KEENE VALLEY — Keene Valley became the snow-sport destination during the 27th annual Mountainfest, a festival designed for all-things ice climbing, snowshoeing, alpine climbing and backcountry skiing.
The festival is for all ages and skill levels, especially beginners according to Charlie Wise, current owner of The Mountaineer Shop and organizer of the event.
“This is the 27th year of the festival,” Wise said.
“About five years ago, we merged with the BackCountry Ski Fest. The festival became a tradition when it was started by Vinny McClelland and Ed Palen. We wanted to continue running the festival as part of that tradition and an opportunity for the community to grow.”
According to Wise, it is more of a “celebration of winter,” in the “high peaks.”
“We have many long-time participants and entirely new people, new to the sport, new to the Adirondacks. There is a great mix of older and new people here,” he said.
“For a lot of people, Mountainfest is built into their schedule.”
The event ran over the course of three days from last Friday through Sunday. With the Mountaineer Shop as host, the event featured three days of demos, tours and clinics for all-things snow-sport as well as informative discussion and panels led by Dane Steadman, this year’s featured athlete.
“It feels great. It’s so cool to be able to come check out a new place,” Steadman said.
Steadman gave a talk to a full-house Saturday evening.
Steadman, who is originally from Phoenix, Az. and now lives in Cody, Wy., did not know he was to be the “featured athlete,” when accepting the invitation.
“It has been a total honor. I had no idea that when I was asked and said yes that I was coming here as the ‘featured athlete,’” he said.
“I don’t really like the term athlete. I don’t see it as a ‘sport,’ but rather an art, it is a form of self expression.”
Some advice Steadman has for new climbers includes, “just going for it,” and putting in the time.
“There are a million different technical tips and gear tips, but there truly is no substitute for time,” he said.
“You have to put the time in. Everything you do makes you better. Walking every day, stretching, these are all things that when you put it in your bucket, will make you better. For those who are scared, come to events like this. Getting out with people who can teach you and show you these things, then taking it and using it yourself.”
The event also included a Winter Travel Framework, or “W.T.F.” for short, presented by Chris Makowicki.
“The idea behind the framework is to tie together some of the expertise in the different resources available here, so that everyone can get a comprehensive view of the major components of planning for outdoor winter travel,” Wise said.
Wakowicki says it’s all about practice, asking questions and learning.
“No one at the top of their sport gets there because it’s easy,” he said.
“They get there because they love what they’re doing and they are willing to put in the time and effort to do it.”