Last weekend a couple friends and I went with Bruce to Little
Falls for our first rock climbing lesson. We had a bunch of fun and he
was an awesome teacher. We learned the basics and by the end of the day
we were all very comfortable practicing what we had learned. In the
future I plan on taking another course! I would definitely recommend
this type of lesson for anyone interested in starting rock climbing and
Bruce as an instructor
July 11, 2010
Bruce was a great instructor! I was unsure about rock climbing
going into the first ascent class, but he was so patient and helpful
that it turned into a really great experience! I had a great time with
my friends and I discovered a new activity that I would like to pursue
in the future. Bruce was so friendly and he explained things so well for
us beginners. Overall it was an awesome time and I would recommend Bruce
to anyone! Thanks a lot!
July 10, 2010
The EMS guides are first rate climbers and teachers. I've
been climbing with EMS for a number of years, including four winter
attempts at Mt. Washington - 2 successful; an extended international
climbing trip in Mexico; several ice climbing adventures and rock
climbing. My daughter has now been rock climbing with EMS since she was
about 7. She's now 16 and I believe she still has the box of Mike & Ike
candies (though now empty) that guide Paul Cail gave her to munch on
while she swung in a tree from her harness at the base of Cathedral
Ledge. Paul is now a personal friend.
All experiences with EMS have been superb. The warm, cheerful and
enthusiastic leadership of each of the guides, but especially Paul,
Conrad, and Craig, remains consistent year after year. EMS (and we
aspiring climbers) are lucky to have them. Keep up the great work.
-Chuck
June 28, 2010
Hello!
On Saturday, 6/26, one of your guides, Ethan Lemieux, led me and two friends through six pitches on Cathedral Ledge. This was my first trad climbing experience. Thanks in no small part to Ethan, I am hoping for many more.
Ethan encouraged us to ask and answered all of our questions. The members of our group have varying levels of experience, so Ethan let each one of us work through new skills throughout the day. I especially appreciated Ethan’s explanation of various techniques he was employing for our safety. He reviewed our equipment, and at each anchor made sure that we were secure. He chose routes that were within our ability range, but still offered a challenge (at least to the two of us on our first trad routes).
Ethan’s sense of humor and easy manner, coupled with evident climbing and guiding skill, made this a great experience for me. Please pass along my thanks.
I am sure we will be using the EMS climbing school guides again!
Regards,
-Joel Lemieux
(Funny coincidence, but really I am not related to Ethan, and he did not pay me to send this note!)
June 25, 2010
The First Ascent class at Great Falls was a perfect way to spend a day, the setting is beautiful and there are tons of interesting routes for all beginner levels. Our instructor made everything fun and gave a great balance between challenging us and allowing us to move at our own pace. I definitely recommend the course to anyone who wants a first experience or review of outdoor climbing. We look forward to checking out the next course!
-Amber
June 20, 2010
Hi EMS Schools,
Scott led our group of 4 through the Second Ascent class at Chickie's today. Our group was mixed, with a couple that struggled to complete a single climb and a couple that could make moderate routes.
They did an OUTSTANDING job, with a great deal of patience. They adapted the instruction to our individual needs, and with a lot of encouragement helped us each get to the next skill level in climbing, but without pushing too hard. And we had a great, safe time. The instruction and class vastly exceeded our expectations.
Can't wait to do it again.
Jim
June 7, 2010
I went climbing for the first time last week with Jason Hurwitz as the guide. I have to tell you how enjoyable he made the experience. He was so knowledgeable I was completely confident in his ability to keep me safe. He was also encouraging and very funny during the moments between him saving my life. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to climb! It was a day I won't soon forget.
Thanks!
May 26, 2010
I am not sure this is the proper place to provide feedback, but I wanted to let you know how pleased I was with top roping lesson I had this past Tuesday (5/25) at Little Falls, with guide Bruce Monroe.
As I scheduled the lesson, I was still wondering if it was going to provide me with the foundation I needed in the anchor building (for top
roping) that I was looking for. Bruce not only covered the topics I was looking for, but we were able to use the type of gear I own currently, to build the anchors. In addition, Little Falls is a great place to do a class like this as it offers a good variety of anchor options in a confined environment.
In short, I got everything I expected and more from the class and would not hesitate to schedule another session once I have gotten out on my own for awhile, as I know I will have further questions and will like to get some professional feedback on what I am doing.
