North Conway Climbing School

WHITE MOUNTAINS, NEW HAMPSHIRE

To outdoor enthusiasts, the White Mountains are synonymous with East coast climbing. Whether you’re climbing a classic route on CATHEDRAL LEDGE like THIN AIR, or braving extreme winds and cold temps on a February ascent of Mt. Washington; you are sure to have a fun and adventurous experience while visiting the White Mountains. EMS Climbing School guides are professionally trained for the terrain they operate in. All of our guides have at least one level of AMERICAN MOUNTAIN GUIDES ASSOCIATION (AMGA) certification and have undergone the training associated with those certifications. They have the technical knowledge and experience to deliver the most up-to-date instruction, but they never forget that your satisfaction and enjoyment come first. The EMS Climbing School is also one of the few programs in the country to be fully Accredited by the AMGA. This means peace of mind when deciding who to choose for your next guided adventure.

Our equipment is checked and replaced on a regular bases, and we don’t charge you extra to use it. Programs are available year round and can be customized to meet your needs. Whether you’re training to climb the 14,410ft MOUNT RAINIER IN WASHINGTON STATE or want to take the family rock climbing on your next White Mountain vacation- we can help you reach your goals.

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WILDERNESS NAVIGATION- Learn skills for navigating using only map and compass. Recommended for hikers of all abilities! LEARN MORE >> ROCK CLIMBING ICE CLIMBING & MOUNTAINEERING BACKCOUNTRY SKI & SKI MOUNTAINEERING AVALANCHE TRAINING

Our GUIDES are all professionally trained and AMERICAN MOUNTAIN GUIDE ASSOCIATION (AMGA) Certified climbing instructors. Not only are our guides AMGA certified, but our Climbing School is one of the few programs in the country to be fully Accredited by the AMGA. Our equipment is checked and replaced on a regular bases, and we don’t charge you extra to use it. Programs are available year round and can be customized to meet your needs. Whether you’re training to climb the 14,410ft MOUNT RAINIER IN WASHINGTON STATE or want to take the family rock climbing on your next White Mountain vacation- we can help you reach your goals.

Mt. Washington Valley Seasons & Travel Tips

The North Conway area is a true four season vacation destination. Summer usually starts off with Memorial Day festivities in late May and really kicks into high gear after 4th of July through end of August when kids head back to school. Throughout the summer there are many activities to keep busy including paddling down the Saco River, mountain biking and trail running on 100′s of miles of single track, road biking the scenic KANGAMANGUS BYWAY, hiking the AT and visiting New Hampshire’s world famous HUTS AND LODGES maintained by the APPALACHIAN MOUNTAIN CLUB (AMC), and of course rock climbing on the cliffs of CATHEDRAL LEDGE and WHITEHORSE LEDGE which tower hundreds of feet over the tiny VILLAGE OF NORTH COWNAY. September gets pretty quiet but is short lived as fall colors bring plenty of eager leaf peepers and photographers to witness one of the most amazingly beautiful acts of nature.

Autumn days are crisp, clear, and rather dry. If you are looking for the best weather New Hampshire has to offer then visit the White Mountains from September through early November. This is one of the best times to recreate if peace and quiet on trails and the cliff are what you’re after. If you find youself in the area early October be sure to visit the FRYEBURG FAIR IN FRYEBURG MAINE, or navigate your way through the giant SHERMAN FARM CORN MAIZE. These are both great family activities for any age. As November hits the area begins to transform from warm weather mode, and starts to brace itself for cold temps- and yes, SNOW!

To the locals who call the White Mountains home, Winter really begins when chair lifts start spinning. This can happen just about anytime in December, but usually by Christmas/ New Years week the resorts are in full swing. If you’re into Alpine Skiing you’ve landed at the right place. From North Conway there are a dozen or so ski resorts all within a hours drive- (listed by proximity to North Conway) CRANMORE, ATTITASH, WILDCAT, KING PINE, BRETTON WOODS, LOON, CANNON, SUNDAY RIVER. Aside from downhill skiing there are plenty of outdoor activities to indulge in throughout the winter season. There are a hand full of cross-country ski areas that groom miles of trails daily and also offer rentals and lessons for those looking to break into the sport. Popular local touring centers include MT. WASHINGTON VALLEY in North Conway, JACKSON XC in Jackson, and a little further north BRETTON WOODS NORDIC CENTER located on the ground of the Historic MOUNT WASHINGTON HOTEL. For the more adventurous travelers Mt. Washington offers winter hikers and climbers a unique challenge. High winds, bitter cold temps, and down right fierce weather is just another day on the mountain. Before you head out be sure to check in at the Pinkham Notch Visitor Center for up to date summit weather conditions from the MOUNT WASHINGTON OBSERVATORY and avalanche report from the MOUNT WASHINGTON AVALANCHE CENTER.

Spring time in the White Mountains bring new life all around. Most skiers have left town except those looking to claim last tracks on the few patches of snow left on Mt. Washington. This time of year is probably as close as you get to a slow season in North Conway. Trails are still a little soggy from melting snow and weather can be iffy. With that said if you hit it right you can catch a good deal on lodging if you’re looking for a fun and inexpensive getaway after the long winter season.