GUIDED ADVENTURES FOR
NEW CLIMBERS
MAINE ROCK CLIMBING ADVENTURES FOR NEW CLIMBERS
Climbing on the Coast of Maine just might be the most memorable experience you and your friends or family will have in Maine. Actually, we guarantee this! From Acadia National Park’s sea side cliffs to Camden’s lake side vistas, we have great rock climbing with aesthetic views delivered by Camden’s premiere guides. Our “New Climbers” experience is a public climbing tour for novices at a great price. Our “Family Climbs” are a private offering that primarily focuses on your children, building success and competence on our kid friendly cliffs. Our “Experience Rock Half Day” course is for individuals, friends and climbing partners who are looking for the perfect combination of climbing instruction and challenging-fun rock 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 face.
NEW CLIMBERS
Complete your visit to the coast of Maine with a guaranteed rewarding climbing experience. Step off the sail boat or accommodation and walk into our convenient downtown Camden location for the most memorable experience of your stay.
This three hour “New Climbers” tour is open to the public and perfect for teenagers and adults at a 4:1 ratio for a first time climbing experience. Perfectly curated for a highly safe and rewarding experience complimented with photos and videos.
We host two daily climbing tours, seven days a week at: 8AM and 12PM. Walk into our 15 Elm Street location (next to Zoot Coffee), meet your professional climbing guide for a meet and greet, safety overview, climbing gear fitting, and logistics, followed by a five minute drive to Barrett’s Cove Cliff.
The adventure starts with a five minute moderate walk to the base of the cliff. Then we gear up, set up beginner level climbs for warming up and teaching the basics of this confidence inspiring sport. In no time, you will be amazed at what you achieved with the support of your guide and fellow climbers.
What do participants of “New Climbers” say?
- Coolest thing I did in Maine.
- I cannot believe I could do that!
- Can we come back tomorrow?
We look forward to sharing our love of climbing with you in one of Maine’s most beautiful places - “Where the Mountains Meet the Sea”.
Rate: $75 per person
FAMILY CLIMBS
Looking for the perfect outdoor adventure in Maine with your children? Rock climbing is a memorable family activity because it pushes comfort zones, builds trust, communication and smiles! Kids cannot wait to start climbing.
Ryan and Team NV meets your family at our Camden office and gears everyone up with rock climbing helmets, harnesses and sticky rubber shoes. The cliff is a five minute drive and a moderate hike to the cliff is where the fun and learning begins.
As always, we capture your family climbing adventure on camera so the memory lasts a lifetime. Your family’s success is our guarantee and we work with children five and up!
:Rates: 2:1 $300 | 3:1 $375 | 4:1 $450 | 5:1 $525 | 5:1 $600300 | 3:1 $400 | 4:1 $500
EXPERIENCE ROCK
This four hour experience is for experienced climbers who want a Maine climbing experience or anyone new to the sport of rock climbing in Maine. Ryan curates this adventure privately for you and your group where safety, fun and learning is paramount.
Afraid of heights? That’s normal. Ryan teaches the safety systems and climbing techniques so you feel comfortable and confident in the Northern Vertical environment. Your successful experience is Ryan’s guarantee.
Simply meet Ryan in Camden, gear up with rock climbing helmets, harnesses, shoes, water and snacks in a backpack. Ryan guides a short hike to the cliff where the adventure begins.
Rates: 1:1 $250 | 2:1 $325 | 3:1 $400 | 4:1 $475
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.
