GUIDED ADVENTURES FOR
NEW CLIMBERS
MAINE CLIMBING ADVENTURES FOR NEW AND EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS
Rock and ice climbing on the coast of Maine is a memorable experience. From Acadia National Park’s sea side cliffs to Camden Hill’s lake side vistas, Northern Vertical provides the highest quality rock climbing adventures in Maine. We have designed four unique offerings for your first time climbing experience, and existing climbers. Our New Climbers experience is both a public tour and an excellent introduction to rock climbing for first timers. This tour is a fun way to meet people when traveling solo or climb with your friend or partner. Our Family Climbs are private offerings that focuses on building confidence, trust and success for the whole family on kid friendly terrain. Our Experienced Climbers course is a private offering for existing climbers (gym climbers, rock climbers) seeking more instruction and adventure climbing. Lastly, our Rappelling course is perfect for anyone who simply wants to hike to the top of a mountain for a delightful lakeside view and rappel down a 250’ cliff. All courses start at 8:30 AM with a meet and greet, gear fitting and goal setting. Explore the experiences below and upon signing up, all logistics will be answered regarding what to bring, where to meet, and what to expect.
NEW CLIMBERS
New Climbers is a public tour for adults and teenagers at a 4:1 ratio. This means you will meet and climb with other first time climbers. If you desire a private experience, sign up for Experienced Climbers.
New Climbers begins at the trailhead of Barrett’s Cove Cliff, where you meet professional and friendly guide, Ryan. Everyone gets fitted with rock climbing helmets, harnesses and shoes, followed by a moderate, five minute hike to the base of the cliff.
Then the fun begins - Ryan sets up beginner level climbs for warming up the mind and body, teaching you the basics of this confidence inspiring sport. In no time, you will be amazed at what you achieve with the support of your guide and fellow climbers.
Ryan takes photos and videos and shares them after the course.
What do participants of New Climbers say?
“Coolest thing I did in Maine”
“I cannot believe I climbed that improbable face”
“Can we come back tomorrow? I love Climbing”
Northern Vertical looks forward to sharing climbing with you in one of Maine’s most beautiful places - “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea” in Camden.
We simply provide the highest quality in climbing instruction and equipment in the industry. All you have to do is show up with water, snacks, comfortable clothing, sneakers and readiness for an unforgettable Camden Hills climbing adventure.
Rate: $95 per person
FAMILY CLIMBS
Rock climbing is a memorable family activity that builds confidence, communication and trust. Watching the excitement on your kiddos face as they successfully negotiate and overcome fear and climb gracefully to the top is truly a grand slam home run for parents. This is why we are here!
The morning experience begins at the trailhead where you meet Ryan, who is both friendly and professional, and never misses an opportunity to build rapport with your children. Everyone gears up with rock climbing helmets, harnesses and sticky rubber climbing shoes, followed by a five-minute moderate hike to the cliff.
Ryan sets up kid friendly climbs, teaches proper communication, engages the kiddos with tying knots, demonstrates movement technique, belaying, and everyone gets to climb several routes.
We take photos and video to capture your family climbing adventure so the memory lasts a lifetime. Your family’s success is our guarantee and we work with children five and up!
:Rates: 2:1 $200 | 3:1 $275 | 4:1 $350 | 5:1 $425 | 6:1 $500
Group pricing available upon request300 | 3:1 $400 | 4:1 $500
EXPERIENCED CLIMBERS
This half-day private experience is for climbers -Anyone with existing climbing experience, either outdoors or indoors, has found the perfect course, which Ryan curates based on your goals. Spend the day climbing as many routes as possible, getting a taste of Camden’s excellent multi-pitch routes, or focus on learning new systems and techniques.
If you have never climbed and do not want to join the New Climbers public tour, then Experienced Climbers is the best way to be privately introduced to the sport.
Meet Ryan at the trailhead, discuss goals, gear up, and have an excellent half day adventure rock climbing in the Camden Hills.
Rates: 1:1 $200 | 2:1 $275 | 3:1 $350 | 4:1 $425
RAPPELLING
This two-hour experience in Camden, Maine is for anyone who wants to experience rappelling for the first time, or learn about the equipment and safety skills to descend vertical environments. With sweeping views of Megunitcook Lake, Ryan will show you how this amazing cliffside pursuit is done safely and confidently.
Rates: 1:1 $150 | 2:1 $200 | 3:1 $250 | 4:1 $300 1:1 $150 | 2:1 $200 | 3:1 $250 | 4:1 $300
ICE CLIMBING IN MAINE AND BEYOND
Welcome to our Winter Climbing courses for new climbers, where you learn all of the modern techniques for climbing technical ice, rock and snow with Maine's best climbing instructor. Everyone begins with Introduction to Winter Climbing. If you loved the experience and want to learn more, we have three focused courses for Ice Climbing, Mixed Climbing and Drytooling. For the 2024/25 season, we have an incredible package with a FREE adventure worth $650. The Complete Winter Climbing Package is Ryan's guarantee you will learn the sport of winter climbing, and graduate to a FREE, epic adventure into Maine's wildness with Ryan.
INTRODUCTION TO WINTER CLIMBING
Winter climbing in New England is a combination of climbing ice, rock and snow. Ryan at Northern Vertical is simply excellent at teaching this craft to first time climbers and he also recommends this experience for anyone who used to climb and looking to brush up on modern day techniques. This class is where it all begins!
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777 | 3:1 $999 | 4:1 $1,111
ICE CLIMBING
It's time to take a deep dive into ice climbing movement techniques and safety systems. By the end of this full day, Ryan guarantees you will be proficient at climbing ice routes up to grade 3+, as well as the fundamentals of ice anchor construction, which includes placing and removing ice screws and threads.
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777 | 3:1 $999 | 4:1 $1,111
Mixed climbing is the discipline of climbing rock and ice with crampons and ice axes. This precise and dynamic sport evolved from ice climbing and happens to be Ryan's favorite climbing style, placing emphasis on the subtle techniques of axe and crampon placements on rock and thin ice. Climbs range from M3-M5 and developed by Camden’s mixed master himself.
MIXED CLIMBING
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777 | 3:1 $999 | 4:1 $1,111
DRYTOOLING
Drytooling is the discipline of climbing rock with crampons and ice axes, more commonly referred to as tools, hence drytooling. This ultra precise and dynamic sport evolved from mixed climbing. Ryan places emphasis on the subtle techniques of axe and crampon placements on rock. Expect to climb and learn a ton from a master of the sport.
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777 | 3:1 $999 | 4:1 $1,111
WINTER CLIMBING PACKAGE
This incredible offer for the 2024/25 season combines all four beginner friendly winter courses, plus a FREE, personalized adventure with Ryan. Start with Introduction to Winter Climbing, then launch into Ice Climbing, Mixed Climbing and Drytooling. Ryan personally guides the entire experience, including an incredible Maine climbing adventure, for FREE! This $650 value is Northern Vertical’s thank you for learning from us this season.
Rates: From $2,222
WHY CLIMB WITH NV?
Because you want the best climbing experience possible. Owner and head guide, Ryan Howes has been climbing in Maine for over 25 years, has been the head guide for several climbing companies, has trained thousands of climbers and guides, and has a zero-accident safety record.
His excellent instruction started with a master’s degree in experiential education and a bachelor’s in adventure therapy and adventure education leadership. He’s more than qualified to show you the ropes! His list of qualifications keeps going - click the button for his backstory and full credentials.
