Free at last, free at last, thank God almighty we are free at last! At least for college students, but regardless of whether my dear reader is on winter break or simply finds a free weekend this winter I would like to recommend something that many might not even think of: winter mountain climbing.

I first went with Boy Scouts, and I fell in love with it. The view from the top of a mountain in winter is stunning. The view from the top is amazing at any time of year, but in the winter with the snow covering everything, and the pine trees being the only trees who are not bare, the scene is spectacular in a very different way then the summer. Also there are no bugs to contend with in the winter.

I would also argue to my dear reader that it is different to drive to the top, or have some other means bring one to the top, rather then to actually climb it. As one climbs they see their progress, they are investing the time and effort to make it to the top. One needs to work to get to the top, and once there, there is a feeling of victory, of accomplishment. “We did this!” So add to the view the triumph of getting there, and it is amazing. It almost makes the climber not want to come down, but one always must come down the mountain, so this then begs the question: “Why climb in the first place?” I would like to answer with a poem by René Daumal.

Poem from ‘Mount Analogue’

One cannot stay on the summit forever–
One has to come down again.
So why bother in the first place? Just this.
What is above knows what is below–
But what is below does not know what is above.

One climbs, one sees–
One descends and sees no longer
But one has seen!

There is an art of conducting one’s self in
The lower regions by the memory of
What one saw higher up.

When one can no longer see,
One does at least still know.

So I urge my dear reader, find the time to enjoy nature this winter, it is a beautiful time of year, and consider finding a mountain to climb. I would recommend, if you are in the NY area, the Adirondack mountains, it is well worth the drive. And as one climbs taller and taller mountains, they will eventually work their way up to mountains whose summit is above the tree line, meaning there are no trees to obstruct one's view from the top, but can rather see a full 360° view.

I would offer a few tips if one undertakes this endeavor.

• Dress in layers, a climber will find themselves getting hot as the exert themselves moving up the mountain, and it can be helpful to have a layer to take off.
• Keep water in the coat next the body, this way it will not freeze.
• Wear plastic shopping bags between the first and second layers of socks, this will keep the feet exceptionally warm and toasty.
• Bring a balaclava to protect the face against the cold and blowing snow once one reaches the summit.
• Wear wool, it will keep a hiker warm even if it is wet, this is great for snow.
• As one is coming down, if snow pants, or the equivalent is worn, one can slide down the steeper parts on the butt, like one is sledding with out the sled. This is a lot of fun and saves energy.
• If one has snowshoes or crampons, or has a friend who has some to borrow, bring them, they can help a lot on snow and ice.
• Always hike with a partner, and let others know the location of the climb, and the estimated time of completion.

Just get out there. Enjoy the experience. Do it with friends and make it an adventure. The most important thing is that one actually does it, rather then just reading about it.