For your convenience, here is a list of clinics being offered at the 2025 GunksFest. To be sure they’re not sold out, the add-on list of clinics during ticketing will be the most up-to-date.
Boulder Movement and Spotting Skills (Saturday 9am – 12pm)
Guide: Aaron Snider, Gunks Guides
Whether you’re new to bouldering or looking to refine your technique, this clinic dives into the fundamentals of efficient movement on the wall and safe spotting on the ground. We’ll break down body positioning, footwork, and dynamic vs. static movement—then shift gears to practice proper spotting form, fall zones, and crash pad placement. Great for climbers who want to climb stronger and spot like someone you’d trust to catch your fall.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Gear: Shoes, chalk and a bouldering pad if you have one.
COST: $50.00
Yoga For Climbers – PreClimb Warm Up Class (Saturday 9am – 9:45am)
With: Laura Obringer
Join our favorite local yoga instructor for her annual appearance at GunksFest and get warmed up for your clinics and climbing!
A warm-up yoga practice targeted specifically for climbing that blends traditional yoga with modern kinesiology. After taking this class, you’ll be prepared for a great day on the rock! The class runs 45 minutes so that participants can be at their climbing clinic at 10 am. For more information about the instructor, please visit www.laurayogaclimb.com
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: Yoga mats will be provided!
COST: $10.00
Multipitch Strategies for Efficiency and Safety (Saturday 10am – 12pm) – SOLD OUT
Guide: Angelo Urrico, Rise Outside guides
Join Rise Outside’s Angelo Urrico for an immersive 2hrs in getting your multi-pitch skills dialed.
Angelo will cover a variety of multi-pitch topics, including gear, anchoring, belays and belay transfers, rope management, swapping leads, and much more!.
Prerequisites: Previous outdoor rock climbing experience; a desire to multi-pitch climb.
Required Gear: Personal climbing kit, anchor gear and anchor material.
COST: $50.00
How to be a Good Second (Saturday 10am – 12pm)
Instructor: Richard Goldstone
We are very happy to be bringing this clinic back, as it’s one of our most popular festival events.
From the technical to the theoretical, Gunks legend Richard Goldstone brings his legendary teaching style to this class – sure to pack the house.
We’ll talk about personal gear, belaying, choss management, cleaning gear, belay transitions, rappelling, getting yourself out of jams, expedition mentality, and maybe just a touch about evaluating potential leaders.
Prerequisites: The intended audience for this clinic is climbers who are transitioning from gym or sport climbing to multipitch trad climbing and who want to know more about the skills involved in competent trad seconding.
COST: free
Waterworks Bouldering Tour (Saturday 10am – 12pm)
Instructor: TBD
Tour of the Waterworks bouldering area. Our tour guides will bring you to this area, but you will be responsible for your own bouldering – as well as your own bouldering pads.
Limited to 10 participants.
COST: free
Trad Climbing Intensive—A full day introduction to the gear, rope systems, training and ethics of Trad climbing (Saturday 10am – 4pm) – SOLD OUT
Guide: Franz Buzawa, Gunks Guides
Welcome to the World of Trad Climbing! Get ready for a full-day, hands-on clinic where the crag is your classroom. Whether you’re a gym climber, sport climber, or an experienced leader looking to refresh your skills, this clinic will offer a solid foundation for your traditional (aka trad) climbing journey.
The day will be broken up into topic-specific modules covering key concepts such as active and passive protection, gear-based anchor building, rope system transitions, training strategies, ethics, and more. Expect a practical, information-rich experience—bring your questions, your curiosity, and a notebook!
Prerequisites: The clinic is designed for climbers from diverse backgrounds and levels of experience, however prior experience with belaying, both top-rope and lead as well as rappelling is extremely useful.
Required Gear: helmet, harness, ATC-style belay device, ABD-style belay device, preferably a Grigri, several, up to 6, locking carabiners (similar to Petzl Attaché), at least 1 double-length (48″ or 120 cm) sling, 2 shoulder-length (24″ or 60 cm) slings, other personal gear that you use or have questions about.
COST: $125.00
Top Rope Anchors: Anchoring Fundamentals (Saturday 10am – 4pm) – SOLD OUT
Guide: Eric Waldron, Gunks Guides
This top rope anchoring class is designed to help you gain the skills needed to get out climbing on your own. Focusing on essential techniques like gear selection, guidebook interpretation, and natural anchor construction, this hands-on course provides the foundation for safe and efficient anchor setups. You’ll build practical experience in constructing reliable anchors while learning best practices. This course also sets the stage for future advanced skills like learning to lead and gives you a better understanding of what’s happening when climbing with others. Perfect for climbers looking to gain independence and strengthen their technical abilities.
