Team Mammut: Art Mooney

Showing posts with label Art Mooney. Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2015

Mammut North America - a company of climbers, skiers, and mountain athletes.

Our team of mountain climbers on top of the wind scoured summit of Mt Monroe 5372 ft.

The Mammut Athlete team has been charging ahead with expeditions, rock - ice climbs, ultra trail runs, and ski adventures while quietly back in Vermont the Mammut management, sales, and distribution employees run the core business of this top of the line outdoor company.

This past weekend was the time for an in-house adventure. The Mammut staff came to NH for a ski and mountain climb on Mt Washington in the White Mountains. MMG Guides Alex, Erik and I met the Mammut team at the AMC Highland Center Lodge on Friday afternoon for an evening of drinks, dinner and social activities. Saturday morning we all awoke at dawn, ate a healthy breakfast and headed into the wilds of the mountains.

Sardinia Explored - Limestone Delight!

May in NH? This year it was the right time to travel - escape of mud season, black flies, and showers. Sardinia had always been on my list for a climbing trip/ travel vacation. I made the flights plans well in advance booking the tickets with United Airlines using frequent flyer miles. This flight was quite easy with a overnight flight to Milan then a short 1 hour flight to Sardinia. Terry and I arrived on the island at the Olbia airport in mid afternoon with bright sunshine and temps at 27C.

Soon enough we were at the crags - working the limestone routes. We concentrated our climbing to the southern areas around the town of Baunei. This area was a less traveled/climbed area. The limestone rock was very solid, not polished, and we had most areas to ourselves

The Polar Vortex brings on a Phat Ice Climbing Season.

You may have heard about the Polar Vortex.

What is it exactly? The polar vortex is a persistent, large-scale cyclone located near Baffin Islands which pumps cold arctic air down into the central and northeastern sections of Canada and the US. To many this weather pattern is only a nuisance with the extreme cold mornings, long term icy roads and walkways, and transportation delays. To the ice climber and winter mountaineer the polar vortex is welcomed.

Winters in the northeast can be fickle and the ice climbs come in and out of shape. This leaves climbers guessing at the weekends route or activity. This season Phat Ice climbs are abundant - no guessing needed - but a hearty New England attitude has been a must. To be out for the day in extreme cold you must be equipped with the right gear and clothing. Mammut comes into play right here - as the finest supplier of ice climbing and mountaineering clothing and products.

Now we are in mid march and ice and winter climbing interests can be waning for some - for the other full on addicts fantastic ice conditions can be found in many areas for some time to come. Enjoy!!!

Emmett taking on a serious look - this is ice climbing!!!

Meet Up at Mammut - Technical Training

This past winter while attending the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Festival, Andrea Charest, Alden Pellet and I brought up the idea of proposing a get together/technical training to Gribbin, the Mammut Sports Group marketing manager. He implemented the idea and on June 18th we met in Vermont at the Mammut office and headed to the crag with Vermont and New Hampshire guide services, local equipment suppliers and the Mammut folks.

MMG guide Erik rope gunning to the top!!!

Mammut - The Brand - Marketing!

Gribbin - Mammuts (Marketing Manager) and I spent Monday getting together in New Hampshire. Our business meeting was focused primarily on Mammut, the Brand, and future marketing ideas.

First off we went outside to refresh the mind by climbing some steep ice. Frankenstein was in fantastic shape, the warm temps softened the ice up to a plastic consistency and being Monday we had the entire place to ourselves.

Gribbin topping out on the Hobbit.

Mammut products - 9.5 Swiss Rope - along with the Nordwand Glove.

Mammut Logo

Mastodons are an extinct group of mammal species related to elephants, that inhabited North and Central America during the late Miocene or late Pliocene up to their extinction at the end of the Pleistocene 12,000 years ago. Their genus name is Mammut and they are members of the order Proboscidea. They lived in herds like the living elephants, unlike them, however, mastodons were predominantly forest dwelling animals that fed on a mixed diet of browsing and grazing with a seasonal preference for browsing, in contrast to living elephants that are mostly grazing animals.

The dropped knee helps manage the crux on the Hobbit.

Chia Direct was in fine condition.

Chia Direct - a steep and inviting pillar!

The Mammut Company

Mammut Sports Group AG is a Swiss producer of mountaineering and trekking equipment with headquarters in Seon, Switzerland. The company was founded in 1862 by Kaspar Tanner in Dintikon. Today, Mammut belongs to Conzzeta AG. Amongst others, Raichle (mountain and trekking shoes), Ajungilak (sleeping bags) belong to Mammut Sports Group.

The exit moves on upper Chia.

Mammut Smart Device - smooth running direct belay.

Mammut Smart - great tool for a lead, direct or top rope belay.

Marketing

Mooney Mountain Guides with potential Mammut customers. Throughout the climbing day its these folks who view and use many Mammut products.