I would highly recommend this method of instruction for anyone who has some degree of climbing experience and is looking for some focus on a specific topic. If I can ever act as a reference for the private lesson option or the Little Falls area for climbing, please let me know as I would be happy to do it.
Thanks again for having this available.
-Tom Bebee, Syracuse, NY
March 23, 2010
George's Winter Presi Traverse
March 23, 2010
I recently completed the 3 Day Accelerated Mountaineering course at the North Conway location. I just wanted to express my satisfaction with the course and with my guide Sebastian. The other members of the group and I had a great time and thought he did an incredible job. I'm definitely going to pursue more EMS climbing school programs. Please pass along my thanks to Sebastian. Thanks.
-John
March 5, 2010
Please forward this to Keith and Sara....thanks for all your help in getting us geared up and then up/down the mountain...
it was great fun and couldn't have had better weather...
Best regards,
-Joe
March 3, 2010
I took a Winter Climbing 101 class in New Paltz on Tuesday March 2, 2010 in New Paltz. My instructor was Bill. I was always leary about ice climbing. To someone ignorant about the sport, it does look crazy. I had a great time. Bill was friendly, knowledgeable, and confident which in turn instilled self confidence. Although I started out nervous, I never felt in fear of getting hurt. As I said, I had a great time and learned a lot. The only negative thing about the day was my own personal physical fitness. I need to workout some and then sign up for another course. I know most places only get feedback when it is negative. I just wanted to let you know how great a course and instructor you had in New Paltz.
-Sands Frost
February 19, 2010
"Conrad guided my group for a day of ice-climbing and then an ascent of mount washington. I highly recommend him as an experienced, skilled, and personable mountain guide. He has had many years of experience in the mountains and is eager to share what he knows with you. In difficult weather conditions, I had confidence that Conrad would seek to maximize our experience while at the same time ensuring that we were safe. I look forward to climbing with him again next time I head out to the White Mountains. -Michael "
February 15, 2010
Dear People,
Yesterday, I was introduced to ice climbing by a superb teacher- Eric, at the EMS Climbing School, New Paltz. His explanations were toned to allow us to self learn in safety. I was continually impressed with his ability to match his teaching support to our needs. I appreciated his instruction in "self arresting" including my "head first" practice.
My classmates( the three public servants from Wyckoff, NJ: Dan, Jack and Ryan) could not have been more accommodating to their fellow student. I hope the following photos will find their way to them.
I have a new appreciation for climbing gloves. I found a dialog that helped me remember Eric's belaying ritual instructions.
I was slow to progress on the ice because I did not trust my placement of the ice tools. I had a hard time being accurate/secure with the ice tools. Finally, I managed to use as many previous placements as I could find. That helped me pay attention to my feet, which made my second climb much more successful. Unfortunately, even belaying was hard on my hands. I have some ongoing RSI's that did not respond well to the day. But, I found another site- www.climbinginjuries.com that made me feel like there is some hope I can improve.
Thank you for the experience,
-Lorette Cheswick
February 1, 2010
Hello,
I would just like to express my satisfaction with my trip this weekend. Saturday on Mt Washington was exactly the experiemce I was hoping for. Conrad was a great guide, imparting trail knowledge on the way up & challenging me with our decent. On Sunday, even though I was exhausted, Ethan coached me up the ice & made the day enjoyable.
Thanks,
-Len Huffman
January 26, 2010
I took an Alpine Touring course with Eastern Mountain Sports in the White Mountains on 10 January. The trip was outstanding and introduced me to a whole new world of outdoor fun. And a whole new way to blow tons of cash
The class was kind of expensive at $150, but did include full rental gear and lots of instruction. I guess what made it pricey was comparing it to a full days lift ticket (at about $80). However, I did get a bit of instruction on technique and some avy awareness. Certain doesnt prepare me to buy a probe, beacon and shovel and head out for some snowpack assessment. But it is enough to help me understand why studying that sort of thing is extremely important...full review -Courtney
January 25, 2010
Katie and Aleya's Three Day EMS Mountaineering course in the Adirondacks!
Thank you Katie and Aleya for this AWESOME video!!
January 25, 2010
Charlie,
Just wanted to give some feedback: I've participated in many 'adventures' in my life and this by far was one of my most enjoyable experiences! Right from the get-go with my phone conversations with the school and their willingness to help and advise, through my phenomenal climb with Paul! Don't want to give him a big head but- Paul was awesome! I felt he read me perfect from our first meeting and knew what he needed to say/teach and what he didn't need to say/teach. I will recommend the school and Paul to anyone who inquires!