Prerequisites: Some previous outdoor climbing experience is helpful but not required.
Required Gear: Personal climbing gear (ie. harness and helmet), Optional: bring your own ropes, static ropes, locking carabiners, slings, ATC-style belay device, ABD-style belay device (preferably a Grigri), several (up to 6) locking carabiners similar to Petzl Attaché, at least 1 double-length (48″ or 120 cm) sling, 2 shoulder-length (24″ or 60 cm) slings, other personal gear that you use or have questions about.
COST: $125.00
Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue (Saturday 10am – 4pm)
Guide: Gregory Kanter, Gunks Guides
Take your climbing skills to the next level by building on the techniques used in rock climbing to explore new and thrilling terrain on glaciated peaks. In this Glacier Travel and Crevasse Rescue course, you will learn how to navigate glaciers and tackle challenging mountain environments.
Throughout the course, you’ll gain hands-on experience with the specialized gear needed for mountaineering, and how to properly use and move with it. Learn the critical skills for traveling on glaciers as part of a rope team, protecting snow climbs, and performing essential crevasse rescue techniques. Whether you’re rescuing a partner or yourself after a crevasse fall, this course will give you the skills and confidence to handle emergencies in high-mountain terrain.
This course is good for all levels. We will customize your day based on your experience level, ensuring you get the most out of the training no matter where you’re starting from. Available all year round, sign up today and unlock the door to new mountaineering adventures!
Prerequisites: A strong motivation for hands on learning and active participation! It will be helpful to have familiarity with basic climbing knots and hitches.
Required Gear: Personal climbing gear plus any of the following that you have: Pulleys, locking carabiner, progress capture device, prussiks, slings. There will be some to use at the clinic too.
COST: $125.00
Top Rope Rescue Tactics (Saturday 10am – 4pm)
Guide: Teddy Dondaville, Mountain Skills guides
What do you do if something goes wrong during top roping? How do you get your climber down? How do you escape the belay? This clinic, led by Teddy Dondanville from Mountain Skills Climbing Guides, will answer these questions and many more. In addition, this clinic will offer best practices to make your top rope practice a little less risky.
Prerequisites: Beginners welcome! But top rope belaying and climbing experience is preferred.
Required Gear: Helmet, harness, climbing shoes. In addition, a selection of belay/rappel devices, slings/ cordelette, friction hitch, lockers, and non-lockers.
COST: $125.00
Intro to the Gunks (Saturday 12pm – 2pm)
Instructor: Jannette Pazer
Welcome to the Gunks! If you’ve never climbed in the Gunks or are an infrequent visitor who wants to learn more about the area and useful beta to make your visit go more smoothly, then join us for this 2 hour clinic. This is not a technical clinic! Discussion is encouraged, and bring your questions!
We’ll cover some basic logistics like where to climb, where to park, who to call in an emergency and where there’s a cell signal.
We’ll cover some climbing beta like Gunks grades, typical racks, guidebooks, hazards, climbing with kids, and where to find guides or partners.
We’ll cover trip planning, like where to stay, where to eat, and fun stuff to do on rest days.
Also some background information like who owns the cliffs, a little history of the area and local ethics.
Prerequisites: None
COST: free
Waterworks Bouldering Tour (Saturday 1pm – 3pm)
Instructor: TBD
Tour of the Waterworks bouldering area. Our tour guides will bring you to this area, but you will be responsible for your own bouldering – as well as your own bouldering pads.
Limited to 10 participants.
COST: free
Introduction to Toprope Anchors (Saturday 12pm – 2pm) – SOLD OUT
Guide: Angelo Urrico, Rise Outside guides
Have some experience climbing and ready to take it to the next level by becoming self-sufficient with toproping?
This clinic will cover safe anchor strategies, from using bolts to trees. Angelo will cover the why and how behind static ropes, equalizing between bolts/chains, quads, and how to set up an anchor for easy and clear cleaning.
Prerequisites: Previous outdoor rock climbing experience; a desire to become independent with your toprope anchors.
Required Gear: Personal climbing kit, anchor gear and anchor material.
COST: $50.00
How Trusty are those Rusties? (Saturday 12pm – 2pm)
Instructor: Richard Goldstone
Clip-and-whip or just plain skip? Or maybe time to tie-off?
Learn about the intricacies and history of iron, and how trustworthy exactly it can and cannot be. Chances are you have encountered an original piece of fixed hardware, if you have wondered the vintage then this class is for you.
This clinic presents some of the history of piton development, discusses appropriate attitudes and practices for dealing with in-situ gear, and describes selection, placing and removal (in the context of free climbing—this is not an aid tutorial).
