Kissfist Climbing Fest- New York

A woman rock climbing on a steep cliff, smiling and making an 'OK' sign with her hand, wearing a helmet and a harness, overlooking a dense green forest.

Shawangunk, New York

Kissfist Climbing Fest

$35 GENERAL ADMISSION TICKET

$95 GUIDED CLIMBING TICKET

Intro- Advanced

Black line drawing of a mountain range with peaks.

The Gunks, New York

Icon of a location pin with a circular target inside

Sept 6-7, 2025

Black and white abstract animal face design with bold lines and shapes

Kissfist is an outdoor climbing event that centers and celebrates the Deaf climbing experience! This fall we are hosting a climbing gathering at the Shawangunk Mountains in New York. This event is made possible through collaboration with Rise Outside Collective, American Alpine Club, and the Mohonk Preserve.

This celebration is a fun and welcoming climbing event open to everyone—Deaf, Hard of Hearing, hearing, new signers, and first-time climbers! Whether you’re fluent in ASL, just starting to learn, or simply curious, this is a space for connection, movement, and community.

We'll be climbing together, signing together, and supporting each other on and off the wall. All skill levels and communication backgrounds are welcome — bring your curiosity and enthusiasm!

If you need special accommodations to attend this event, please reach out to meg@smilemountainguides.com

Kiss Fist

Climbing Fest

in the GUNKS

Group of climbers doing intros in the Gunks before the Kissfist Festival
Climber lady wearing gear shirt, smiling, tying in and getting ready to climb

GENERAL ADMISSION

The General Admission Ticket includes access to the 2-day event, camping, evening cookout, and games.
This option is ideal if you have outdoor climbing experience on multipitch trad routes. You must bring your own equipment.

Enjoy the Mohonk Preserve’s many beautiful crags at your own pace! You and your climbing partners get to decide which crags, routes, and trails you want to explore. This ticket does not include participation in the guided instruction or a belayer. We will connect you with other general admission participants to coordinate climbing plans.

After you've spent the day sending, join us at the AAC Campground for the Kissfist community gathering with food, drinks and games!

GUIDED CLIMBING

The Guided Climbing Ticket includes access to the 2-day event; one day of guided top-rope climbing, camping, evening cookout, and games.
This option is for you if you’re new to climbing, don’t have your own gear, or want to enjoy the day without planning the logistics.

In partnership with Rise Outside Collective, we will provide the gear and instruction. Spend the day top rope climbing with new (and old) friends, challenge yourself, and enjoy the vertical world! The guided top rope climbing will be available until 3:00 pm. If you do have personal climbing gear (harness, helmet, shoes, belay device), you’re encouraged to bring it for your comfort!

After climbing, join us at the AAC Campground for the Kissfist community gathering with food, drinks, and games!

  • There are two ways to enjoy climbing at Kissfist:

    With a General Admission Ticket, you explore the crags of Shawangunk Mountains on your own! Find friends + belays, bring your own equipment, choose your own objective and have fun!

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    Join our guided climbing group hosted by Rise Outside! With the Guided Climbing Ticket climbs will be set up, there will be basic instruction on safety systems, and all the necessary climbing equipment will be provided.

  • FRIDAY NIGHT:
    Arrive to the AAC Campground , set up camp, make connections and get excited for the weekend!

    SATURDAY:

    Guided Climbing:
    Wake up & pack for the day. Bring snacks, water, sunscreen, layers, etc. Then we will meet with the Rise Outside Guide Team and hike to the climbing area. The group guided climbing will be available throughout the day!

    SATURDAY NIGHT:

    Back at the AAC Campground we will have a grill out, with food, drinks, and games!

    SUNDAY:

    Wake up, have breakfast & enjoy a group hike around the Mohonk Preserve. OR get back out for some more climbing with new friends. Sunday’s climbing is not supported with the Rise Outside guide team.

FAQ’s

Kissfist Climbing Fest

The answers to our most commonly asked questions about the Kissfist Climbing Fest.

  • General Admission - includes entrance to the event and the party to follow the day of climbing! Food, drinks, fun and camping! The proceeds from general admission contribute to the cost of organizing the event.

    Guided Climbing- Registration includes a group climbing experience guided by Rise Outside. Climbing guides will set up a variety of climbs, provide equipment, and offer basic instruction on how to safely climb outside. This ticket also includes camping and entrance to the community hang out.

  • Guided Climbing:

    Gear will be provided for the guided climbing group. However, you are encouraged to bring your personal climbing gear (harness, helmet, shoes, belay device) if you have them available.

    General Admission:

    Gear is not provided for general admission guests.

  • Yes! If you’re interested in a guided multi-pitch adventure, please send an email with

    a) your climbing experience, indoors or outdoors
    &
    b) your goals for the multipitch climb (i.e. specific route, grade range, skills you want to work on, etc.)
    c) the number of climbers in your group.

    Multipitch guiding is $399 for 1:1 ratio and $280/climber 2:1 ratio.

  • Through collaboration with Rise Outside Collective, we will have a 4:1 ratio for participants.

  • If you need special accommodations to attend this event, please reach out to meg@smilemountainguides.com

  • Please contact Derek Braun.

    dekey@me.com

  • Please click here to review our domestic cancellation policy.