Mountaineering

Mountaineering in the Northeast

As one of New England’s oldest climbing school we offer adventure programs built for everyone.

We believe that Winter Hiking and Ice Climbing should be accessible to anyone. That’s why our Intro to Ice Climbing, Winter Climbing 101, and Winter Hiking programs come with all the technical gear you need. Whether you are a first time climber or a seasoned veteran we can tailor a program to your needs and get you out in the mountains enjoying the winter season to its fullest.

We also specialize in more advanced mountain skills and rope work. Though the mountains are not very tall here on the East coast, Mt. Washington is still home to some of the world’s worst weather and provides an excellent training ground for those of you looking to head out West or abroad. Our guides are some of the most experienced and well trained in the Northeast and can show you the tips and tricks for traversing any terrain confidently.

The EMS Schools operate all over New England and each climbing location offers a slightly different lineup of classes. Check out each location page or some of the featured programs below. If you don’t see the perfect program for your goal let us know as our guides are out almost everyday and can find the adventure you are looking for.

Featured Programs:

Check out some of our most popular MountaineeringCourses. All of our courses come complete with all the technical gear you need at no extra cost.

Image of Maddie Raphael, Youth Program Coordinator

Private Experiences

Private Mountaineering experiences are available at anytime. This is a great choice if you have a specific route you want to climb, skill you want to develop, or if you just want to go at your own pace.

Private days can focus on more technical skills such as glacier travel and crevasse rescue or how to manage steep snow climbs. This is also a great way to gain experience if you are looking to head out on objectives of your own.

Your guide will work with you to tailor a learning progression to your goals.

Frequent Questions About Mountaineering

What is the difference between a private climbing day and joining a group class?

Private classes are custom tailored to the individual and are available any day of the week. Private reservations do not have to reach a minimum enrollment to run and are guaranteed to run barring poor weather. Private reservations are great for those who wish to have more personalized instruction, who have a narrow window of availability or just want a guide to themselves without being matched with other climbers in a group. Joining a group class: If you have a flexible schedule and don’t mind being matched with other climbers, then joining a class is a great cost savings option. Classes require a minimum of two participants to run and may be cancelled up until the day prior if there is low enrollment. Joining a group class is a very popular option for new climbers. Class dates and prices can be found online, and reservations can be made online 24/7.
What if the weather is bad?

We reserve the right to cancel for any reason, including hazardous weather conditions. In the winter it’s rare to cancel a class because of weather unless road travel is hazardous. If we do need to cancel there is no penalty to you. You are welcome to a full refund or to reschedule. Please do not assume a class is cancelled unless you hear from us first.
Is it necessary to show up early for my program?

No. The time listed on your confirmation is the time you should be at the door waiting to enter the Climbing School. If you arrive early please be patient and wait until one of our guides opens the door. You may see some activity inside prior to the doors opening as our guides need time in the morning to organize gear and get ready to start the day.
What climbing equipment do you provide?

The EMS Climbing School will provide all participants with technical ice climbing & mountaineering equipment for each day’s climb at no extra cost. This includes plastic mountaineering boots, ice axes, crampons, harness, helmet, climbing hardware and ropes. If you have your own equipment you are more than welcome to use it. There is no discount if you provide your own climbing equipment. Please see gear list for items you will be responsible for bringing.
What do I need to bring?

A complete gear list is available online. Please read through the gear list before you arrive for items you will be responsible for bringing. In general you should be dressed appropriately for the weather, pack a lunch & water, and have a backpack. please reach out and we’ll be happy to go over the gear list more thoroughly.
Do I need everything on the gear list? What if I forget something?

ALL ITEMS ON THE GEAR LIST ARE REQUIRED UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED. PLEASE READ OVER GEAR LIST CAREFULLY PRIOR TO ARRIVING AT THE SCHOOL. Depending on the item you forget we may be able to accommodate you before heading to the cliff. Not all School locations have access to a retail store so please do not wait until the morning of your program to purchase items on the gear list. If you are missing an item that we can not give you, you may be asked to sit out on the class. Click here for gear list.
Do people usually buy their own boots or are most fine with the ones you provide?

Many of our climbers choose to use our boots, as new boots can be pricey. For a good all-around pair of ice climbing/mountaineering boots you should look to spend around $350-$450. These boots usually have a durable plastic outer shell and synthetic inner boot liner (similar to an alpine ski boot). If you plan to continue climbing it may be worth investing in a pair since rentals can add up over time. Having your own boots allows you to break them in to fit your foot and you always have them available for those last-minute adventures. Higher end boots ($600-$800) are often lighter, warmer, and more comfortable to wear for extended periods of time. Do your research and ask around before committing to a pair. You can also ask your guide what they recommend (or just look at their feet!).
Where do we climb?

Your exact climbing location is usually determined when you arrive in the morning for your lesson. Guides make the decision where to climb based on a lot of factors including ice/snow conditions, weather, and skill level of the group. This is all taken into consideration on the morning you arrive at the Climbing School.
What is your guide to climber ratio?

Guide to climber ratio for a basic ice climbing/mountaineering climbing day is 1:4. Multi-pitch and more technical climbing days run at 1:3 or 1:2 guide to climber ratio. If you have more than the maximum number allowed in your group, additional guides can be added to satisfy the ratio requirements. Please contact us if you have questions about climbing ratios.
What if something comes up last minute and I need to cancel? Do I get a refund?

If you need to cancel please do so two weeks or more before your lesson. No refunds will be given for reservation cancellations within two weeks of your program date and we will not reschedule you once we get within one week of your program date. Please mark this date on your calendar and purchase travel insurance if you are coming from afar.
Can I tip my guide?

Tipping is never expected, but always appreciated. If you enjoyed your climbing day and would like to thank your guide, please feel free to do so.