COST: free
Belaying from the Top: Because the Follower Deserves Love Too (Saturday 1pm – 5pm) – SOLD OUT
Guide: Aaron Snider, Gunks Guides
You crushed the lead—now it’s time to return the favor. This clinic teaches lead climbers how to belay from above with confidence and competence. We’ll cover proper anchor setups, belay device options, rope management, communication strategies, and common mistakes to avoid when bringing up a second. Whether you’re getting into multi-pitch climbing or just want to up your partner-care game, this is your next essential skill. Great clinic for the participant looking to get into lead climbing.
Prerequisites: Prior lead climbing and anchor-building experience recommended.
Required Gear: personal climbing gear (harness, helmet, shoes, belay device,) and helpful to bring any trad gear locking carabiners, slings you have.
COST: $50.00
Cams: From Soup to Nuts (Saturday 2pm – 4pm)
Instructor: Richard Goldstone
Along with being a groundbreaking Gunks climber, Richard Goldstone is among our most talented instructors, whose teaching style has captured audiences at previous GunksFests, mixing the anecdotal with the scientific, and this cam-focused session is no exception.
This clinic aims to discuss all aspects of cams. There’s a touch of history, a smidgen of theory, a review of failure modes, and some practical guidelines for placements. Richard will try to illuminate how not to do things as well as how to do them.
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: None
COST: free
Sunday Clinics
Waterworks Bouldering Tour (Sunday 10am – 12pm) – SOLD OUT
Instructor: TBD
Tour of the Waterworks bouldering area. Our tour guides will bring you to this area, but you will be responsible for your own bouldering – as well as your own bouldering pads.
Limited to 10 participants.
COST: free
Map & Compass Navigation (Sunday 8am – 12pm) – SOLD OUT
With: Greg Kanter, Gunks Guides
Don’t depend on unreliable apps or a draining phone battery for navigation in the backcountry! Learn how to expertly navigate the wilderness with our comprehensive Wilderness Navigation Course. This hands-on course covers essential skills such as reading topographic maps, using a compass for precise orientation, and plotting your own route. Whether you’re hiking familiar trails or venturing off the beaten path into the wilderness, map and compass skills are vital for ensuring safety and confidence.
This one-day wilderness navigation course is perfect for adventurers of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned explorers. Gain the confidence to navigate the mountains and backcountry with ease and never worry about getting lost again. Sign up today to secure your spot and enhance your outdoor skills!
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: A compass if you have one. Maps and compass will be provided.
COST: $50.00
Bonticou Ecology Tour with a Mohonk Preserve Ranger (Sunday 9am-Noon) – SOLD OUT!
With: Evan Timony, Mohonk Forestry Specialist and Preserve Ranger
Participate in a 5 mile hike throughout the Mohonk Preserve’s Spring Farm area. We will be hiking into the Dwarf Pitch Pines and discussing the Mohonk Preserve’s long term monitoring projects, approach to conservation as well the uniqueness that gives this area its character.
We will plan on hiking to the top of Bonticou Crag via the Bonticou Scramble, down the North East Trial with a potential visit to Table Rocks. This will total in mileage around 5 miles and includes a proper scramble, be prepared to use your hands and feet. An alternate route is available around the scramble.
Please note car transportation will be required to access Spring Farm Trailhead, and although it is a short drive carpooling is encouraged.
The Mohonk Preserve has generously donated access passes to the hike, and will be available at no additional cost.
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: Sturdy hiking shoes, water and snack.
COST: Free
Climbing in Party of Three (Sunday 10am – 4pm)
With: Teddy Dondaville, Mountain Skills guides
Climbing in a party of three can be cumbersome– there’s a lot of rope to manage and an extra person. This clinic, led by Teddy Dondanville from Mountain Skills Climbing Guides, will teach best practices for climbing in a party of three, including a deep dive into two belay methods. In addition, this clinic will offer some efficiency hacks to make the process more smoother.
Prerequisites: This workshop will be taught through the perspective of the leader– so lead multi-pitch experience is helpful. But there will be tips for climbers in the second and third position as well.
Required Gear: Standard multi pitch kit, including a harness, a selection of belay/rappel devices, lockers, non-lockers, slings or PAS, anchor building material.
COST: $125.00
Top Rope Soloing: Who Needs Friends Anyway? (Sunday 10am – 4pm) – SOLD OUT
With: Aaron Snider, Gunks Guides
No partner? No problem. This clinic teaches you how to top rope solo—so you can climb when you want, do the routes you want, and get a solid workout without waiting for someone to finish their snack break. We’ll cover gear setups, anchor systems, backup strategies, and how to keep things moving smoothly on your own. It’s the perfect skill for climbers who like efficiency, independence, and talking to themselves at the crag.
Prerequisites: Some outdoor climbing and anchor building experience is helpful.
