Mountain Skills Climbing Guides works with only the best climbing guides in the Gunks and the Adirondacks. Our climbing days are custom-designed to accommodate your experience level and climbing goals.
For folks new to rock climbing, we will introduce the basics using a client-centric approach that optimizes your experience and learning. And for climbers looking to learn new skills or really push the envelop, we will work to prepare you for any challenge in the vertical environment effectively.
We provide all the necessary equipment and cover day user fees for the Mohonk Preserve or the Peterskill climbing areas. You just have to show up ready to learn and have fun!
The Gunks
Whether you have had zero introductory lessons in outdoor climbing, have honed your climbing skills at the gym, or have climbed for years, the Gunks is an ideal location to take your climbing to the next level. Easy-to-moderate climbing routes in the Gunks are fun, exposed, and will absolutely blow you away. And hard routes will test your mettle.
The Gunks is stacked with 2-to-3 pitch classic routes that are world-renowned “must-do”s for climbers.
Want to climb some harder stuff? Our guides can also get you classic Gunks test pieces.
The Adirondacks
The Adirondacks are a rock climbing playground, especially for multi-pitching! Compared to climbing in the Gunks, the mountains are bigger, the views are better, and the experience is unquestionably more adventurous. Let the Adirondacks be your catalyst for climbing bigger mountains around the globe!
Beloved multi-pitch routes in the Adirondacks are:
Looking for something more structured? Check out our courses below!
We provide all the necessary equipment and cover day user fees for the Mohonk Preserve or the Peterskill climbing areas.
Intro to Rock Climbing
Welcome to the world of rock climbing! Our introductory program is perfect for those with little or no experience. Our patient and understanding guides will help you develop your skills and build confidence. To do so, we’ll guide you on the best beginner routes in the Gunks. Also, we’ll show you the ropes (literally!) and teach you the fundamentals skills, including belaying, rappelling, and other essential techniques.
2 Day Multi-Pitch Course
This two-day program is designed to take you from the basics of rock climbing to multi-pitch climbing in the Gunks or the Adirondacks. Day one covers essential skills such as knot tying, climbing movement, belaying, voice commands, gear removal, rappelling, and rope coiling.
On day two, you will put your newfound skills to the test by climbing multi-pitch routes in the Trapps, Near Trapps, or Chapel Pond Slab. Besides having fun, this in-depth instructional program is designed to teach up-and-coming climbers best practices and efficient techniques for ascending and descending cliffs.
Top Rope Anchor Building Course
Knowing how to set up a top rope is one of the first steps towards becoming a self-sufficient climber. We will introduce you to the fundamentals of setting efficient and secure top ropes. The course includes selecting anchors, choosing routes, accessing the tops of climbs, and protecting edges and vegetation. Setting up a directional and rappelling with friction hitch backups will also be covered in this comprehensive course. This course is a great place for an aspiring leader to begin.
Learn to Lead Climb Course
Let us introduce you to the art of traditional leading. You will learn how to use traditional equipment both correctly and efficiently. We’ll start your day with an in-depth introduction to each piece of equipment and its functions and limitations. Next, we’ll teach you how to properly place each piece of gear and build solid two-point and three-point anchors, both pre-equalized and self-equalizing. You will also learn how to belay in a multi-pitch setting off the anchor. Finally, you’ll hone your skills on the sharp end by doing mock leads. You and your instructor will then critique each gear placement.
You cannot learn to lead in a single day. This comprehensive approach to traditional climbing can be taught in a block of simultaneous days, or stretched out over several days throughout the season.
Self Rescue Course
Have you ever wondered how to escape the belay from the ground or a multi-pitch anchor? How about passing a knot while rappelling or lowering an injured partner down the cliff from anchor to anchor? Maybe you need to set up an improvised hauling system without mechanical devices or pick off a stuck climber on the cliff while on belay. Or hey, maybe you’re just psyched about climbing and are seeking more knowledge.
This course teaches you the self-rescue techniques most applicable to you and your climbing. After this course, you’ll be more prepared to get out of some of the more concerning situations that can arise while climbing.
Additional Programs
Group Rock Climbing Adventures
Gather your group of friends or colleagues to enjoy a day of rock climbing outside in nature. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church groups, bachelor parties, corporate team building—you name it, and we have facilitated it. We supply all of the technical equipment, such as helmets, harnesses, rock shoes, belay devices, chalk bags, and a 4:1 ratio of instructor to client.
Mentoring
We offer instructor/client mentoring programs for climbers looking to progress in every facet of climbing. From leading on rock to leading on ice, or maybe you just want to climb routes with the same guide every week, our mentoring program works with climbers who want personal instruction with a personal touch. These programs offer one-on-one personal instruction with a schedule you customize based on your availability.
We offer fair discounts to our clients who frequently climb with us on this program.
Sport Climbing
We offer a few sports climbing locations in the New England region. Both locations have tons of grades and enough routes to keep you busy for days.
Are you wondering what it’s like to sport climbing in other classic crags, like the Red River Gorge? Let’s talk!
Two-Hour Sunset Rappel in the Gunks
This two-hour rappel trip will expose you to some serious air! We meet in the West Trapps parking area at the Mohonk Preserve, get fitted in your technical rappel equipment, and then hike to the top of the Near Trapps. Once at the top, you’ll learn how to operate your equipment efficiently for rappelling.
Once you’re ready, you’ll enjoy the famous Fat City rappel–a 200-foot free-hanging rappel with nothing but Hudson Valley goodness in all directions.
Wintertime Rock Climbing
During the colder months, rock climbing in the Gunks is still possible and enjoyable! The Trapps cliff faces southeast, so if it’s sunny out, the rock is warm and energizing. During the Winter, we work on half-day times, starting at 10:00 a.m. and ending when the sun begins to come off the cliff around 3:00 p.m. Following the suggested clothing list for ice climbing works well for winter rock climbing. Lots of layers and hand warmers in the chalk bag work wonders.