-Thanks, Jeff
January 20, 2010
Just wanted to say a big thanks to Bill my guide.
Saturday was one of the most incredible days I have had climbing. Bill is an exceptional guide who has the rare ability to observe someones ability/mindset and inform/encourage appropriately. I think it's easy to provide information but difficult get quantity and timing right. Bill is exceptional in this regard.
The location was stunning and can not stop smiling when I think of what Bill made possible.
Can't wait to climb with him again.
Sincerely,
-Marc
January 15, 2010
Dames in the Dacks 2010 I climbed a mountain last weekend. No really, I did. Without the aid of motorized vehicles or Sherpa. AND it was in the dead of winter. This isn't something I typically do. I'm a self proclaimed reptile when it comes to temperatures. I just don't do well in extreme conditions, so I was even more astounded to find that I could hike with only two layers - a fleece and a softshell jacket. Amazing.
This whole thing started when Sara Lingafelter was chosen to go to Nepal with the Hanes Brands Everest team. She took a mountaineering course to prepare and reported about it on her blog. Katie Levey announced her intention to take a similar class shortly thereafter. While the idea had been planted in the back of my mind by Sara, I hadn't seriously considered taking a class myself. My man mountaineers and ice climbs. Last year I tried ice climbing to see why he likes it so much, so I figured this year I should try mountaineering, or "walking slowly uphill while not feeling well."
Having another lady to take the class with put me over the edge. I signed up for the Three Day Accelerated Mountaineering Course with Eastern Mountain Sports Climbing School. And so began (October.... November... December....) nearly four months of doubt and preparation.
"Musings of a Migrant Science Teacher" -Aleya
January 13, 2010
Peter and George,
Thanks for having us up in North Conway. George, Jen, Ali and myself talked a lot about EMS as a company over the weekend.
We discussed how taking advantage of our employee benefits that come with the job are truly wonderful perks. Participating in the schools is not only fun, but teaches about what EMS promotes. I think that all employees should take part in the schools simply because it adds so much to the experience. Customers can benefit from the employees experience by further promoting the schools.
As far as the course itself, I loved it. Going into the class I felt confident with many of the skills we were about to learn but was excited to learn from other guides different teaching styles.
Day 1- The first day was a lot of ice climbing which I was not expecting. I definitely am hooked on climbing ice now and am looking forward to climbing ice by myself. Conrad was an awesome instructor. His style was different but his character progressed as the days passed. As a guide, I knew most of what Conrad was teaching but listening to someone else teach was awesome. It was truly nice to sit back and enjoy a day of climbing and not be the instructor!
Day 2- Cold, very very cold. I was impressed that even beginners are taken to this day. I climbed with Jen and Conrad on a multipitch ice route. Conrad again explained many new topics. I think that someone who never climbed multi pitch routes would have loved this too. The whole concept is difficult to understand for beginners. Climbing with Conrad was again fun and learning from him and his teaching style was a lot of fun as well.
Day 3- Mt. Washington. I have always wanted to do this climb and was planning on doing it by myself. I am so glad I went with Ethan, Paul and Sara. Ethan's style was a lot different then Conrads but a nice change. The little tips I picked up from Ethan are worth more than reading them in any textbooks. The climb was a success and I came away with a new respect and understanding for mountaineering.
All in all we loved coming up. I wish we could make it mandatory for EMS employees to take classes. Guiding for EMS, I took away a different perspective as compared to other clients. I enjoyed learning how others teach. I enjoyed their different styles as well.
Another thing that I wanted to point out was what George and I talked about. EMS and their brand. Thinking about the trip, I used SOOO much EMS gear and it performed better than I expected. Being an outdoor educator and retailer, I realized the importance of selling the brand of EMS. EMS has a solid brand and I can now take that back to my store and talk withi customers about why EMS products rock.
We are so excited to promote the schools and further my idea towards establishing Warrington as an School Location. I breifly talked with Chris about Kayak School, overnights, and Climbing and he said "Whatever you need, do it." I want to do some work on my own and then meet with Chris (Store Manager), Dave Noonan, and you both to come up with what we can really do in the store visually to get this thing off the ground and successful. I will be working on that in the near future so I hope to talk with you both soon.
Again, thanks to George for letting us stay up there. North Conway is always a good time and I can't wait till my next trip up there!