Great meeting and day on the ice with Gribbin.

Art Mooney

AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Friday, February 22, 2013

Behind the Tights

First, an introduction. I’ve had a somewhat ambiguous relationship with Mammut since about 2007 when JP Hong hooked me up with my first pair of Softech pants. I’m fortunate to work just a few miles from the Mammut USA Headquarters in Shelburne, Vermont, and it has been a pleasure to get to know so many of the folks there—they work very hard! Through the years, I was the local female climber, guide, gym manager, they were the attractive Swiss brand down the road...

The Rose, a classic overhanging schist crack in my back yard, Bolton, VT.

Mammut and I became more official this year when I arrived in Ouray, CO, to compete in the mixed climbing competition and help out with clinics. I ended up in Ouray thanks to an American Alpine Club “Live Your Dream” grant, and things exploded from there-- much appreciation to Dean Lords and Gribbin Loring. I was happy with my performance in the competition, although the list of “what-if’s” still includes “What if it hadn’t been -4^oF when I was up first to climb the comp route?” I ended up timing out, glad to have hung on for as long as I could with frozen hands. The experience was amazing and I met so many wonderful people. During the festival, I was assigned to teach the Mammut Women’s Moderate Mixed and Ice Footwork Fundamentals Clinics, and through these clinics, was excited to expose more people to Mammut gear and faces.

Stairway to Heaven, 1200', Silverton, CO before the Ouray Ice Festival.
First time seeing full sun in a long time. Photo Andrew Blessing

On the Ouray mixed competition route, Mighty Aphrodite. Working out the frozen fingers.

I returned to VT to manage our own ice festival, the Smuggs Ice Bash, and then headed to NH as a Guest Guide and Mammut rep at the Mt. Washington Valley Ice Fest (see Art Mooney’s posts below!). Much gear was demoed, and there were many happy ice climbers. I stayed in NH for the following week to take the AMGA Ice Instructor Course with Art Mooney, Silas Rossi, and Marc Chauvin. Although the ratio was 11 males : 1 female, I really didn't even notice-- we were just a group of guides practicing our skills and enjoying a week of climbing in Crawford Notch.

2013 Dry Tooling competition at Petra Cliffs, the kick-off party to the Smuggs Ice Bash

And… the tights. The tights go along with my first indoor dry tooling competition at Petra Cliffs, the climbing gym that my husband and I now own in Burlington, Vermont. I outdid myself in an attempt to be as ridiculous as possible and wore blue star-spangled Wonder Woman undies over gold tights. After this, people had high expectations. I’ve been trying to appease them with finding new fun tights for each competition, but the “Wonder Woman” moniker has stuck. I really thought the unicorn galaxy tights would win them over this year… Hey, when is Mammut going to put tights in their line?

Little Outdoor Giants photo, MWV Ice Fest 2013

I live in an amazing place, with great climbing in Vermont, sandwiched between the Adirondacks and the White Mts. of New Hampshire. I believe that the East really does make one tougher: the cold is colder, the ice harder, the schist sharper. But the snow is deep, the partners are friendly, and there are endless adventures to be had. It's good to get away every now and then, to take a break with a new panorama, and to appreciate what we have in the East.


Glass Menagerie, Lake Willoughby, VT. Home of phenomenal steep ice.

Psyched to be inspiring other women in our crazy sport. Smuggs Ice Bash 2012.

I’m excited to bring more rock-ice-mixed-ski-guiding photos and experiences to the Team, and I'm happy to be hand in hand with the brand. Greetings!

Andrea Charest (say "Sha-REST")

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Gear Review - Ice and Alpine Products!

For over 7 years I have been actively using Mammut equipment and clothing. These products are put to the test - day upon day of climbing and guiding work in all seasons. Its difficult to choose just a few of the Mammut Alpine products that truly stand apart.

The home turf - Mt Washington and the Presidential Range.

Home to the worlds worst weather - data from this past week minus 16 and 128 mph winds.

Mammut Ropes - 7.5 Twilight Twin ropes a favorite combo of mine for any high end multi pitch route with one other climber. Lightweight, very strong, ease of full rappels, meets standards for half and twin ropes.

Nordwand TL Boot - this is the boot I have been searching for. For quite a while I have used the Mamook GTX and Mamook Thermo. They are great boots but not warm enough for my use in the heart of the winter season. These Nordwand TL Boots do the trick, warm - yes, easy to take on and off - yes, extremely lightweight - yes. I have used these fantastic boots both for ice climbs and mountain ascents.

The Mamook GTX Boot in action - also lightweight and very good fit.

Mammut Ropes Serenity 8.9 - this is another favorite choice for single ropes on the steep ice routes where 70 meters get me to the belays or on the ground. Excellent smooth working rope, easy for belays, very light for a 70 meter.

