CLIMB WITH CAUTION

For Covid-19 info relevant to Connecticut residents please visit https://portal.ct.gov/Coronavirus

As the State of Connecticut begins the first phase of relaxing its stay at home orders the RMF is revising its stance on climbing at Ragged Mountain and area crags. Please review and observe the following best practices as you consider heading back out to the crags.

Evidence suggests that outdoor transmission is less common but we also know that it is very difficult to practice social distance with climbing partners. Therefore the risk of transmission is still very present when we climb. If you or someone you live with is part of at-risk populations, now is not a good time to visit the crag.

SNIFFLES & SYMPTOMS
If you are feeling any of the symptoms commonly associated with Covid-19 or if you fear you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please stay home while you seek medical advice.

CLIMB LOCAL
We are asking out of state visitors to please stay away for a little while longer. In general, please don’t travel more than 25 miles to climb.

AVOID CROWDS
State guidelines prohibit any recreational group of more than 5 people.Instead, climb with just one other partner, preferably from your household and have a plan b in case the crag is crowded or parking areas are full. Plan instead to climb off-peak days and times.

PARKING PRACTICES
We recognize carpooling may not be a good idea right now which can lead to increased burden on parking spaces. If you arrive at a crag where the parking area is full, please move on.

Overcrowding residential streets, noise, blocking mail boxes and pulling up on curbs strains relations with neighbors which can lead to parking bans and crag closures.

TAKE IT EASY
Climbing accidents are relatively uncommon but the close proximity required by a rescue could expose first responders and medical personnel to coronavirus. Maybe now is not the time to take on that 5.12X gear route you’ve been thinking about.