From conquering the rock wall at local Madison gyms to traveling far and wide in search of the most legendary climbs in the country and beyond, Mountaineering Club members take trips that challenge climbers of all levels.
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization that wants to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both learn from and teach one another. We love teaching new members and we love getting people together to go out and climb as a community, whether it be at the classic Devil's Lake or as far as Spain! We run both club trips and more relaxed unofficial trips for last-minute planners. If you're more experienced, if you're looking to improve or to even just get started, we also offer a climbing team!
A membership with Hoofer Mountaineering gives you access to our gear locker, as well as discounts at the climbing wall in the Sett and 20% off climbing gear at Fontana Sports in Madison.
FAQs
What is Mountaineering?
The Hoofer Mountaineering Club is a student-run organization of climbers that want to keep people out on the rocks, while also maintaining a collective of knowledgeable climbers who can both teach and pass on their knowledge to others.
How do I get started?
To join, you can either purchase a membership online or sign up in-person at the Outdoor Programs Office. We hope to see you at HMC meetings, clinics, socials, and events in the future!
How often does Mountaineering hold events?
You can expect weekly meetings, socials, clinics, and trips.
What kinds of events does Mountaineering have?
Hoofer Mountaineering general meetings are held every Thursday at 7pm in Mendota Lounge. In addition, we hold technical skill clinics, climbing socials at local gyms and crags, and regional and global trips.
Where do you go to climb?
With Devils Lake, Governor Dodge, Necedah, and Hillbilly Hollow in our own backyard, we utilize our local crags to their fullest potential.
Some of our further destinations have included Joshua Tree National Park, Yosemite National Park, the Margalef and Siurana crags outside of Barcelona, and Red Rock Canyon. The annual trip to Red River Gorge for Halloween is a fan-favorite as well.
What is the climbing team?
If you're looking to sharpen your climbing skills, train, socialize, and compete, Hoofer Climbing Team is for you! You can learn more here!
How can I sign up for events?
Become a member!
Do you provide gear?
We sure do. We offer anything and everything a climber may require, so you shouldn't need anything of your own.
How to Join
1. Create your Account!
When you're ready to join, head over to our member site at https://members.hoofers.org to create your account! You must be a Union Member to join. Note that UW-Madison students are automatically granted Union membership.
2. Sign Up for Events!
Once you've joined the club, you can search for events and sign up from the member site. Pick your favorite event, sign up, and get ready for an adventure!
For more information, click the button below!
Contact Us
Hoofer Mountaineering Club
Memorial Union, Lower Level
800 Langdon St.
Madison, WI 53706
(608) 262-1630
info@hoofermountaineering.org
Contact Us
News
HMC's annual Halloween trip to Red River Gorge! This trip was focused on sport climbing. The Red River Gorge in Kentucky has some of the best sport climbing in all of the US, there are routes for all types of climbers! And camping at Miguels, a classic climber camp spot for RRG!
Upcoming Events
Winter Kiting with Hoofer Sailing Club
Come fly a power kite with the Hoofer Sailing Club. No experience or special equipment necessary. Instructors will help you get started and show you the basics. Expect to spend 5-10 minutes steering the kite. These are the same kites adventurous riders use to speed across the ice on skis or snowboard! For more advanced lessons, sign up with the Hoofer Sailing Club.
Participants can drop in a at any point during the event however registration is required.
Family Night on Lake Mendota
Bring your family down to Outdoor UW for a fun filled evening of skating (or snowshoeing if lake ice conditions make skating impossible)! This event will be filled with all the laughter, music, and games that your family needs to enjoy the Wisconsin Winter at Memorial Union. Our staff will teach you everything you need to know to get outside this winter. Beginners are welcome!
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non students per hour. Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
***PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE EVENT TO BE FIT FOR SKATES
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first come, first served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accomodation, please contact our Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Climbing Team Trial Practice
This is a free trial practice for anyone interested in being a member of the Hoofer Mountaineering Club Climbing Team this semester! Please only sign up for one of the two available trial practices (unless you are a driver of the carpool). If you would like to be driven to and from the gym or if you have a car and are available to drive others, please sign up for the carpool here: CARPOOL LINK (there is a Sunday tab and a Wednesday tab, please sign up on the correct sheet)
Note that there are a limited amount of carpool spots and a spot isn't guaranteed. Please arrive 30 minutes early to your designated carpool pick-up location if you are carpooling. The location of the practice is at Summit Strength and Fitness (3118 Kingsley Way, Madison, WI 53713). Please arrive 15 minutes early if you are arranging your own transportation. Bring climbing shoes and a chalk bag if you have them, otherwise shoes can be rented at the gym.
Practice will be two hours long, lasting from 7:15-915pm on Wednesday, February 8th. This practice is meant to give you a feel for what team practices will be like throughout the semester, come excited to meet new climbers and improve your technique!
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Hoofer Mountaineering President Office Hours
Hello Mountaineers!
Have questions, ideas for the club, or want to earn gear ratings? Stop by the Mendota Lodge on Thursdays anytime from 4:00-5:00PM to chat about all things related to Hoofer Mountaineering, or unrelated.
If you have additonal questions, please feel free to email me at mountaineering@hoofers.org!
