New River Gorge Rock Climbing The Progressive, Building Block Method
Rock climbing should be learned and taught from the ground up in order to manage the wide array of hazards and techniques involved in the different disciplines that comprise modern rock climbing. You must have a firm grasp of the essential skills and an understanding that people progress at different rates, yet the knowledge required of each individual climber remains constant.
"Rock climbing was a good experience. I learned to work as a unit with other people. The guides were very experienced and you could tell they knew what they were doing...I felt safe. I had a great time and really enjoyed doing it."
Student- Nick McKinney,
St. Francis DeSales High School, Louisville, Ky.
With ACE's progressive building block
method we start from the ground up:
Our Beginner Experience climbs are designed for the absolute beginner who has never been rock climbing at all and would like to sample the sport with a minimal investment in time and gear.
The Fundamental Instruction courses start with the foundation skills needed to climb safely and with confidence.
ACE's Intermediate courses brings out the essence and adventure of true rock climbing as you learn to multi-pitch climb on the beautiful cliffs of West Virginia.
Finally, in our Advanced courses, you will learn to lead climb and to teach others the sport that you have grown to love. For people who have climbing experience and would like to expand their knowledge, our building block method allows us to assess your current abilities and place you in a course that will meet your needs and abilities.
The ACE Climbing Experience
The New River Gorge is one of the best climbing sites on the East Coast. Recognized for the high quality sandstone cracks, faces and aretes, as well as the wide variety (1600+ routes listed to date) of climbs, the NRG has some of the finest climbing around. We divide the climbing areas into two zones. The Upper Gorge, where most of the climbing is at ACE Adventure Center, features private climbing up to 80 feet, with routes ranging from 5.5 to 5.10. The Lower Gorge has miles of canyon rim National Park Service cliffs from 50-150 feet, with routes ranging from 5.7 to 5.12. In the Lower Gorge, Park Service guidelines limit group size to 12 people per location, with a 4:1 climber/instructor ratio. We recommend large groups to climb on ACE property.
We’re open year around. Enjoy the awakening of Spring, with its cooler weather, and the spectacular show of Fall, the guides' favorite seasons. Summer offers cooler mornings and warm days, excellent weather for introductory experiences. You can buy outdoor activities for your friends and family, by clicking here.
"My experience was both exhilarating and educational. Exhilarating in that I did things I had not before... rappelling and rafting. Educational in that I learned a lot about my students - watching them face some fears and trusting others to get them through it safety. Thanks for your part in it.
"Principal - Tim Keogh
St. Francis DeSales High School, Louisville, Ky.
