain or shine, participants are advised to bring a raincoat along with their climbing and camping gear.
