Save the Date: March 21, 2012
We're planning a special event at Petra Cliffs the evening of March 21. Details to follow...
This Weekend in Burlington: Banff Mountain Film Fest
The fantastic Banff Mountain Film Festival's World Tour lands in Burlington, VT on January 27-28. CRAG-VT will be there—look for our table! For more info, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/199968430077684/
Bolton Quarry Driveway: Closed for winter—walk in required!
January 3, 2012
As the quarry begins to come into ice climbing shape, be aware that CRAG-VT will NOT be plowing the driveway this year. The quarry driveway was destroyed during spring flooding this year resulting in over $16,000 worth of damage, which was repaired. However, the cost has put CRAG-VT in a challenging financial situation as we pull together funding to pay for the reconstruction. As a result, we cannot afford to plow the driveway this season, so the driveway is closed until early summer.
PLEASE do not go check on the status of the driveway by driving up to the end of it. It is closed. DO NOT park anywhere along Green Mountain Drive with the one exception outlined below. You will be towed if you park on the traveled roadway of Green Mountain Drive.
You must use one of these alternate parking options:
1. Park just before the Waitsfield Telecom hut down near Route 2 and walk. DO NOT block access to the hut or your car will be towed.
2. If the two spaces near the telecom hut are occupied, park at Smiley School to the west, just off Route 2. Walk back to Green Mountain Drive along Route 2. It's much shorter than the approach to the notch and makes a good warmup.
Thank you for following the rules and please consider supporting CRAG-VT. We would like to retire our debt from the repair work and get the driveway open next winter. Thank you!
Welcome to New Board Members!
December 12, 2011
At its annual meeting held on December 6, three new members were elected to the board. Please welcome Dennis Delay, Matt Ernst and Nate Furman and thank them for becoming a bigger part of CRAG-VT's efforts protect Vermont's climbing future! They've all been very active in the Vermont climbing community and we thank them for stepping up.
Current president Seth Maciejowski will continue onward for a second year. Also re-elected were vice president Ross Perry and treasurer Maureen Beck. Dennis Delay will now serve as secretary.
Departing the board is Kevin Karn, who has served as resident design master and been vital to the success of many projects. Thanks Kevin for all the hard work you've done—it's been quite a ride!
Check out the complete list of 2012 Board Members.
Thanks for your Trail Day efforts!
Thank you again for your energy, positivity, and perseverance on October 1 at the Bolton Quarry. In the face of some fairly daunting weather odds together we managed to accomplish some amazing things—and have a fun time in the process!
Throughout the day Kel went around recording some of these amazing things on film. You can review some of the progress and positivity captured in these photos.
Also, many thanks to these awesome event sponsors:
Access Fund awards grant to CRAG-VT
September 12, 2011
CRAG-Vermont was awarded a $3,500 grant to help cover the cost of repairing the access road on their Bolton Quarry property after an unprecedented flood washed out the road in April and blocked off climbing access to the area. This grant follows an emergency stewardship loan by the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign to help raise $16,295 to cover the cost of repairs completed in June and re-establish their long-term stewardship funds. CRAG-Vermont has successfully protected climbing access to six different crags in the Bolton area and this road provides access to three of those crags. Read more at the Access Fund site.
At its September 6 board meeting, CRAG-VT decided to use the grant to pay down the principal of the loan from the Access Fund.
Driveway Repaired!
Updated: August 10, 2011
Thanks to the speedy work of the contractor, the Quarry Driveway reopened in June.
Now, the focus turns to fundraising. In addition to pursing grants, we're planning fundraising events in September and beyond. Stay tuned!
Due to extremely heavy rains on the night of April 26, the driveway leading to the popular Bolton Quarry climbing area sustained severe damage. At the current time the road is impassable to vehicle traffic and even difficult for foot travel to the quarry. (Check out the photos.)
After reviewing all the options, it’s become clear that rebuilding the flood-damaged driveway is required. To make this convenient and popular climbing resource easily accessible once more, CRAG-VT is launching the Bolton Quarry Driveway Rebuilding Campaign. The goal is to raise $16,295 to cover the cost of the project.
Please donate online today or mail your check to
CRAG-VT, P.O. Box 614, Richmond, VT 05477. If you're not already an active member, please become a member or renew now to support stewardship and protection of our local crags—plus get discounts at several local outdoor shops.
Full details >
Access Fund Helps CRAG-VT Take Emergency Stewardship Action to Repair Access Road to Major Local Crags
July 18, 2011
The Climbing Resource Access Group of Vermont (CRAG-VT) and the Access Fund are pleased to announce that road repairs are now complete at the Bolton Quarry after an unprecedented flood washed out the road on April 26, 2011. A loan through the Access Fund Land Conservation Campaign (AFLCC) will assist with the cost and jumpstart CRAG-VT fundraising efforts to rebuild their financial reserves for ongoing land management and stewardship. Read more at accessfund.org...
Thank you, Access Fund!
Vermont Closures for Peregrines (updated)
Updated: July 22, 2011
Your ongoing support and respect of the peregrine closures is greatly appreciated.
Headed to Wheeler? Please check out the description and photo of the closure area on Climberism.
“Upper Upper West” is currently posted as closed due to nesting pairs of peregrine falcons. This closure will continue while the number/location of nesting pairs is being evaluated.
“Upper West” has partially reopened (details here). Several climbers have been attacked on Chockstone, and the entire central portion of the cliff is closed.
Here is the complete list of peregrine updates around the state (as of July 22, 2011).
Thank you for respecting these closures—it's for your safety, too!
New Sponsor: Climb High
June 30, 2011
We are very pleased to announce Climb High's generous support of Vermont's climbing future!
Climb High is reborn, Vermont-owned and putting together the largest selection of Made in USA and eco-friendly gear. Their updated online store is now online, and as part of its sponsorship of CRAG-VT's efforts, Climb High is generously providing a 25% discount to all active CRAG-VT members. Your annual CRAG-VT membership could easily pay for itself with single visit to Climb High.
Now is a great time to become a member or renew!
Winter/Spring 2011 CRAG RAG
CRAG-VT Newsletter vol. 9 - no. 1 (Winter/Spring 2011, PDF, 650 Kb) - FOREVER PROTECTED!, board member changes, The Choss Pile, 24hrs of Waterbury, Local Faces:
Matt McCormick, Paradox Sports and more!
CRAG-VT Desktop Wallpaper
Visualize rock climbing season in Vermont with these desktop wallpaper images showing two classics of Upper West Bolton.
 
Monthly Meeting Schedule
CRAG-VT usually meets on the first Tuesday of each month at the Camel’s Hump Middle School in Richmond from 6:30 - 8:30 PM, with some exceptions. Anyone is welcome to attend our monthly meetings. Please email
to confirm.
Thanks to Our Sponsors
CRAG-VT needs your help to cost the cost of repairing the Quarry Driveway! Major repairs to this access road were needed due to the April 26, 2011 washout. Learn more...
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