LEARN FROM THE BEST.
EXPERT INSTRUCTION
LEARN FROM MAINE’S EXPERT CLIMBING GUIDE, RYAN HOWES
To elevate your climbing ability, look for expert instructor, look for the best in the climbing business. Someone who is diligent, empathetic, professional, and has trained thousands of climbers. Ryan Howes of Northern Vertical exceeds these criteria, having guided professionally since 2004, Ryan is a former AMGA instructor, former head guide of three guide services, former high-angle mountain rescue, and holds an MS in Experiential Education, and a BS in Adventure Therapy and Adventure Education Leadership. His long list of year climbing achievements over 26 years of practice guarantees you the highest value and accelerated growth in every instructional course, guaranteed.
SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENT, HELD JANUARY 17-18, IN GRAFTON NOTCH, MAINE
Grafton Ice Seminar 2025
Join Ryan Howes and the Northern Vertical crew for another action packed event combining excellent instruction, climbing, food, beverage, fire and best of all “ice climbers” gather to celebrate and elevate their climbing skills in Grafton Notch.
The Grafton Ice Seminar is focused on taking experienced winter climbers to their next level, through detailed instruction via group and one-on-one coaching, techniques and systems refinement, gear efficiency on lead and follow, and best of all - the gift of increased confidence and competence leading ice - whether it’s your first lead or the next grade.
Bring your climbing partner and friends to western Maine’s accessible winter climbing mecca, Grafton Notch. Attendees will meet local Grafton pioneer Ryan Howes and the NV Crew at 8AM for a full day of learning and fun at the Amphitheater, where excellent training ice at NEI 2-5 exists for lead climbing, top roping and ground skills. Bonus climbing excitement on the ultra classic prow mixed route, Upcycle, M7+ established by Howes.
Excellent food and warm drinks are provided by the crew around a central warming fire, just like the Drytooling Rendezvous. So all you have to do is pack your personal climbing kit and the stoke to learn more, and hang out with a bunch of radical, winter psyched people - some old and some new friends this season!
For experienced winter climbers only with the full kit - helmet, harness, alpine boots, crampons and ice tools (minimum requirement).
Photos and videos will be provided for memories and instructional support post seminar.
Click the payment button below to sign up. Just like the Rendezvous, spaces will go fast!
Rate: $375
SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENT, HELD DECEMBER 13-14 IN CAMDEN, MAINE
DRYT0OLING RENDEZVOUS 2025
Drytooling is the essence of winter climbing, because the techniques require subtle and precise movements, which transfers exquisitely to mixed and ice climbing. Simply put, if you want to learn and/or improve at winter climbing, then maximize your time and energy for achieving big goals this winter with NVCG’s annual event. The Drytooling Rendezvous is a high value educational, community-focused experience in Camden, Maine “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”.
Bring your favorite climbing partner, or rope up with an experienced climber / belayer at the Rendezvous while learning and practicing techniques shared and demonstrated by local guide, pioneer and winter climbing technician, Ryan Howes, who developed these climbs to hone the art of drytooling and mixed climbing. The cliffs and routes are unique for New England drytooling standards as they mostly require traditional protection, ranging from beginner to advanced, feeling like 5.7 - 5.13 in difficulty. So, there are a plethora of great options no matter what is your climbing ability.
During this immersive weekend experience, Howes models climbing movement - both macro and micro techniques, shares tips for equipment maintenance, puts up the rope on all the routes, provides coaching and support on all fronts, including best practices when preparing at home for climbing, at the cliff, and reflection for continued growth. This experience comes complete with photos and videos. And….
Grilled food, hot beverages and a warming fire will be available cliffside both Saturday and Sunday, so all you have to pack is your climbing kit and the stoke to learn more, and hang out with a bunch of radical winter psyched people - some old and making some new friends this season!
Click the payment button below to sign up. Spaces will go fast!
Rate: $350
LEAD INSTRUCTION - TWO DAYS
This two-day private course teaches climbing techniques for sport and traditional lead climbing on the coast of Maine. Emphasis is placed on quality placements and clipping protection on lead with the safety of a top rope (mock lead).
