Mountain Skills Climbing Guides

If your going to be climbing with a guide in the Gunks then Mountain Skills should be your first choice. I have climbed with them on several occasions and they are truly professional every time. They are authorized to guide on The Mohonk Preserve, which is where the best climbing is, and they are certified guides. Do not climb with some looser from the gym, you could get hurt or worse Go with the pros.

Awesome guides, who really cared about our experience, and excellent execution. We had my brother’s bachelor party here and it really was an amazing weekend. The climbing was top notch. All of our guides provided great instruction and encouragement. Also the canyoneering was the best. It was just one amazing waterfall after another, again with awesome guides. Felt completely safe the entire time and learned a lot.

I’ve been climbing with Mountain Skills for four years now and Doug has assembled an awesome group of guides. I highly recomend them, not much else to say.

I really can’t say enough positive about Doug and all the guys at Mountain Skills. I’ve climbed with all of them: Doug, Dustin, and Mark– they are all exemplary individuals and stellar guides. I can’t recommend them enough whether it’s your first day out or you want to lead your first pitch of WI5.
If you get the privilege of climbing with Doug (the main guy) you are in for a real treat. The first things you’ll notice is that everyone who is anyone around the Gunks is on a first name basis with him: it’s like finally getting to hang out with that popular girl in high school that never knew you existed. Even if you don’t think so know, you’ll enjoy basking in his glory. Furthermore, the guy knows every damn square inch of the 2 miles of rock, where you want to throw that #2 cam. So if you want someone experienced who is going to teach you the secrets of the Gunks, he’s the one. Incredibly patient and knowledgable I can’t say enough good things about the guy.
To reiterate, as someone who’s been out with Doug and the guys at Mountain Skills 50+ time I really can’t say enough. You get it all, incredibly knowledgeable guides plus genuinely like able and hilarious personalities (which if you’ve ever climbed with any of those snooty European guides, you know is important). So if you’re in the area and you want to hop on some rock and ice and get the time go your life: these are the guys.

I signed up with Mountain Skills based on the recommendation of a friend. There price point seemed a little high but in hindsight It was a worthwhile investment. I definitely got my moneys worth. I took their top rope anchor building Course (full day with Mark) and was impressed with the clear and concise way the material was presented. There was ample opportunity to practice both with and without additional direction. I was also amazed by the breadth and depth of his climbing knowledge and experience.
In addition to learning the class material, Mark helped me understand some of the differences between climbing in a gym vs rock. His guidance was extremely helpful in making that transition. Add in the fact that Mark and Doug (the owner who I met as well) were great guys and this experience was a real win. I cant recommend them enough.

Climbed with (i think) Mark using a groupon or living social discount. for two climbers and one guide. unfortunately had to wait an hour at rock and snow in new paltz for the 2^nd person (climber) to show up. i would recommend booking with a person you know to avoid this.
when they did show up, we got out there and Mark, set up some lead climbs for us, while i belayed him. he then belayed us as we climbed the easier top roped routes he set up.
he knows the routes extremely well, climbed effortlessly himself and was able to instruct us from the ground when our bodies would tighten up and not do what we were supposed to — due to inexperience/​fear, etc. he effectively guided us thru those top roping routes. it felt great! my first time on a real rock outdoors.
and he taught us how to follow and clean. it was a great experience. my only regret is not getting back out there to do more guided tours.

Climbed with Doug on my first Multi pitch climbs over the July 4^th weekend. He is a great teacher and very knowledgeable. I really enjoyed my trip and cant wait to go again.

If you are looking for a guide to go rock or ice climbing with these are the people. They are a smaller guide service dedicated to giving their clients the best possible personalized experience.
I took my son out for his first rock climbing experience with Doug the head guide, I think I’ve created a monster as now all my son wants to do is go climbing ;).
They are pretty well known in the industry for being an amazing group of guides, and a super fun group of people. I highly recommend them!

Mountain Skills guides are seriously the best of the best. They know the Gunks like the back of their hands, their ice-​climbing and canyoning trips are ridiculously fun, and I’ve never felt safer or more comfortable when challenging myself as I have when I’m out with these guys. Doug is especially patient and so good at explaining proper techniques or calming you down when you are FREAKING OUT about some crazy maneuver you don’t think you can do… until he talks you through it and you do it and it’s awesome and so personally rewarding.
Go with them — you won’t regret it.