A Link to Ice Report & Photos 2025 Climbing

 Check the link to NEClimbs-com as it does a great job of reporting, below: 

http://www.neclimbs.com/index.php?PageName=iceConditionsReport

Railroad Update Dec 9 - The paragraph below was written Dec 7th , mostly based on an E-Mail from Friends of the Ledges.  Today ( Monday, Dec 9th) driving south through Crawford notch there was an up-bound train doing about 30-35 mph (faster than normal for “scenic trains”) seen just “ north” of Notchland Inn. Engine plus 3 or 4 passenger cars. Obviously a “ dry run” since I saw no passengers in the cars. BUT, it seems we might expect trains at any time! 

Dec 7,2024 Be aware the Conway Scenic Railroad seems to be more and more committed to running passenger scenic trains up through the Notch this winter (2024-25) . The latest info. is they will run Fri-Sat-Sun trains Dec 15-Jan 4th and have maintanence trains during weekdays. What this means for approaches to Willard and Frankenstein climbs is yet to be determined, but at a minimum we should use the trail approach ( from the lower parking lot, going under the tressel) and NOT WALK on the TRACKS to the Chia-area climbs. I would expect a path to be beaten out in the snow up to Standard from Rt302 just beyond the Saco bridge.
Let us hope the RR people know enough about avalanche conditions to not trigger a big one as the passenger train rumbles past the Mt Willard slabs!  

Dec 8 2024 - Nothing yet to speak of on Frankenstein. Std was probably done this past weekend, but REALLY thin. Monkey Wrench might be possible, bring your best “frozen turf” axe for the top. However, getting to it without violating Federal trespassing law might be the crux.  Lower angled stuff like Willie’s Slide are snow covered with the 5-8 inches of heavy, wet snow we got on Thanksgiving day, and in early Dec. 

Forecast for 11-12th is for mid-40F rain, maybe as much as 2 inches. UHG!

( From the 23-24 report: On the northern end of Crawford Notch a new climbers path/approach to Monkey Wrench awaits NH Div. Of Parks approval. It is planned to start from the Mt Willard trail that starts at the train station /Highland House.  This will avoid walking on the tracks to Monkey Wrench. No update yet for 24-25):