Mountain Skills Climbing Guides is a fully insured, AMGA Accredited climbing and hiking service based in New York's Shawangunk mountains, affectionately known to climbers as "The Gunks."  Since 1984, Mountain Skills Climbing Guides has been teaching aspiring climbers how to climb confidently and efficiently while fostering a sense of stewardship towards the environment. 

The American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) has set the most rigorous standards for guiding in the US. Our guides have met these standards and are the most experienced climbers in the Gunks and Catskill Mountains.  

Climbing is our passion and we share our experience and enthusiasm with our clients every day. Our guides are sensitive to your needs, teach with patience, and never forget that your comfort is the number one priority.  

Bontiqou Crag, Pine Line Pitch 2, 5.6

Learn from the Experts: 

Learning to climb by trial and error is not an option. Our comprehensive climbing instruction will prepare you for whatever challenge you may face in the vertical environment. Mountain Skills Climbing Guides takes pride in the ingenuity and composure of all of our guides. No matter what it is you'd like to learn, your day will be custom tailored to fit your unique aptitudes, capacities, and tolerances. Your guide will constantly assess your comprehension and adjust his or her instruction to your benefit. 

Intro to Rock Climbing: 

No experience necessary. Learn basic rock climbing skills, belaying, rappelling, fundamental climbing techniques, and proper climbing terminology. 

Gym to Cliff 

Take what you already know and experience the exhilaration of climbing outdoors on real rock. You will climb on top rope and do multi-pitch climbs, as well as learn some new climbing techniques unique to climbing outside. 

Pinnacle Buttress Mt. Washington, N.H. 5.8, III

Cold Turkeys 5.8, The Trapps

 Plateau Clinics 

 Overcome personal obstacles by learning advanced techniques which will allow you to break through to the next level. 

Bontiqou Crag, 5.4

Top Rope Setups and Anchors: 

Take the first step towards independence. Learn how to build your own top rope anchors, use passive protection, and select and assess routes appropriately.  

 Learn to Lead: 

Grab hold of the sharp end and take off on the ultimate climbing experience. This course is a comprehensive study of passive, active, and natural climbing protection. Additional topics covered include anchor building, route finding, descent, and advanced rope management techniques. 

Pinnacle Gully WI 3,III Huntington Ravine, Mt. Washington

Ice Climbing: 

Don't let the cold weather keep you from having fun! Experience the most exciting winter sport there is: ice climbing. Climb steep single pitch routes to moderate multi-pitch frozen waterfalls. Programs are conducted throughout the winter in the Catskills, Adirondacks, White Mountains and at the Gunks. 

Self -Rescue: 

 Be prepared for the unexpected: learn how to rescue yourself and others. In this course, you will learn how to escape belays, initiate rescues, descend with injured climbers and how to use raising and lowering systems. Remember : The best climbers are self-sufficient. 

High Exposure 5.6+ on a amazing fall morning

Group/ Corporate Programs: 

The sky is the limit with our group programs. We will create a climbing experience that your team will never forget. 

 Scout/Youth Programs: 

Whether you are trying to meet your merit badge requirements or just have a memorable outing, the course curriculum for these programs can be custom tailored for your needs. 

Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire

Summer Hiking/Winter Mountaineering:

We love hiking the Catskill Mountains, Adirondacks and the surrounding Gunks areas. Let us show you amazing views, waterfalls, and backcountry hikes that will take your breath away. In the winter, hiking the Catskill peaks with snowshoes and crampons is the best way to get around and explore what the Hudson Valley has to offer. We can also help you achieve the Catskill 3500 Club goals. 

Lost City Pinnacle and view of Skytop

Discounts are offered to current Mohonk Preserve members. Please call us for details. 

All programs conducted 7 days a week, weather permitting. 

Please view our website at www.mountainskills.biz for more information regarding our programs, policies, rates and to download registration forms. Explore our blog for up to date rock and ice climbing conditions, photos, guides bios, and recent trip reports to the Gunks, Catskills, and Adirondacks. 

Please contact us at 845.853.5450 or e-mail at info@mountainskills.biz so we can discuss your objectives and create the perfect outing for you. 

Warning: 

Rock climbing is inherently dangerous. All those who participate in climbing programs with Mountain Skills Climbing Guides do so at their own risk.