Join us this fall in Waterbury, VT and on the cliffs of Bolton for the 8th Annual Vermont Climbing Festival!
We are planning an incredible weekend packed with camping, climbing, professional workshops, clinics, competitions, guest speakers, live music, and more. Whether you are looking to sharpen your skills on the rock or just hang out around the campfire with the local community, there is a place for you here.
Best of all, 100% of festival proceeds directly support the work of CRAG-VT to protect, preserve, and secure sustainable access to Vermont climbing.
Welcome Statement & Festival Values
The goal of the Vermont Climbing Festival is to have fun, share knowledge, and build community. We want everyone to feel welcome, respected, and safe. To help us foster an inclusive and supportive environment, please keep these festival values in mind:
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Bring good energy: Welcome one another with a smile and an openness to making new connections.
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Encourage each other: Be respectful and supportive of everyone’s experience level and skill. Let’s build an environment where nobody feels intimidated.
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Learn and share: Ask questions and pass on what you know. At the festival, everyone can be a student and a mentor.
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Lean on us: Don’t be afraid to ask for help or direction. The CRAG-VT booth on the deck is always here as a resource for you.
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Protect the place: Stay on designated roads and trails, respect local wildlife, and leave our natural resources better than you found them.
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Be a good neighbor: Follow all land manager rules, keep an eye out for seasonal closures, and show respect to the surrounding local communities.
Festival Schedule
*Schedule is subject to change. Check back frequently for updates and new details!
Friday, September 25th
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Climbing Clinics
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Festival RegistratioN
- 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Basecamp Workshops
- 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | Bluegrass Jam
- 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM | CRAG-VT Climbers Social
- 8:00 PM – Late | Climber Story Hour & Campfire
Saturday, September 26th
- 7:30 AM – 9:00 aM | Festival RegistratioN
- 8:00 aM – 8:45 aM | CRAg-vt Pancake Breakfast
- 8:00 AM – 8:45 aM | morning flow yoga
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Climbing Clinics
- 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM | Black Barn Farm Bouldering Competition
- 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM | Partner meetup
- 4:00 pM – 7:00 PM | Basecamp activities
- Food Trucks (MENUS)
- Vendor Village
- workshops
- games and challenges
- Van life & Truck build expo
- 7:00 pM – 8:30 PM | Keynote presentation
- Vermont short film Competition: Winners’ screening (MORE INFO)
- keynote speaker (TBA presented by the north face)
- 8:30 pM – late | Afterparty and games
- metrorock dyno Competition
- wideboyz crack wrestling Competition
- live beats by dj kang anade
- raffles, silent auction, games, and more!
Sunday, September 27th
- 8:00 aM – 8:45 aM | CRAg-vt Pancake Breakfast
- 8:00 aM – 8:45 aM | Morning Flow Yoga
- 9:00 aM – 1:00 pM | CRAG-VT Stewardship Project
- 9:00 aM – 3:00 pM | Climbing Clinics
- 2:00 pM – 4:00 pM | Winooski River Wind-Down
Pass options & Pricing
Your Weekend Pass includes Friday night storytelling, a social hour, and live music, plus weekend activities such as the keynote presentation, competitions, nighttime DJ party, yoga, workshops, and more. Enjoy a free pancake breakfast each morning (evening food available for purchase).
Weekend Pass Pricing
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Weekend passes: (Clinics sold separately).
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Early Bird (Through July 31, 2026): $50 Members | $60 Non-Members
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Regular Price (August 1st & After): $60 Members | $70 Non-Members
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Youth (Ages 12–18): $25
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Children (Under 12): Free (Must be accompanied by an adult)
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Financial Aid: CRAG-VT strives to make this festival accessible to all climbers. Financial aid is available by filling out [this form].
Registration details
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weekend Pass Required: You must buy a Weekend Pass to participate in clinics, competitions, or camping.
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one Person per Order: The checkout system only allows one participant registration per transaction.
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clinic Discount: CRAG-VT members get 10% off clinics by using code MEMBERSCLINIC at checkout.
Policies and cancellations
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festival Passes: Rain or shine. Passes are non-refundable.
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clinics: 75% refundable through September 1st, 2026. Non-refundable after September 1st.