This course is perfect for the climber who wants to transition from gym-to-crag lead climbing, a seasoned top rope climber, a seasoned follower, and anyone who wants to brush up on past learning experiences, as the techniques and equipment change over time.
Climbing is an inherently dangerous sport. Most guide services do not offer lead climbing instruction because it involves some risk. Ryan loves helping people to transition from occassional to dedicated climbers. He’s a master at teaching the art of lead climbing in Maine. Over this two-day course, you’ll learn how to mitigate the risks associated with climbing, proper techniques, and the confidence to go on your own climbing adventures in Maine and beyond.
Rates: 1:1 $1,000 | 2:1 $1,300
SPECIAL ANNUAL EVENT, HELD IN LATE JULY
RENT-A-PRO - TWO DAYS/GROUP
Take your climbing to the next level with this specialty, two-day lead climbing course in Acadia National Park with Maine’s climbing pro - Ryan Howes.
This small group experience is focused on dialing in all the standard skills of the traditional lead climber - the big picture and the finer details. Saturday, July 27 covers these skills sets with a full day of practice and refinement, and Sunday, July 28 is the day to test your skills on a challenging traditional climb!
This incredible offering is high value literally and figuratively. Two full days with a prolific Maine first ascentionist and professional guide, for just $250. Book this upleveling experience and get a private consultation over the phone with Ryan to discuss your goals and intentions.
Whatever your climbing dreams, Ryan will get you well on your way! Don’t delay book it today!
Rate: $250
WINTER LEAD CLIMBER PACKAGE
Ready to learn how to lead climb? The Winter Lead Climber Package is perfect our graduates of the Complete Winter Climber Course, or for anyone with commensurate experience. This three-day private experience with Ryan covers two full days of instruction and coaching on ice, rock and snow, followed by a full day taking Ryan up classic winter climbs.
By the end of this three day course, you will have the skills to tackle winter climbs of your own. Northern Vertical guests routinely say "I have learned more from Ryan in one session than ten sessions combined from other instructors". Ryan has turned hundreds of fledgling climbers into competent leaders with his attention to detail and mastery of teaching climbing.
Rates: 1:1 $2,222 | 2:1 $3,333
STEEP ICE CLIMBING
You have learned ice climbing basics and ready for a steeper challenge. Ryan teaches mindset, breathing, resting and movement techniques for negotiating steep ice, grade 4 to 5. This includes pillars and columns, curtains, overhangs, thin ice, efficient tool and crampon techniques and more. You will make huge advancements in your climbing skills! Ryan will provide a consultation about your current ice climbing ability and goals. He will recommend the best climbing venue and logistics preparation.
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $999
STEEP MIXED CLIMBING
You have learned mixed climbing basics and ready to tackle steeper objectives. Ryan is the mixed master ready to coach you on the movement techniques, subtle art of crampon and tool craft on thin ice and rock. Your climbing skills will rapidly progress over a progression of steep mixed terrain while Ryan coaches and films you on M4-M7 routes. Ryan will consult over the phone prior to meeting so you are prepared for this Camden experience.
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777
STEEP DRYTOOLING
You have learned Drytooling basics and ready to tackle steeper objectives. Follow Ryan up a progression of steep climbs, while he coaches your movement, breathing, crampon and tool placements on routes that feel like 5.8 - 5.10. You will make noticeable improvements by the end of this session and Ryan films your progress for advancing your skills. Camden, Maine is hands down the best locale for this experience and Ryan developed all of the routes.
Rates: 1:1 $555 | 2:1 $777
WINTER CLIMBING PACKAGE
This incredible offer for the 2024/25 season combines all four beginner friendly winter classes, plus a FREE, personalized adventure with Ryan! We start with Introduction to Winter Climbing, Ice Climbing, Mixed Climbing, Drytooling, then it's graduation day and Ryan guides you on a full day Maine climbing adventure, for FREE!
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.
