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New Yorkers are always finding new creative ways to stay in shape when indoor workouts and morning routine jogs around Central Park become mundane. If you catch yourself getting a little distraught at someone for taking “your” treadmill out of the sea of machines available at the gym, it may be time to try a new approach to staying active. Instead of searching for the latest yoga and Tae Bo classes as an alternative, why not challenge yourself, breathe in some fresh mountain air and live life on the edge.

Alpine Endeavors is a hiking, climbing, and mountaineering guide service based in the New Paltz area, about an hour and a half outside of the city. The company offers rock climbing from mid-March to mid-November. The course runs along the Mohonk Preserve and Minnewaska State Park, and has some of the most breathtaking scenic views in New York State. This area is home to Shawangunks (also known as the Gunks), the northern extension of the long ridge in the Appalachian Mountains, with some cliffs reaching as high as 300 feet.

If you have never been climbing before, the beginner’s course teaches the basics such as knots, belaying, rappelling, climbing techniques, and of course, safety measures. There are half and full-day courses available which are tailored to fit your needs, so you will be guided through the level that you feel most comfortable with. All of the senior guides have been certified by the American Mountain Guides Association, which has been educating guides for over twenty-five years. If you find you have a knack for rock climbing, by the time winter rolls around again you can give ice climbing a try.

After a long day on the mountain, take some time to stroll through the free-spirited town of New Paltz. Walking around the village is an instant reminder that Woodstock is not far away, with shops sporting names like “EarthGoods” and “Art in Soul.” Rock and Snow is the outdoors supply store where guests can meet up with their guides. If you need gear, let the store know you are climbing with Alpine Endeavors for 10% off your purchase. In the meantime, the staff of passionate rock climbers will answer any questions you may have about the sport—and what you are getting yourself into. Alpine Endeavors does ask that you make reservations a week in advance, but it still beats waiting in line to use the elliptical machines at the gym.

How to get there: Take the Adirondack Trailways bus line out of New York Port Authority on 8th Ave and 42nd St. to New Paltz bus terminal. From the bus station in New Paltz, make a right and take a five-minute downhill walk to Rock and Snow, 44 Main St., on the left hand side. It’s the building with a peace sign on the front door. Alpine Endeavors offers a variety of different hiking, mountaineering, and climbing trips in other locations including the nearby Catskills. Check out the website or call for pricing and more information. (Alpine Endeavors, 845.658.3094, alpinendeavors.com)

Photos: Courtesy Marty Molitoris of Alpine Endeavors

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