Questions? Contact us at festival@cragvt.org
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers help bring the festival to life! If you’re interested in helping out during the festival, FILL OUT THIS FORM. Folks who give 4 hours of time during the festival get 100% off their registration, and folks who give 2 hours get 50% off. Registration costs will be reimbursed after volunteer shifts are complete.
vendors, partners & sponsors
Do I need to register to attend?
Sure do! Registration is required to attend and the number of participants is limited. We expect that the festival will sell out, so be sure to register early!
What food options are available for the weekend?
Various menus can be seen HERE
Friday Night: Vamo Arriba will be serving up empanadas.
Saturday Morning: Pancake Breakfast, coffee, pastries, GF and vegan options.
Saturday Evening: Aladdin food truck – A taste of the Middle East based out of Stowe, VT. Aladdin will be serving up hummus, falafel, pita, tabouleh, and more! @aladdinstowevt. Vamo Arriba will be serving up empanadas.
Sunday Morning: Pancake Breakfast, coffee, pastries, GF and vegan options.
Unknown hours: Farr Field Snack Bar – A full snack bar serving all the favorites such as fresh burgers and hand cut fries plus all of the other snack bar favorites. The snack bar will likely be open during morning and afternoon hours on Saturday and Sunday.
**Please pack your other needed lunches and snacks. Waterbury, VT and Richmond, VT are also near by and have food options and grocery stores.
Are there scholarships or discounts?
Volunteers receive 100% off of their festival pass after completing 4 hours of volunteer (or 50% off for 2 hours) — plus, it’s fun to be a part of the show! If you’re interested in volunteering, fill out this form.
Financial aid is also available for those in need. Apply by filling out this form.
CRAG-VT members also receive discounts on ticket passes and clinics!
What isn’t included in the cost of registration?
Clinics, transportation, food and climbing equipment rentals are not included in the cost of registration.
Do I need to sign up separately for clinics?
Yes. Clinics are not included in the weekend pass; prices vary and are discounted for CRAG-VT members. Clinic participation requires purchase of a Festival Pass. Clinics run Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, more details are listed on the festival website below!
What is the refund policy?
This is a rain or shine event and festival passes are non-refundable. Clinic tickets are 75% refundable through September 1st. Clinic refunds are not available after September 1st. Should you be unable to attend your clinic and wish to sell your non-refundable clinic ticket, your ticket is transferable (transfer will not be complete until reviewed and approved by CRAG Vermont). If you do not show up for your clinic, you will not be given a refund. No refund once you have attended a clinic. To request a refund or transfer, email festival@cragvt.org and festival organizers will give an initial response within 5 business days. Festival organizers may cancel a clinic for any reason. If the Festival cancels a clinic, your payment will be fully refunded. If clinic does not reach minimum participants required to take place the festival will cancel the clinic and give registrants the option for a full refund or to transfer into another clinic of equal value during the festival weekend (subject to availability). Clinics run rain or shine, unless otherwise decided by the guide.
What if it rains?
We get wet! (Probably). This is a rain or shine event, so dress appropriately and come with a great attitude to party down in the sun or the sprinkles.
Camping is Free!
Camping is free for attendees at our festival basecamp at Farr Field in Waterbury, Vermont. Donations are very appreciated and support CRAG-VT’s work protecting VT rock climbing.
Kids 12 and Under are Free!
Festival entrance for children 12 and under is free!
Do I have to be an experience climber to attend?
Nope! We welcome to all abilities and skill levels and offer clinics that range from introduction to climbing and gym to crag, to more advanced classes for those with more experience!
Dogs - please leave them at home!
Unfortunately there are no dogs allowed at the festival; please leave the furry friends at home!
Is this a fundraiser?
It sure is! This is CRAG-VT’s largest annual fundraiser, and provides critical financial support for our work throughout the year. Learn more about what we do here.
Competitions
Black Barn Farm Bouldering Competition
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When: Saturday, September 26th from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
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Details: Free for all festival attendees. Climbers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Register when as an add-on when buying your Weekend Pass.
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Sponsor: Generously sponsored by Mammut and hosted by the Black Barn Farm.
MetroRock Dyno Comp & WideBoyz Crack Wrestling Comp
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When: Saturday, September 26th at 8:30 PM
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Details: These two crowd favorites will take place side by side with high-energy beats from DJ Kang Anade in the background. Bring your best dyno shoes, your lightest gravity, and your toughest crack gloves to go head-to-head in front of a cheering crowd. Winning competitors take home a pie!
