Anybody else burnt out this winter?

I'm through and through a winter person, always have been. Ice and alpine climbing have always been my center of stoke throughout the year, but this year shit just feels different. I love going out and suffering in the mountains as much as the next twight, but with all the suffering this past year has brought, to add to that recreationally feels a lot less fulfilling than usual. I'd rather it at least be warm. Is this something many other of you are feeling this season?

Winter Brahwrote:

I'm through and through a winter person, always have been. Ice and alpine climbing have always been my center of stoke throughout the year, but this year shit just feels different. I love going out and suffering in the mountains as much as the next twight, but with all the suffering this past year has brought, to add to that recreationally feels a lot less fulfilling than usual. I'd rather it at least be warm. Is this something many other of you are feeling this season?

You sound depressed..,

I perked myself up by establishing a good “low”.  
temps in MN have been in the -20’s at night (not factoring in windchill - which is for posers lol) from last weekend thru this weekend. Good to test out gear, etc and forced bivies. After these weekends, from here on out it’s all gravy. Anything above -10 is warm and fun in the sun. I’m psyched. Loved ones are getting vaccinated and I’m so on to 2021. 2020 who?!?

Edit:  I just wish the Canadian border would open.  I’d kill for some March ice in the north.  

Rob Cotterwrote:

You sound depressed..,

Eh, maybe a bit circumstance-wise, definitely not medically. Just not as driven for ice this season, a few of my climbing partners feel similarly, mental health struggles or not 

Yes absolutely.

I have been getting out, but mostly for very low commitment activities, such as resort skiing and gym climbing. I need to take an AAIRE 1 after a few years of casual, conservative touring with friends, but the idea of getting out for a whole long weekend almost makes me physically ill.

I'm definitely depressed. Like you say, medically? Maybe not. Circumstantially? For sure.

I was seeing a therapist for 8 months or so but my insurance changed mid pandemic and it went from $20 to $175/session so I never found a new one (and was billed $400 for the two sessions after the change).

Idk man but I feel yah. I've just wanted to stay comfortable and warm. Feel free to PM if you wanna commiserate.

Winter Brahwrote:

Eh, maybe a bit circumstance-wise, definitely not medically. Just not as driven for ice this season, a few of my climbing partners feel similarly, mental health struggles or not 

My nipples get hard just thinking about Drytool

Can you guys put a finger on what aspect has you so bummed ?  Is it purely the stack up of the Covid related slog?  or BD ultralight screw tips coming off, or something else all together?  

Prescription:  First 25 degree sunny day go hit the ice and sink some screws with at least one piece of new gear.  I guarantee you’ll perk up.  

for me its really just been the inability of being able to spray about my sends afterword at the bar.. Why even go out anymore.. life is pointless

Mark Pilatewrote:

Can you guys put a finger on what aspect has you so bummed ?  Is it purely the stack up of the Covid related slog?  or BD ultralight screw tips coming off, or something else all together?  

Prescription:  First 25 degree sunny day go hit the ice and sink some screws with at least one piece of new gear.  I guarantee you’ll perk up.  

COVID isolation issues can be a big factor. Around here on top of COVID it has been the gloomiest winter I've ever seen. Seemingly constant cloudy, windy, chilly, humid days with a lot of cold rain. Has me bummed out.

Maybe you're just worn down a bit. Take a few weekends off and hang out by the fireplace. do stuff you've been putting off. Then make plans to go climb something familiar in good conditions even if you have to drag yourself out. some times you just gotta ride a few good lines to get your mojo back. I was getting super bummed out shwacking miles through dense pine forests on steep terrain in waist deep snow and only finding a few lousy pitches of what usually ended up being snow climbs with the occasional hidden rock to smash your tools on.. getting back on some climbs that were a little more straightforward really helped and now I'm really stoked to get back out and improve my skills. 

good luck!

The ice conditions up here in NH suck balls -- so that's making me burnt out...

Been locked up for so long due to Covid, 3 surgeries since May,  rehab and PT months, I'm just screaming to get out and try something soon. Just gotta get in better shape before I can run for the wilderness.

Winter Brahwrote:

Eh, maybe a bit circumstance-wise, definitely not medically. Just not as driven for ice this season, a few of my climbing partners feel similarly, mental health struggles or not 

This is me exactly. I've turned down a few outings recently, and now it's warming up and I can't wait to just go clip some bolts in the sunshine. Sometimes it's healthy and life-affirming to face headlong into the adventure.... It's also healthy to know when it's OK to take a rest day or 90.

Maybe life’s hard enough now. No need go looking for more excitement. Prehistoric folk only climbed for mammoth, not entertainment. 

I'm at least laying out on deck, soaking up sunshine already.  Gaze at my rock wall in yard and hope to be healthy enough to climb HARD on it by May, ease into it by April. Not going anywhere soon, that's for sure. 

I would go ice and alpine climbing every day if I thought my marriage would hold together. But yes, I am glad it is over. I think the Covid thing has put a pause on everything. Certainly has taken the post climb fun out of play or atleast dampened it!

Can't wait till the days start getting shorter again!

Climb safe!

I've included alpine mountaineering ascents in RMNP in late June in past, not by choice but by what conditions were there.. Meant bringing along big snowshoes, heavier warm boots and gaiters for approach to what was intended to be just an all rock climbing day.   Thick slop, heavy snow is not fun.

For me it was not being as fit as I needed to be due to gym closer / mask mandates keeping me out of the gym, and not being a self motivated exerciser for the sake of exercise.  I got into this sport for the fun workouts that climbing provides me.  I have been getting out ice and mixed climbing on the weekends and recently one day a week back in the gym, I now feel like I am getting back to my normal just as we are nearing the end of ice climbing season.  Stoked again and looking forward to rock season.

I was told in a freezing Brooklyn warehouse once, if you want to be warm play warm music man.