Mountaineering Skills

     This course covers mountaineering basics such as, proper gear selection, crampon techniques, self arrest, avalanche awareness, and basic roped travel.  We will meet at our basecamp in Twin Mountain, NH at 9am. From there, we will fill out our liability waivers and get geared up for the day.  We will then have a short drive to a local climbing area, where we will throw on our packs and have a short hike in. We will then find a snowy hill to begin our crampon and self arrest techniques, with views of beautiful Crawford Notch.  After some time spent practicing these techniques, we will have a basic talk on avalanche awareness.  If conditions permit, we will have a chance to do some glissading before we head back to our basecamp for a talk on proper gear selection and self-care for cold weather mountaineering.

  


Pricing

Group Rates:

$160 One person

$150 Two people (each person)

$140 Three people (each person)

$125 Four people (each person)

Max guide ratio 1:6, 2 person minimum to run

Private Rates:

$250 One person

$175 Two people (each person)

$150 Three people (each person)

$125 Four people (each person)

Max guide ratio 1:6, No minimum to run


Gear List

This is a required personal gear list for our Mountaineering Skills/Mount Washington ascents, you are responsible for bringing these items.  All technical gear is included (Ice axe, crampons, helmet, ropes) mountaineering boots and gaiters are available for rental, please be sure to reserve ahead to make sure we have the right size in stock.


Difficulty

This course is designed for beginners.  No previous experience is required.  All require skills will be taught throughout the day. All climbers should be able to hike at least two miles with a 25 pd. pack.


Gallery


Testimonials

“Intro to Mountaineering/Mount Washington Climb”

Reviewed January 11, 2016

Jamie does a two day Intro to Mountaineering/Mount Washington climb that I took in January of 2016. The first day was mostly about gear and technique, learning to use crampons and an ice axe. We did a lot of drills learning to self-arrest while sliding, and walking techniques with the crampons that made a huge difference the next day.

On the second day we attempted a climb of Mt. Washington, but unseasonably wet weather, combined with +70mph winds (at the summit) ended our ascent just at the treeline before Lake of the Clouds. The weather was some of the most brutal I've ever experienced, and Jamie and Sean made the right call and we all understood and appreciated it.

Overall it was a fantastic experience, Jamie is an excellent and patient teacher and an engaging guide. Would highly recommend.

As a side note, for anyone hoping to do the Mt. Washington climb, you should be able to carry a 25lb pack up a 4000 foot climb with heavy, restrictive clothes and gear on, with enough energy at the end to endure a punishing and technical descent. Though the group will move slowly, if you're out of shape it will be worth it to spend some time preparing, which will greatly improve your chances of the group making the summit.

-Matt J.

Visited January 2016

“Winter Climb”

Reviewed March 28, 2015

Thanks to Jaimie, Kevin and the rest of the team at Northridge for an awesome weekend of training and climbing. The weather proved to be typical Mt. Washington weather. They don't call it the home of the worlds worst weather for nothing. Training in very mild pleasant conditions, mid 30's, sunny, little wind. Climbing on Sunday in extreme cold, high winds, windchill -28 or thereabouts. Even though I have climbed before in hash conditions out west, the climb Sunday was more than I expected. Thanks to Jaimie and Kevin I was prepared for the worst, As a senior I was not sure how I would perform. Saturday's training gave me the confidence to attempt the climb on Sunday. Even though the summit was out of reach because of the weather the climb on Sunday was great! We got as far as we could and turned around when we could go no further. Just as we had discussed beforehand. Kevin is the ultimate professional! Knowledgeable, congenial, concerned about his clients, He made my weekend the best it could be. If anyone is thinking about mountain climbing or ice climbing I would not look any further for a guide group. You will be very pleased should you selected North Ridge as your guides. I am planning on climbing with them in the future.

-Jim L.

Visited March 2015


Meeting Location

North Ridge Mountain Guides White Mountains Basecamp

529 U.S. Route 3 South

Twin Mountain NH, 03595

 

Important Information

Full payment is required when scheduling. Trips run rain, sleet, snow, or shine. Please do not make travel arrangements until a confirmation email is received. Travel insurance is highly suggested. Any cancellations over 30 days of your adventure will receive a full refund. Any cancellations within 30 days of your adventure will be credited as NRMG credit. Within 14 days of your adventure, no cancellations or rescheduling will be allowed and any fees will be forfeited.  Multiple day trips have a non-refundable $50 per person booking fee.  Any weather related cancellations from NRMG will include a credit for another trip.  As professional mountain guides, our cancellation policy helps with our guides job security.  There is no guarantee of reaching the summit, as peoples physical fitness and the weather on Mt. Washington can be a factor.  Our job is to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone.  If a summit is high on your list, consider a private climb.  Must sign waiver. Subject to weather. 14+ with parent/legal guardians signature required.