Required Gear: Personal climbing gear. Shoes, harness, helmet, belay/rappel device.
COST: $125.00
Self Rescue: Techniques for the Unexpected (Sunday 10am – 4pm) – SOLD OUT
With: Eric Waldron, Gunks Guides
This one-day clinic teaches climbers the essential self-rescue skills needed to manage unexpected situations at the crag. You’ll learn how to escape the belay, set up basic hauling systems, ascending, improvised rappels deal with stuck ropes and possibly more. Through practical, hands-on scenarios, you’ll build the confidence and problem-solving ability to handle emergencies when things don’t go as planned
Prerequisites: Some outdoor climbing experience and knowledge of basic climbing knots and hitches
Required Gear: Bring your personal climbing gear—everything you typically carry on your harness during a climb—along with your belay and rappel setup, and any anchoring materials you commonly use
COST: $125.00
Wilderness Survival for the Outdoor Recreator (Sunday 1pm – 5pm)
With: Greg Kanter, Gunks Guides
Ready to become more “outdoorsy”? Whether you’re a beginner looking to start your outdoor journey or an experienced adventurer seeking a skills refresh, Wilderness Survival is the perfect course for you! Learn how to thrive in the wilderness with the right preparation, gear, clothing, and skills to manage risks and ensure comfort on all your outdoor adventures.
In this comprehensive wilderness survival course, we’ll cover essential topics like the Ten Essentials, clothing layering techniques, dealing with environmental threats and weather, animal encounters, medical considerations, and effective decision-making in the backcountry. To cap off the day, we’ll engage in role-playing scenarios to put your newly acquired skills to the test and boost your confidence.
This course is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts of all experience levels, offering practical skills for anyone who wants to explore the wilderness safely and confidently. Sign up today to enhance your outdoor recreation knowledge and wilderness survival abilities!
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: Just your clothing you’d be wearing for a day out and a pack you’d normally carry.
COST: $50.00
Intro to Mushroom Foraging (Sunday 1pm – 3pm)
With: Jannette Pazer, GCC Board Member
Do you love mushrooms? Have you always wanted to learn how to forage for mushrooms but were afraid to try? This clinic is meant for beginner foragers who what to learn how to identify wild mushrooms, as well as learning about some local edible mushrooms and some deadly ones as well.
Clinic will consist of a 1 hour presentation, then at least 1 hour of foraging and trying to identify our finds.
Note: we’re scheduled for 2 hours, but we can continue foraging for another hour for those who are interested.
COST: free
Philosophies on Staying Out of Trouble (Sunday 1pm – 3pm) – SOLD OUT
With: Rich Romano, Bank Manager
Join Rich for an anecdotal approach to learn how to keep yourself safe up on the wall in the most uncertain of situations. This sit-down clinic will give you insight into how to be creative with what you help manage situations before they get unmanageable.
COST: free
Climbing Photography (Sunday 1pm – 5pm)
With: Chris Vultaggio
Want to take your climbing photography to the next level?
Join professional climbing photographer Chris Vultaggio to cover everything from lens choices to lighting, composition to fixed-line logistics.
Time permitting, we will be able to practice some rope ascending for some hands-on skill development.
Prerequisites: Photography and climbing knowledge a plus, especially experience and confidence in rappelling and anchors.
Required Gear: Personal climbing kit, camera kit, rope ascending kit if you have one
COST: $75.00
Climbing and Injury Prevention (Sunday 10am – 1pm)
With: Dr. Miguel Zavallos, Climbing Rehab
Sign up for some complimentary rehab consults + short treatments! If you’re currently injured or simply want tips on how to prevent future injury this is your chance to speak one on one with a climbing specific Physical Therapist! Dr. Miguel Zavallos has hosted plenty of rehab clinics during competitions, but would like to give our outdoor community some love too.
Prerequisites: None.
Required Gear: None.
COST: free
Waterworks Bouldering Tour (Sunday 1pm – 3pm)
Instructor: TBD
Tour of the Waterworks bouldering area. Our tour guides will bring you to this area, but you will be responsible for your own bouldering – as well as your own bouldering pads.
Limited to 10 participants.
COST: free
PSAR and Emergency Response with the Mohonk Preserve Rangers (Sunday 5pm – 6pm)
With: Mohonk Preserve Ranger Team
When accidents happen at the cliff, most often climbers are the first responders on-scene, and often those first few moments can be critical.
Learn from the rangers themselves on how to start a decision-making matrix to best triage any accident.
A good response begins with taking the right steps in the right order, a process that can be crucial to the best possible outcome.
Whether a seasoned veteran or new climber, first-responder skills will help you become an asset at the cliff in managing accidents – both on and off the cliff.
Prerequisites: None
Required Gear: None
COST: free