Winter Mountaineering School

04/10/2026

Recent slide at Tuckerman’s. You can see the incredible speed and force of an avalanche in this video. Luckily nobody was hurt.

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/18NHKqVD2c/?mibextid=wwXIfr

04/02/2026

It goes without saying, we are a big fan of maps and compass at WMS. We very glad everything turned out OK.

NORTH ELBA, N.Y. (AMN) — New York State Forest Rangers assisted two hikers who lost access to their digital navigation devices on Nye Mountain in Essex County on March 14.

At 4:05 p.m., Forest Rangers Duchene and Jansen responded to a call reporting two hikers from Syracuse who were unable to navigate back to the trailhead after losing access to their electronic navigation. The pair was located approximately 1.5 miles up the trail from Indian Pass Brook, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

Rangers reached the hikers at 6:10 p.m. and escorted them safely back to Adirondak Loj. No injuries were reported.

Hikers are reminded not to rely solely on digital navigation devices or cell phones while in the backcountry. Batteries can fail, signals can be lost, and devices can malfunction. Hikers should carry a map and compass and know how to use them before heading into remote areas.

04/02/2026

No April Fools here- WMS Board of Directors Spring Meeting is happening now...which means planning for WMS 2027 has begun. We could not be more excited and we hope you are too. Think snow!

02/22/2026

Thanks Gillian Scott for featuring WMS and our transition to being an independent nonprofit in her Times Union column last week! Stay tuned for more news about what is in store for 2027 and beyond.

Winter Mountaineering School has taught thousands of students since its inception in 1954. It recently made a change to become an independent nonprofit.

02/16/2026

Our hearts go out to the family and friends of this young person. Please please stay safe out there folks -- February is a very different animal 😢

A hiker died near the summit of Mount Marcy on Thursday, after calling 911 that afternoon to report they had slipped there.

Read more at https://tinyurl.com/4vaputxk

02/02/2026

It is officially a new era for WMS! For more than 70 years, the Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School has taught 3-season hikers to transition to confident, responsible and self-sufficient 4-season mountaineers. Our students learn by doing and leading -- by "getting to feel the reins in their hands" -- guided by our dedicated all-vounteer staff of experienced instructors. This past weekend, WMS had a phenomenally productive working retreat during which we formally made our own transition to an independent nonprofit organization with a new board of directors; updated bylaws; new mission, vision and values statements; and lots of brainstorming on exciting programming ideas to bring your way in 2027 and beyond. We'll be announcing our 2027 dates soon, so stay tuned! We'd like to thank all of those who donated to help us procure insurance and make this transition, as well as the for the use of their beautiful meeting space. We can't wait to see what the next 70 years will bring!

11/18/2025

Help WMS transition into a new future! You can help us get there!

WMS is becoming our own stand-alone organization and we are looking to our supporters - past, present, and future - to enable this to happen.

If you are able, please consider making a donation to WMS! All donations are tax deductible.

Learn more here:

🌟 Join us in supporting our transition! 🌟The Adirondack Winter Mountaineering School is a volunteer-directed and volunteer-staffed 501(c)3 non-profit educational organization. We originated in 1954 to promote successful and enjoyable winter mountaineering and camping in the mountains of the no...

10/31/2025

Please read on for an important message.
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

09/24/2025

Hey Winter Mountaineers! We are one month out from the opening of registration for WMS ’26. Registration will go live on November 1 at www.winterschool.org. If you are hoping to join us this winter NOW is the time to dial in your strength and conditioning plan! Here's a handy article from our friends at REI with general tips and guidance on physical preparation including critical strengthening and cardio recommendations. More to come on registration, fitness and gear. Meanwhile, make sure your fitness plan will allow you to hit those steep and deep Adirondack trails with snow shoes and heavy packs!

https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/mountaineering-how-to-cross-train.html?series=intro-to-mountaineering

Get tips on fitness assessment and how to develop a personalized mountaineering training plan; also learn some specific strength-training exercises.

07/08/2025

Please give this a read. Support your local DEC AFRs.

Can you spare a minute to help this campaign?

06/24/2025

Just leaving this here for anyone who needs it today ❄️❄️❄️…