We’ll prep you for that upcoming big wall climb or get you started if you are totally new to the sport. Learn basics such as jugging, hauling, aid technique, pendulums, as well as more advanced techniques like lower outs, nailing, hooking, and heading.

This course is available as a private or pre-existing group.

  • Choose whether this is a private (1 person) or an existing group. Prices are per person per day.
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  • Online booking is available 2 days from today (please call or email to inquire about earlier dates; we can often accommodate last minute requests). If you are booking for multiple days, this will be your starting date.
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  • We'll be in touch to work out specific details, but please briefly describe your outdoor background (relative to the course or guiding objective) and goals.
  • Please read and check the box if you agree to the policies.

    Online Bookings
    Online bookings are subject to guide availability and other factors such as weather and climbing conditions. After receiving your online booking, we will get back to you within 1 business day via phone or email to confirm your booking. In the event that we cannot accommodate your booking, you have the option of having your payment refunded or applied to a future booking.

    Payment
    SMG accepts credit cards, PayPal, checks, and cash. Payment is due in full 7 days before a booking (or at time of booking confirmation when a course/trip is less than 7 days away). An exception is made for payment by check or cash...in these cases, payment is due in full at or before the course/trip.

    Cancellations
    If you have to cancel your booking, please give us as much notice as possible. If you cancel 30+ days before the booking, we’ll apply the deposit/payment towards another booking at a later date or you can request a refund. If you cancel from 14-29 days before the booking, we’ll apply the deposit/payment towards another booking at a later date. If you cancel 13 days or sooner from the booking, for any reason, the deposit/payment is forfeited.

    Weather & Winter
    Winter courses/trips are rain or shine. If SMG cancels a booking due to weather, we will reschedule you for an alternate date of your choice.

Pay a 50% Deposit

Course Information

How about an overnight with a portaledge bivy? We can do that too…even in the winter.

Every dedicated climber should climb at least one big wall. And yes, that big wall could be El Cap. An ascent of the Nose or the Salathe Wall is a rite of passage as a climber. As it turns out, the granite here in the Mt. Washington Valley is very similar to the rock in Yosemite. Cathedral Ledge and Cannon Cliff are ideal training grounds for the climber with Yosemite aspirations.

SMG has many guides that are seasoned big wall climbers; we can take you through the entire process step by step. So whether you’re just looking to learn basic aid technique, or you’re prepping for a summer attempt on the Nose, we have the experience and the route knowledge to help you achieve your goals.

Mountains, Cliffs, & Routes

Cathedral Ledge has a variety of routes for aid & big wall climbing instruction and climbs:

  • The Prow
  • Mordor Wall

We can also head over to Cannon Cliff for longer routes:

  • Labyrinth Wall
  • The VMC
  • Fruit Cup Wall
Difficulty

Intermediate to Advanced

Length

One to Multiple Days

Season

Spring through Fall (or as conditions permit)

Inquire

Have a question about Aid & Big Wall Climbing Instruction?