-Dan Pennebacker
January 12, 2010
Dames in the Dacks: A Mountaineering Adventure Inspired by Sara Lingafelter and her trip to Nepal with the Expedition Hanesbrand team, I started looking at mountaineering courses this past fall. I've spent so much time reading about other peoples' adventures in faraway places and I've always wanted to try mountaineering, to be like one of those people I read about. And I never really thought it was possible. But after reading about Sara's experience and trying to understand what it was that kept me from pursuing a whole new realm of outdoor adventure, I finally decided it was time.
One of the most prohibitive factors was, and still is, cost. But where there's a will...you know... and I found out through the Eastern Mountain Sports website that they offer classes of all sorts very close to home. Their 3 Day Accelerated Mountaineering course sounded like the perfect way to introduce myself to ice climbing and mountaineering, and by taking it in the Adirondacks, I'd be doing it in a relatively familiar environment.
"Tales of an Adventuregrrl" -Katie
January 2010
"Cranmore & EMS Partner To Offer Telemark Lessons/ Rentals" Article by: EasternSlopes.com Written by: David Shedd
If theres any one area of snowsports thats hotter (yeah, I know, lousy pun) than the others, its Telemark. Free The Heel campaigns have caught on, and its common to see expert Telemark skiers on all trails on most mountains, not just the flatter ones. Equipment has progressed to the point where not only are telemark turns possible, but at need, parallel turns can be made...full article
January 2010
"The Lure of a Frozen Waterfall" Ice climbers of all ages and abilities come to a Connecticut quarry when winter descends. Article by: Yankee Magazine Written by: Heather Atwell
Crampons. Check. Helmet. Ice picks.
Backpack. Climbing harness. Check.
All geared up, Matt Shovemy
ice-climbing guide from Eastern
Mountain Sports (EMS) Climbing
Schooland I hiked into the woods. Its a
short walk, Matt told me.
And three minutes later, I was facing the
frozen waterfall at Connecticuts Thomaston
Ice Quarrythe same slab of ice that in a few
short hours I would climb.
West Hartford, where EMSs southernmost
New England climbing school is located,
seemed to me to be the unlikeliest place to start
an ice-climbing expedition. I was amazed to be
tackling this kind of outdoor adventure within
25 minutes of the State House in Hartford.
First, Matt led me through the baby steps
of ice climbingliterally. With 1½-inch
crampon spikes strapped to the bottoms of my
boots...full article
December 19, 2009
My teenage son began the 3 day accelerrated Mountaineering course yesterday. I am so amazed by the North Conway Climbing School staff that I had to write and tell you! It's awesome-the whole program-but more importantly-the staff-each and every person I have been in contact with has been extremely helpful, knowledeable,professional, friendly--I'm so happy that I chose EMS to schedule classes and overnights for my son! My son is high functioning autistic-I was a bit worried at the onset-but the staff is truly outstanding and I feel he couldn't be in better hands. He's out again today-and I am smiling from ear to ear knowing he is doing something he wants to do with such a great group of people. I can actually sit and relax, read a book....I can't wait until he gets back to tell me all about it! Really, amazing, exceptional people! Thank you!
-Jannette
December 18, 2009
"Cranmore Mountain to Partner with EMS to Offer On-Piste Telemark Lessons & Rentals" Article by: www.alpinezone.com - AlpineZone News NORTH CONWAY, New Hampshire -- Long known as the place to learn to ski, North Conway's Cranmore Mountain has now partnered with Eastern Mountain Sports to bring telemark ski instruction to its slopes this winter.
Telemark skiing, also known as "free-heel" skiing, is rapidly growing in popularity throughout the skiing community. Unlike alpine skiing equipment...full article
November 21, 2009
Hey Peter:
I can't thank you enough for today. I have received emails from EVERYONE who attended talking about how fabulous it was-and comments EACH time about your team. Seriously, we do a lot of activities and your group has been the best-not even anyone as a close second.
Please thank EMS also for the coupon. We do lots of different sports and it helped out. From just 5 of us, we spent close to $1,400 due to this event. Some used the coupon, some did not, some went when there was a sale and didn't need the coupon-but all went to EMS (George is a GREAT embassador for you). It was appreciated and I think it helps folks to know where to go for gear.
We very much look forward to to working with your team on many future events. I am also serious about the $5 year sponsorship. My way of thanking you-and beside, it would be beneficial for our group of 242 (just formed July 23rd) to know where to go for gear for all the different activites we have. We have cross country skiing coming up and snowshoeing. I am sure they will all being buying gear-links to gear would be helpful for them.
Talk to you soon to set up MANY events-thank you again!
Regards,
-Karren