Workshops
Poster Screenprinting
The Craft of Storytelling
Crack Climbing 101
Primitive Fire Building
Intro to Dynamic Movement
Warming Wake-up Yoga Flow
Backcountry Rescue
Camp Coffee Masterclass
Tree Identification
Route Development: Ethics, Access, and Craft
Geology of Vermont Climbing
Climb Hard, Relax Deep: An Intro to Kava
Stick Clipping
Gear Marking & Helmet Glow-Up
Intro to Map & Compass
Planning a Dream Trip to the Alps
Outdoor Bouldering Skills and Pad Placement
Poster Screenprinting
Friday 6pm-8pm
Dylan Fant (He/Him)
Commemorate the festival by screenprinting your very own Vermont Climbing Festival poster! No experience necessary. dylanfant.com
Instructor Bio: Dylan Fant is an illustrator and climber based in Richmond, Vermont. His work has graced many CRAG VT shirts over the years.
The Craft of Storytelling
Friday 6pm
Bill Patton (He/Him)
Story telling can be a powerful agent of change, an opportunity to see the world through another’s eyes or a way to bring others with you on long ago solo adventures. It can also be very intimidating… If you have ever wanted to learn more about storytelling—from how to craft a story to how to get over the nerves of public speaking—this is your chance to learn and even practice in a supportive and fun environment.
Instructor Bio: Bill Patton is a six-time Story Slam winner and has had his story “My Dad’s Jag” selected for the national Moth podcast.
Crack Climbing 101
Friday 6pm
Julia Vitale (She/Her)
Join SPI, and crack climbing enthusiast Julia for an introduction to crack climbing technique. Julia teaches crack climbing technique workshops through Petra Cliffs, and is excited to bring this workshop to the CRAG VT climbing fest! Our festival classroom will host an array of WideBoyz crack volumes of various sizes. We’ll cover technique for hands, thin hands, fists, and offwidth cracks as well as tips and tricks to help you tackle your next jam!
Instructor Bio: Julia has been climbing since 2014, and around the state of Vermont since 2019, exploring all that VT has to offer. Along the way, she’s developed a love for the climbing community that inspired her to earn her SPI and work in partnership with some of Vermont’s businesses and organizations that support climbing. Through all this, she’s found a love of crack climbing that is never satisfied! You can always find Julia out in search of the crag hidden gems, and climbing with a smile.
Primitive Fire Building
Friday 7pm
Mischa Tourin (He/Him)
In this hands-on class, you will learn the fundamentals of building fire in nature! We will discuss the many methods of making a primitive fire and give participants the chance to try them out firsthand. We will explore using a steel striker with a quartz rock and char cloth, as well as friction fire using a bow drill set made from materials you can find on a stroll through the woods. The key ingredients to a successful primitive fire are determination and persistence. You will walk away with all the skills and materials to make your own fire, as long as you are willing to work for it!
Instructor Bio: Mischa Tourin is the owner and lead guide of Sterling Mountain Guides, bringing years of deep wilderness experience to every lesson. His passion for primitive fire building was honed while guiding backpacking trips through the Canyonlands of Utah and Colorado’s San Juan Mountains. It was during his time working with youth in wilderness therapy that Mischa developed the craft of primitive fire-making.
A patient and skilled instructor, Mischa has taught primitive fire building to numerous groups throughout Vermont and beyond. His hands-on approach empowers participants with the practical skills, confidence, and deep connection to nature needed to reliably spark a flame using friction and traditional methods.
The Art of the Dyno
Friday 7pm
Luke Moutier (He/They)
Intro to Dynamic Movement is a class designed for beginner/intermediate climbers who are excited to expand their understanding of dynamic movement and apply it to the wall. This workshop will cover deadpoints, dynos, pogos, and paddles!
Instructor Bio: Luke has been climbing for 9 years and is the Head Coach at Metrorock Vermont! He loves to work with climbers from all backgrounds to increase confidence and comfort on the wall.
Warming Wake-up Yoga Flow
Saturday and Sunday, 8:00-8:45am
Jenny Lowell (She/Her)
Start the day with mindful movement. Participants can expect time to breathe, time to explore, and time to deepen in every pose offered in class. Wake up your body and get ready for a day of climbing with this Hatha-style slow flow vinyasa class. Well check in with all our joints and start warming and opening our muscles, and end with a little acro!