Cheers,
Claire
Ice Fishing Derby
We're Keeping It Reel This Winter
Join us for our second-annual educational Ice Fishing Derby. Participants may participate as experienced anglers or can participate as learners by taking one of our ice fishing lessons hosted by the University of Wisconsin Fishing team and our local DNR Wardens. Sign up separately to take lessons-- they will be run every hour on the hour! Participants in the lessons will provide all the necessary fishing equipment needed to fish. Free hot chocolate will be available for anglers.
This event will be free of charge, all you need to do is come with a current fishing license ($5.00 first time angler licenses available at DNR.Wisconsin.gov). Prizes will be given to award winning fish caught! Participants must be students and registration is required.
Participant Rules and Instructions
Participants must obey all DNR fishing regulations.
Fish must be caught during the event hours on the waters within view of the Memorial Union on Lake Mendota.
Wisconsin Union will provide all fishing equipment necessary for first-time anglers. Experienced anglers are welcome to bring their own tackle.
The event will take place outside, so participants should dress to be warm for the duration. Ice cover can be quite wet so make sure to bring waterproof boots!
Awards
First Fish
Last Fish
Biggest Fish
Smallest Fish
Biggest Perch
Biggest Bluegill
Biggest Crappie
Biggest Walleye
Biggest Northern
Most Species Caught
Best Fishing Photo
Ski & Snowshoe Among the Lights on Lake Mendota
Conquer Lake Mendota on skis, snowshoes or on foot with Hoofer Ski & Snowboard and Hoofer Outing Club!
An Un-brrr-lieveable Night Activity
Come explore Lake Mendota with skis, snowshoes, or on foot! A path of glowing ice luminaries will guide you out on to the lake where you can get a beautiful view of the city and the stars. All the gear will be provided with ski/snowshoe checkout happening right off of the terrace. There will also be campfires, music, and s'mores! Registration is required.
Fire and Ice Skate Theme Night
February is a frigid time of year. Will you embrace the cold, or wish for an early summer? Come dressed in your best fire or ice-themed outfit and have fun skating on the lake.
Skate rentals are available at $5 for students per hour and $7 for non-students per hour.
Skate rentals are available first to those registered (below) for the event. 15 minutes BEFORE the event begins we will call down the list of those registered to select their skates. Once those who are registered for the event (and present before the event begins) have their skates, rentals will be available to those not registered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Youth under 18 need to be accompanied by a legal guardian at this event.
<<< PLEASE COME 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE EVENT TO ALLOW TIME TO BE FIT FOR SKATES >>>
***Limited sizes of ice skates are available. Skates are rented out on a first-come, first-served basis.
***If you are a person with a disability needing reasonable accommodation, please contact our Assistant Manager, outdooruwam@union.wisc.edu
Ice Climbing Exhibition
Ever wonder how people could climb ice? Well, come and find out with Hoofer Mountaineering Club! We are building an ice wall on beautiful Lake Mendota and will demonstrate the basic techniques to climbing ice. Participants will learn about ice climbing equipment, and how to properly swing tools into solid ice.
This event is free but registration is required. Participants are welcome to join at any point for the duration of the event.
Snow Ball with Hoofer Sailing Club
You'll Have A Ball!
Dance the night away (inside) after a day of play outside! Join us for an evening of music and dancing with a live jazz band and delicious hors d'oeuvres in the Great Hall at the Memorial Union. Formal wear is encouraged but not required.
If you have questions, email commodore@hoofersailing.org.
Adventure Rock, Day in MKE
Spend the day climbing Top Rope and Bouldering problems in Milwaukee with your fellow Hoofer Mountaineers. Depending on interest, will spend time in other parts of Milwaukee for sight seeing/dining/shopping.
Hoofers Rail Jam
Come watch or compete against the Midwest’s best freestyle snowboarders and skiers. What is a Rail Jam, you may ask? Here are some videos showing how rad we are:
2018 Rail Jam / 2017 Rail Jam / 2014 Rail Jam / 2013 Rail Jam / 2012 Rail Jam / 2011 Rail Jam / 2010 Rail Jam
Registration for this event is solely for competitiors, please see more information below.
Spectators are welcome on the Terrace for free at anytime of the event! The contest will begin at 3pm on Saturday, February 12th, at Memorial Union Terrace. The Union will be open for beer and food, we’ll have a live DJ, and plenty of giveaways for all who attend!
Registration for this event is $10, online registration is preferred. Day of registration begins at 1pm. 2pm begins warm up and the event begins at 3pm!
For more information and updates, please see our Instagram page (@hoofer_sns) or email vp@hoofersns.org.
Devils Lake Bouldering Social on the Ice
Hey Mountaineering,
We are hosting a causal bouldering social at Devils Lake Febuary 12th. We will be climbing at a few different crags and checking out climbs that can only be done when the lake is frozen! Transportation will be coordinated between partipants with their own personal vehicles. We plan to leave madison around 8:00am to enjoy a full day of bouldering.
Signup below if you want to go! Space is limited
If you have any questions or concerns please email us at events@hoofermountaineering.org
Hope to see you there!
Ski Volunteer - Big Brothers Big Sisters Event
Volunteer with SNS and Hoofer Ambassadors for our annual event with the Big Brothers and BIg Sisters of Madison! Help lead a skiing lesson and hangout with the kids and their Bigs while spending a Sunday at Tyrol Basin! Volunteers will help lead a one hour ski lesson and your lift ticket and transportation is covered for the day. Previous skiing experience is preferred.