Rock Climbing

Rock Climbing in the Northeast

The Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School is the oldest climbing school in the East, and has been offering technical rock climbing instruction  since 1968. The Climbing School is accredited by the American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA): one of less than 40 services in the US to hold that credential. Whether you are a first time climber or someone looking to climb a dream route, our professional guides have the technical knowledge, experience and teaching ability to help you achieve your goals.

Featured Programs:

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

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Image of Maddie Raphael, Youth Program Coordinator

Private Experiences

If you’ve never rock climbed, or have been climbing indoors at a rock gym, and don't want the large crowds, this experience is for you. We’ll go over the fundamentals of climbing and focus on giving you the knowledge to become a skilled and confident rock climber. You’ll learn about the relevant equipment, knots and terminology, and then we’ll move right into belaying, body position, footwork and working around the climbing site. The bulk of the day is spent putting these new skills to use on the cliff, with each climber able to get in a few climbs and descents. You will come away knowing what it is like to be a fully engaged and responsible member of a climbing party, and with a good measure of actual climbing time on the rock.

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Frequent Questions About Rock Climbing

  • 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 rain and bad 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 pre-scheduled group class: If you have a flexible schedule and don’t mind being matched with other climbers, then joining a pre-scheduled class is a great cost-savings option. Group classes require a minimum number of participants to run and may be cancelled by us 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 or by phone.

  • What rock climbing equipment do you provide?

    The EMS Climbing School will provide all participants with technical rock climbing equipment for each day’s climb at no extra cost. This includes rock shoes, harness, helmet, climbing hardware and ropes. If you have your own equipment you are more than welcome to use it (please note that it will be subject to inspection by the guide). 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, have a backpack, and wear closed-toe shoes on your feet (no sandals).

  • 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 knowledge of traffic at the crag, 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 top rope climbing day is 1:6 (1:4 in The Gunks). Multi-pitch climbing days run at 1:3 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.

  • How much of the day is spent climbing?

    Most of the day takes place at the cliff. In the morning you will meet your guide, get outfitted with gear, then drive to the climbing site. EMS does not provide transportation so please be prepared to transport yourself and all group members to and from the cliff. Actual climbing time comes down to the size of the group and your willingness to participate. To maximize climbing time we recommend booking a full day private lesson and keep the guide to climber ratio small (1:2).

  • My spouse/child wants to climb but I only want to watch. Is this okay?

    If you are only along for viewing purposes and do not wish to participate then you must still register and pay in full to be with the group. Climbing guides are responsible for managing the climbing site and everyone that is there no matter if you are climbing or watching. This rule is in place for the safety of climbers and the guide. Special all-inclusive family rates are available for families with kids 15 years old and younger.

  • Where do we meet our guide?

    Groups typically meet at 8:30am (9am in West Hartford and Boston). Please refer to your confirmation email for meeting time and location. This was sent to you upon booking your trip.

  • Can I request a specific guide?

    Yes. If you would like to climb with a specific guide please let us know when making your reservation. We will do our best to match you with them. 

  • What if it rains?

    We reserve the right to cancel for any reason, including rain and hazardous weather conditions. If heavy rain is forecasted for your climbing day we will notify you the day before to cancel and reschedule, if possible. There is no penalty to you if a cancellation is made on our end due to weather. You are welcome to a full refund or to reschedule. Please note that weather cancellations are determined only by EMS Schools.

  • 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 within the specific time frame allowed for your lesson (the specifics will be in your confirmation). No refunds will be given for last-minute reservation changes or cancellations. Please mark the reservation date on your calendar and purchase travel insurance if you are coming from afar.

  • Are children allowed to climb?

    YES, OF COURSE!! We encourage families with kids to get out and climb with the School as much as possible. In addition to great exercise, climbing challenges the mind, too. To make it easier on families, we have put together a discounted rate for families with any child age 15 or younger. This can be any combination of family and friends. The only thing you need to qualify for the family rate is for one person in the group to be age 15 or younger. The full day family climbing rate is $400 for up to 6 people (4 in The Gunks) and includes all climbing equipment. If you have more than the maximum in your group an additional $400 will be charged for an additional guide.

  • At what age can you join a climbing class?

    Our pre-scheduled group rock climbing classes are reserved for people age 16 and older. Please remember that if you are signing up your 16 or 17 year old child to climb, you must sign a waiver form on their behalf and you must be available to provide transportation to and from the cliff in the morning and at the end of the day. For this reason, we encourage parents with kids who do not drive and are not 18 to sign up with their kids or book a private lesson.

  • 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.

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