Column: It’s too cold to climb

As a climber, the onset of winter can be a bit depressing.

Winter means your days out in the sun at the crag are over for now. Winter means that if you didn’t send that route you’d been projecting all season, you’ll have to wait anywhere from four to six months to start round two of the slayfest. Winter can be tough.

While there are alternatives like hitting the slopes and the local climbing gyms, there’s nothing that compares to sticking the crux of a nasty route. So from one climber to another, or for anybody looking to get a little bit of extra adventuring in this winter, here are a few pointers.

Climbing gyms can be a great place to get the burn on during the long winter months. The Rock Haus is Logan’s very own climbing gym and has a great atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to get some bouldering in, perfect your ability to fly up hand cracks or simply learn, Rock Haus offers it all.

One of the greatest benefits of climbing in a gym is that even if your climbing partners are more or less experienced than you, there are routes for everyone. You won’t feel bored or frustrated with the routes your friends are working. Another plus is the chance to make new friends. A lot of my most reliable climbing partners are people that I met while whittling away the winter at Rock Haus. Stop in, give it a look over and pull hard on some plastic.

For those climbers who want to save a little coin, get tired of climbing at the gym or are just itching to get real rock under the fingers again, I suggest Margaritaville. Located up Right Hand Fork in Logan Canyon, Margaritaville is situated across the canyon from Hobbit Caves. After a somewhat unforgiving approach, you’ll reach one of the best winter weather crags in the canyon. Because of its position on the mountain, Margaritaville gets sun year-round and is home to three tasteful 5.11s. Check out your guidebook or the app Mountain Project for more information on how to get there and for details on the routes

If you’re looking for another method of getting that adrenaline rush, hit the slopes. There are a handful of resorts within driving distance of Logan so grab some friends, get in your car and go hunt for the perfect powder. A huge benefit to making friends at the Rock Haus, is a fair amount of the local climbers are skiers or boarders. Whether you want to get some frigid climbs in or go play in the snow, you’ll have no shortage of company.

So as eyes turn to the mountains once again, praying for snow or praying for sun, I hope that you’ll get your adrenaline fix. Happy climbing.

— Andrew is a junior majoring in creative writing. If he’s not at school or work, he’s probably rock climbing, trail running, hiking or caving. He’ll more than likely be dead before he’s 30. Send comments to simpson.andrew.p@gmail.com.