This story was originally published by VermontBiz on August 11, 2025.
Vermont Business Magazine Two new studies led by Vermont State University (VTSU) faculty and students reveal that ice climbing in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley contributes more than $6.2 million annually to the regional economy, supporting 36 jobs and generating $4.4 million in Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
The research, which includes The Mount Washington Valley Ice Climbing Study: Use Patterns, Demographics, and Economic Impacts and The Mount Washington Valley Ice Fest Survey Report, offers a detailed look at visitor demographics, spending patterns, and the broader economic significance of the sport in the Mount Washington Valley region.
The studies were conducted by Professor Dr. Ben Mirkin of VTSU Lyndon’s Outdoor Education, Leadership, and Tourism (OELT) Program, in collaboration with VTSU alumni Eleanor Weisman-Rowell, undergraduate research fellow Carson Zundel, Friends of the Ledges, and Dr. James Maples and Dr. Ryan Sharp of the University of Tennessee. Funding was provided in part by the Vermont State College System’sChancellor’s Innovation Fund and VTSU’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Graduate Professional Study’s summer 2025 program.
“This research underscores the vital role that outdoor recreation plays in rural economies,” said VTSU Professor Benjamin Mirkin, Ph.D., lead researcher on the studies. “Ice climbing is more than a niche sport—it’s a driver of tourism, a source of jobs, and a catalyst for community identity. The VSCS investment in student-led, community-driven research demonstrates a commitment to empowering undergraduates to shape real-world outcomes in the places they care about most.”
The Mount Washington Valley hosts nearly 12,000 ice climbing visits each season, with 85% of climbers traveling from outside the region. These visitors typically stay for three days, spending on lodging, dining, gear, and local services. Ice Fest, which just marked its 32nd year, attracted 750 participants from across the country and supported nearly $240,000 in regional GDP.
These findings arrive at a pivotal moment. Proposed changes to regional rail use could affect access to key climbing areas, making the data especially relevant to ongoing land use and infrastructure discussions. The research team hopes the results will support creative, collaborative solutions that balance recreation, conservation, and transportation needs.
Access Fund, the national advocacy organization for sustainable climbing access and conservation, sees the findings as a valuable tool for advancing their mission.
“This study clearly shows how key ice climbing is to the economy of the Mount Washington Valley, and affirms what climbers have always known – that it is critical to prioritize and protect ice climbing areas,” says Molly Mundy, Access Fund’s Northeast Regional Manager. “I’m looking forward to utilizing this study and drawing on the long history of success that Access Fund has had with similar studies across the country, to help improve access, and support both the community of climbers and the larger local community.”