Can you imagine seeing the beauty of a frozen waterfall, let alone climbing one? Next weekend, Penn Recreation’s Outdoor Adventure is set to lead a group of students, faculty, and staff on what is sure to be an unforgettable ice climbing trip to the Catskill Mountains in New York.

“Ice climbing is one of my favorite wintertime sports,” says Jason Erdman, who manages the Outdoor Adventure program. “It’s just a totally different experience.”

Adventurers will spend the day on Saturday, Feb. 4, ice climbing with Alpine Endeavors, a professional guide service accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association. All technical equipment will be provided, including boots, harnesses, helmets, ice tools, and crampons.

The trip, which costs $250 for Pottruck Health and Fitness Center members and $275 for non-members, includes an overnight stay at a hotel, as well as transportation. Participants will meet at the Pottruck Center on Friday, Feb. 3, around 5 p.m., and will return to Philadelphia on Saturday evening after a full day of climbing. As with most Outdoor Adventure trips, no previous ice climbing experience is necessary to attend.

“Ice climbing is something that not everyone is going to get the chance to try every day,” Erdman says. “It’s a unique experience for people who like wintertime sports and want to try something new.”

Other upcoming winter programs with Outdoor Adventure include a snowshoeing trip and cross country ski trip at Hickory Run State Park on Sunday, Feb. 5, and Saturday, Feb. 11, respectively, and a skiing and snowboarding trip to Jack Frost Resort on Sunday, Feb. 12. Check out Outdoor Adventure’s website for details. Erdman says attendees range in age from 18 to 65 years old. Those who have a Penn affiliation are welcome on the trips, and are allowed to bring one guest from outside the University.

“Of course, we are part of Campus Rec, and our big goal is to promote healthy lifestyles that help reduce stress of the student and working population,” says Erdman. “Getting outside into nature has massive health benefits, and since we plan the trips and provide all the transportation, we are trying to make it as easy as possible.”

Looking ahead to the warmer months, Erdman says he is excited for this year’s Spring Break trip to southern California, which, to his knowledge, is the first truly long-distance trip the Outdoor Adventure program has planned. From Sunday, March 5, to Saturday, March 11, attendees will rock climb, camp, and backpack in the desert scenery of Joshua Tree National Park. Those interested in participating should register by Monday, Feb. 6.