Experience nature
from a new angle
OUR FOCUS IS ON PROVIDING THE BEST EXPERIENCE FOR OUR GUESTS
This means tailor-making each experience to fit your goals, from the total beginner looking for their first time on real rock to the long-time legend interested in maximizing efficiency on a big multi-pitch day.
SAFETY IS WHAT DEFINES US
We hold to the American Mountain Guides Association standards for terrain-specific training and certification and are fully insured. With a low guest-to-guide ratio, we can provide you with the full attention you deserve on your private outing.
→ For beginner or advanced climbers
→ No experience necessary
→ Up to 6 participants
→ Full or half day
Learn More
→ Outdoor climbing experience is
a prerequisite
→ Up to 2 participants
→ Full day
Learn More
WHAT GUESTS ARE SAYING
“Our family has been climbing with Pete multiple times over the last few years. Most recently, we had a great day at Rumbling Bald. Pete is an outstanding guide. I appreciate his knowledge, skill and focus on safety. We will definitely use Guillard Climbing again!”
— Meredith D.
“Pete is a wonderful guide. We visited Asheville for spring break as a family with teens and he was the perfect choice for our climbing experience. He is organized, prepared, and fun. He made everyone feel safe and able to stretch themselves on the climb. The location he chose was perfect for our skill level. What I like most was his eye for details and making sure everything we did was safe and fun for all abilities.”
— Jeff S.
“I have climbed with Pete for several years in multiple locations in NC. Pete is a premier guide! If you’re a climber wanting to improve your skills he will help you. If you’re a new or first time climber, he will make sure you have a exciting and safe experience! I can’t recommend Guillard Climbing enough!”
— Mike P.
“Thanks to Guillard Climbing for another fantastic full day, multi- pitch adventure. Pete is an incredible guide. His knowledge, commitment to safety, patience and encouragement always ensures for a memorable day of climbing. Highly recommend booking with Guillard Climbing!”
— Lisa G.
Experiences for every goal, level, and skill set
On a single-pitch day, we stay closer to the ground, all within reach of a single rope length. This day is excellent for the beginner with little to no experience, the guest looking to climb at an advanced level but with less commitment, or a group of friends/family hoping to spend most of the day together.
Book Single-Pitch →
Multi-pitch routes involve climbing higher than a single rope length. This form of climbing is higher commitment and requires more experience than a single-pitch day. It does not mean you need to be climbing at a harder difficulty, but you do need to have an understanding of climbing outdoors.
Book Multi-Pitch →
Want to gain the skills necessary to go climbing on your own? Learn to traditional or sport climb? Practice a technique you saw online under supervision? This day is for you!
Book Private Instruction →
Frequently
Asked
Questions
Do I need my own gear?
We recommend you bring your own gear if you have it! Shoes, harnesses, and helmets are all things that we recommend having if you’re looking to start your own climbing journey. However, we understand that climbing is an expensive sport that you may be trying out for the first time ever, or for the first time in a while. We happily provide harnesses, helmets, and shoes for those who need them.
What do I need to bring?
Things you will be responsible for bringing include:
1. Nutrition: Ample food (based on your personal caloric needs for a day of activity outside) and water (2-3L is recommended.) Bringing a little extra food and water never hurts!
2. Weather-appropriate clothes: As the seasons change, so do our clothing needs. Summer requires breathable activewear, a warm insulating layer, rain-gear, and sun protection (a sun-shirt or sunscreen). Winter, fall, and spring require layering; we often start off in a coat and spend most of the day climbing in light layers!
Can I climb in the winter?
Believe it or not, winter is the BEST time to climb in many of our favorite Western NC locations!
Do I drive with the guide or separately?
Our guide will contact you via email before the day of your booking to confirm location and start time (depending upon whether you’re doing a full or half day.) He will send you a pin location to the parking area where you will drive separately and meet to begin your day together. This location will vary depending upon what climbing area you are going to.
Can anyone climb?
We believe climbing is for everyone! No matter your experience level, we’d love to go climbing with you. Our minimum age is six years old, and the only requirement is that you’re able to hike to the cliff-line. For guests under the age of 18, we do require a guardian to be present, whether or not they’ll also be climbing.
If you have any questions or concerns about what a climbing day looks like, please don’t hesitate to give us a call or send us a message, we’re always happy to accommodate our guests as much as we can!
If you are interested in climbing and have a disability, we highly recommend checking out our friends at Waypoint Adventure!
What do half days vs. full days look like?
Single-pitch and Private Instruction bookings can be made for either a half day or a full day. Half day bookings can either be made in the morning (9-1:00 pm) or the afternoon (12-4:00 pm.)
Multi-pitch bookings last for a full day and run from 9-5:00 pm.
We will always do our best to accommodate your schedule when we can. If you’d like to discuss a change in start time, please note it in your booking or give us a call!
What safety measures are in place?
Our guide has been properly trained by the American Mountain Guides Association for the terrain he guides in and has a decade of experience safely guiding rock climbing groups of all levels. He has also been trained as a Wilderness First Responder, and carries a satellite communication device on all trips.
Where do you guide?
All of our bookings can be made for the following locations:
Rumbling Bald (North Carolina)
Looking Glass Rock (North Carolina)
Cedar Rock (North Carolina)
Linville Gorge (North Carolina)
Big Rock (South Carolina)
Hidden Valley (Virginia)
Seasonally, we may recommend certain locations over others depending upon weather. However, we will always do our best to accommodate your desired location!
We’re Here to Help!
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO START?
If you’re unsure what booking is best for your group or situation, give us a call, text, or email. We’d love to help you decide!
Gear recommendations, climbing spots, and a collection of our bucket lists.
OUR LATEST FIELD NOTES
