Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School

October 31, 2025

 

Dear Winter Mountaineers,

The Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School advisory committee and staff regretfully announce the suspension of in-person sessions of Winter Mountaineering School for the 2026 season. No in-person sections will be offered this coming winter.

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We learned in late September that the current insurance environment and administrative changes at the Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) prevent the ADK from extending support and sponsorship of the school at this time. The timing of this revelation prohibits us from having the necessary operating infrastructure in place to proceed with a program in just a few months. Winter Mountaineering School thanks the ADK for their years of sponsorship and we hope to continue a healthy and constructive relationship in the future.

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The staff, past and present, of the Winter Mountaineering School also extends its gratitude for the support of the outdoor community, the enthusiasm of our students, and the fellowship the school has afforded us all.

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The school advisory committee is working hard to plan a full in-person program in 2027 and beyond. Part of that effort entails transitioning from being under a larger club’s umbrella to being an independent nonprofit school. We intend to maintain our grassroots, all-volunteer structure while building a viable and thriving organization that can continue to serve the outdoor community for another 75 years. Most importantly, we remain committed to our mission of educating the hiking public about safe and responsible winter hiking and backpacking in our glorious Adirondack mountains and all the conditions they might throw our way.

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We realize many of you were planning around our school for your winter activities and we apologize for any inconvenience and disappointment this announcement may cause you. We hope you will pencil us in for 2027 and watch your email, our website and social media feeds as we evolve into the next phase of the Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School.

Hike safe, climb safe, and be well.

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-WMS Advisory Board