All Mammut packs stand out and have held up very well.

This Neon Light Pack is the one I use when I am on the sharp end of a difficult route.

Enough room to carry just what I need on a cold day - Belay Jacket, Mitts, First Aid, Thermos

Mooney Mountain Guides - totally psyched on their MMG Embroidered Mammut Ultimate Hoody Jackets.

Cannon - The Black Dike Route - Laser Jacket, Spindrift Guide Pack, Mamook Thermo Boots,

Nordwand Gloves, Twilight Ropes all make for an awesome package of equipment and clothing.

Lake Willoughby - Vermont's

The Northeast Kingdoms High End Ice Area.

I am very fortunate to be one of the Mammut Athlete/Guide team members and look forward to another 2013 season with the team.

Thank You Mammut

Art Mooney

AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Monday, February 11, 2013

Mountains and Ice - The Heart of the Season!!!

Its the winter season with January and February being the busiest months for myself (Art Mooney) and the guides at Mooney Mountain Guides. Its the season of cold - windy Mt Washington ascents and the season of guided ice climbs on wild and varied routes. Personally I feel very fortunate to be a NH guide in winter - its an absolutely fantastic job. As time passes I am continually sharing my enthusiasm and passion for climbing with new and repeating guests from all over the US and world.

The listed photos are from guiding days during the past three weeks of work. The photos begin with the MMG guide training, then a Mt Washington ascent, onto the NH Mt Washington Valley Ice Festival, continues to the AMGA Ice Instructor Course, and ends with photos of private guide days with Mooney Mountain Guides.

Guide training day - preparing for the busy season ahead!

Mt Washington is a wild place - keeping warm and dry in the wild winds and subzero temps is a constant battle for all during our climbs.

In sync during the summit push.

The summit - all are excited and relieved to be on the top of NH highest peak.

Pippa getting started icing in NH at the Mount Washington Ice Festival.

The ice festival - a happy group after a day on the ice

Alden and Andrea working the Mammut Table at the Mt Washington Valley Ice festival.

The ice festival - intro to ice climbing for rock climbers.

Ice festival again -ice and mixed climbing at Frankenstein.

AMGA - the Ice Instructor Course.

Mammut ambassador Andrea Charest guiding us up the Chia Pillar - AMGA IIC Course.

AMGA course again - bluebird day on Mt Willard.

Mooney Mountain Guides - getting prepared to go ice climbing during the 2013 blizzard called Nemo.

Plenty of water - ice is building fast!

Its all about fun - another great day in the mountains.

Visting climbers enjoyed a two day intro on the ice.

As you can see mountain guiding is a fantastic job.

Thanks to Mammut, the AMGA, and folks at the IMCS Ice Festival for the opportunity to take people out in the mountains and on the ice.

Art Mooney

AMGA/IFMGA Mountain Guide

Monday, June 13, 2011

Granite, Schist, Sandstone in the Northeast

Being a climber and guide I feel very fortunate to live in the central part of New Hampshire. Within a few hours drive of my home are a variety of climbing areas - Cannon, Rumney, Cathedral - Whitehorse and the Gunks all different in rock types. The climbing at each of these areas is very unique with alpine rock, sport, friction, steep cracks and roofs. This spring I've been able to travel for work and climbing to each of these different areas.

The view from Cannon Mountain - New Hampshire's alpine playground.

The clean and open faces of Whitehorse Ledge in North Conway, NH.

The leaders of Troop 1 from Northboro Mass at Rumney Rocks.

High above the hotel on Whitehorse Ledge, the central friction routes are 7 pitches or more in length.

Horizontal gear placements abound at the Gunks. The lightweight Mammut Serenity rope worked very well here on the wandering overhanging routes.

The clean and beautiful open book called Ants Line a Gunks classic.

Its hard to believe this is 5.6 - the three star - Shockleys Ceiling, Gunks.

Just out of the package - a set of Mammut's Twilight ropes 7.5. This is my favorite set for the alpine routes on Cannon Cliff.

The steep finger cracks on Union Jack, Cannon Cliff.

View of the Vertigo - Union Jack area on Cannon.

This spring has been exceptionally good start to the rock season. There's been plenty of sun, and good varied dry rock - be sure to put New England on your hit list.

Art Mooney

Monday, April 27, 2015

Mammut North America - a company of climbers, skiers, and mountain athletes.

Monday, June 9, 2014

Sardinia Explored - Limestone Delight!

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

The Polar Vortex brings on a Phat Ice Climbing Season.

Monday, July 15, 2013

Meet Up at Mammut - Technical Training

Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Mammut - The Brand - Marketing!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Behind the Tights

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Gear Review - Ice and Alpine Products!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Mountains and Ice - The Heart of the Season!!!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Granite, Schist, Sandstone in the Northeast