Instructor Bio: Jenny has been teaching yoga in Burlington for 8 years, and at our beloved climbing festival for 4 years! She received her formal teacher training in India, and connected deeply to the linking of breath with movement, and staying present in each pose. Her style is slow movement, deep stretches, and for her students to tune in to their own individual needs throughout class. Jenny creates a safe space for participants at all levels, from brand-new to seasoned stretcher!
Backcountry Rescue
Saturday 4pm
Mark Klonicke (He/Him)
Are you prepared for an emergency in the backcountry? Come listen and ask questions to a panel group. This group will be hosted by search and rescue members, experienced climbers and Emergency Medical Technicians.
Instructor Bio: Mark Klonicke is a Lieutenant on the Camels Hump Backcountry Rescue Team. He has decades of experience as a first responder and a climber.
Backcountry Coffee Masterclass
Saturday 4pm
Dylan Woodrow (He/Him)
Coffee in the backcountry doesn’t have to suck. It can be done quick and be done well. In this Backcountry Coffee Masterclass, we will dive into a few simple, streamlined and (somewhat lightweight) techniques for brewing the perfect cup in the prefect setting. If you are a coffee snob, you will sacrifice pack weight somewhere else to get yourself the cup you deserve.
Instructor Bio: Dylan is a homegrown rep in the outdoor industry. After leaving the suit and tie world to work at OGE and never looking back, Dylan reps for 5 outdoor brands and works at MountainOps in Stowe, VT. After a year of exploring out west, Dylan returns with experiences and insights into the outdoors. Deep into his coffee obsession, he can’t go for an overnight or a thruhike without having good coffee to start each morning. What a world we live in….. “I go ultralight so I can bring my coffee setup.” He brought his coffee grinder, AeroPress and 5lb of Vermont Artisan Coffee with him on the Colorado Trail (carrying 1lb and mailing the others down trail).
Tree Identification
Saturday 4pm
Gene O. Desideraggio (He/Him)
Come learn about trees! You may be wondering why we are learning about trees at a rock climbing festival.. Trees grow off of rocks, they shade us while we climb rocks, they source minerals from the soil that eroded from rocks and some trees’ wood can be dense like a rock, but most importantly the instructor is just about as obsessed with trees as he is with rocks (and he really likes rocks). Join seasoned naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio on a stroll through the festival grounds where he will share key tree identification tips and tricks to enrich your days out at the crag and in the hills
Instructor Bio: Gene O. Desideraggio studied forestry and geology at UVM’s environmental school and has spent the last decade exploring Vermont learning about the trees, climbing and scrutinizing the impressive rock diversity and feels fulfilled when sharing knowledge about New England’s lush hilly ecosystems with his community.
Route Development: Ethics, Access, and Craft
Saturday 5pm
Travis Peckham (He/Him)
An open discussion on the ethics, access and craft of developing new climbing routes in Vermont. Drawing on decades of exploration and route development, Travis will share perspectives on what it takes to establish new climbs as responsibly as possible considering a myriad of factors. Topics include bolting practices, environmental considerations, climbing ethics, and the changing land management and policy environment shaping access in Vermont and nationwide. Whether you’re curious about the mechanics of creating new routes or interested in the future of development in the Green Mountains, this session explores the ideas, decisions, and responsibilities that advance Vermont climbing.
Instructor Bio: Travis Peckham is a Vermont native who has been exploring the state’s climbing areas for more than 30 years. Driven by a passion for exploration and the craft of route development, he has established numerous new climbs throughout Vermont. He is the author of *Vermont Rock*, the state’s definitive climbing guidebook. Travis was a founding board member of CRAG-VT, serving for 19 years, including five years as president from 2005 to 2010.
Geology of Vermont Climbing
Saturday 5pm
Justin Moran (He/Him)
This workshop will explore the geologic history of Vermont and how it has shaped the landscape of the state and its incredible diversity of rock types. We will look at how different rock types across the state lend themselves to different styles of climbing through a crash course in stratigraphy, geomorphology, and mineralogy. The workshop will utilize geologic maps and rock samples from nearly every crag in Vermont to (hopefully) provide a greater understanding and appreciation for the unique climbing opportunities across each corner of the state.
Instructor Bio: My name is Justin Moran, I am a 25 year old climber originally from New Jersey. In 2023, I graduated from Middlebury College with a geology degree. Following graduation, I chose to stay in Vermont to tap into the seemingly endless potential for world class bouldering in the state. I spend most of my time wandering the woods looking for large boulders, cleaning them, climbing them, and most importantly sharing them.
Climb Hard, Relax Deep: An Intro to Kava
Saturday 6pm
Roderick Russell (He/Him)
Join Roderick Russell, co-founder of Mesmer Kava – Vermont’s first kava bar – and former CRAG-VT board member, for an introduction to kava, the traditional Polynesian drink known for its calming and restorative effects. Drawing on decades of experience exploring how body and mind perform under pressure, Roderick will share how kava can help climbers relax deeply, recover faster, and calm the mind. You’ll learn its origins, preparation, how it works in the body, and how it can enhance post-climb recovery and performance. Then, taste it for yourself and discover why kava is becoming a favorite tool for athletes and adventurers.
Instructor Bio: Roderick Russell is a world-record-holding sword swallower, hypnotist, fear & anxiety coach, and speaker, dedicated to helping people succeed at the edge of their comfort zone. As co‑founder of Mesmer Kava – Vermont’s first kava bar – as well as a climber and former CRAG‑VT board member, he’s uniquely positioned to bring his background in mental health, climbing and high‑pressure performance to his passion for kava. His work blends adventure, artistry, and resilience-building, sharing tools that help climbers recover faster, steady the mind, and connect more deeply.
Stick Clipping
Saturday 5pm
Matt Bresler (He/Him)
Whether you want to protect a high first bolt or just save your ankles, stick clipping is a must-have skill for every climber. This hands-on workshop covers all the basics of loading, extending, and clipping draws with various gear, plus clever pro tips for unclipping, handling weird angles, and more.
You’ll also learn how to improvise on the fly by crafting a working stick clip out of a real stick! Once your technique is dialed, put your skills to the test in the Stick Clip Rodeo: a fun contest where you can challenge your friends to see who can clip the bolt fastest under pressure!
Open to everyone, from total beginners to seasoned leaders. We’ll have gear on hand, but feel free to bring your own stick clip or custom creation to show off.
Instructor Bio: Matt: CRAG-VT board president, dad, educator, friend, climber.
Gear Marking & Helmet Glow-Up
Saturday 6pm
Lauren Eicher (She/Her)
Never again wonder, “is this my carabiner?” Bring your hard goods—carabiners, belay devices, etc.—and give them a personal touch so they stand out from the crowd. We’ll have nail polish and tools ready to help you mark your gear, plus paint pens for decorating your helmet.
Instructor Bio: Lauren is a board member of CRAG and is a part of CRAG’s Stewardship and Community Committees. She loves all things climbing & crafts, and especially loves the opportunity to combine the two.
Intro to Map & Compass
Saturday 6pm
David Hathaway (He/Him)
Ever find yourself wanting to get somewhere off a trail without getting lost? Maybe you see a crag off in the distance, but are not sure how to navigate the woods between here and there. I’ll give you a brief introduction to map and compass navigation, including how to read a topo map, the various meanings of “north”, how to take a compass bearing from a map, and how to use that bearing to navigate to your destination.
Instructor Bio: David teaches map & compass for the Green Mountain Club, is on its board of directors, leads hikes, and does trail maintenance and corridor monitoring for them. He’s climbed the AMC New England 100 highest, is an ADK 46er, and hiked the Long Trail twice. David started climbing in college, and did his first (trad) lead 50 years ago on Standard Route on Cathederal Ledges. He climbed at Bolton Dome and lower West Bolton in the 1980s, but has only recently started to get back into climbing after a 25 year hiatus.
Planning a Dream Trip to the Alps
Saturday 6pm
Kel Rossiter (He/Him)
Looking to take your Northeastern climbing skills to the Greater Ranges? Chamonix, France, offers unmatched access to a huge variety of high-quality alpine objectives. But language, cultural differences, hut and lift logistics, and the sheer number of options can make planning overwhelming.
In this workshop, IFMGA Mountain Guide Kel Rossiter will cover:
-Acclimatization and glaciated-terrain safety
-When to visit for rock, mixed climbing, or alpine ridges
-Tools for choosing objectives and checking current conditions
-Navigating lifts, huts, transportation, and common first-time mistakes
There will also be time for general questions about transferring your climbing skills to bigger alpine terrain. You’ll leave with a clearer roadmap for planning your own Alps & alpine climbing adventures.
Instructor Bio: Kel Rossiter took a zig-zag path up into the mountains—with stops in the military, corporate world, and life at a Zen monastery along the way. Today, he is an IFMGA-certified mountain guide, owner of Adventure Spirit Guides, and the 2025 AMGA Guide of the Year. Kel has climbed and guided in 15 countries on five continents, but now divides his time between Vermont and the European Alps. With a doctorate in Educational Leadership and years of experience teaching outdoor education, he brings a rare combination of mountain expertise and honed instructional skills. In Planning Your Dream Climbing Trip to the Alps, Kel will help turn “someday” into a smart, achievable alpine adventure.
Outdoor Bouldering Skills and Pad Placement
Saturday 6pm
Gene O. Desideraggio (He/Him)
Come see what an experienced outdoor boulderer packs for a day out, an overview on how outdoor bouldering tactics can get you the most out of your session, and get all the tips on crash pad placement with interactive drills. If you have questions about Vermont bouldering areas or what crash pad to buy bring those to the workshop and we will cover those at the end.
Instructor Bio: Gene O. Desideraggio is super stoked on bouldering. He has been climbing for over a decade and while he claims to be a well rounded climber and says every year that “this year will be my sport climbing season” bouldering is more than a favorite climbing style, its an obsession. Gene O. has amassed a collection of outdoor bouldering tips and tricks as well as a comprehensive understanding of New England’s bouldering resources. He is stoked to share knowledge through this workshop and if you hire him as a boulder guide for a tour of an area or to help you take your bouldering outside for the first time.
Climbers’ story hour
Join five-time Moth StorySLAM winner and local Smuggs bouldering legend Bill Patton for our annual Climbers’ Story Hour. Listen to tales from far and near, some completely true and others mostly true, told live by your fellow festival attendees. Come grab a seat by the fire, connect with the community, and cheer on your friends as they share their favorite climbing-themed stories.
The Ground Rules
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Keep it brief: Stories should be between 4 and 6 minutes long.
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Keep it real: Your story must be true and must have happened to you personally.
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Just the spoken word: No written notes and no props. Leave the whistles, climbing gear, and visual aids at your tent.
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Keep it supportive: This is a welcoming community event. Hate speech or derogatory stories are strictly prohibited.
Tips for a Great Story
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Find the arc: Great stories have both a narrative and an emotional arc. Make sure you start at the beginning, build up to the middle, and stick the landing with a clear ending.
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Practice makes perfect: Have fun with it! Practice telling your story out loud and timing it at least once before the festival.
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Learn from the pro: Want to develop your story? Consider attending Bill’s basecamp workshop on The Craft of Storytelling earlier evening!
How to Sign Up
You can pre-register by emailing Bill at stories@cragvt.org ahead of time, or you can throw your name into the hat directly at the festival. Ten storytellers will be drawn at random!
Clinics
Separate clinic registration is required, and spaces fill up quickly! Clinics are offered Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the festival, running from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM each day.
Registration Details
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Requirement: Participants must hold a valid festival Weekend Pass to register for a clinic.
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Pricing: Prices vary based on the attendee-to-guide ratio.
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Member Discount: CRAG-VT Members receive a 10% discount on all clinics. (use code MEMBERSCLINIC during checkout)
Logistics & Packing List
Participants will meet at basecamp each morning and head out to the cliffs together. Please plan to carpool to help minimize our impact at the trailheads!
Please bring the following items with you:
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Personal climbing gear (harness, shoes, helmet, etc.)
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Lunch, water, and snacks for the day
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Sunscreen and approach shoes
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A rain layer
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Any additional specialized equipment listed for your specific clinic
Financial Aid
CRAG-VT strives to ensure our clinics are accessible to all climbers. Financial aid is available by filling out our [Financial Aid Form].
See below for our specific clinic offerings:
Gym to Crag
Whether you’re a gym climber ready to take your first steps onto real rock, or you’ve been climbing outside and want to formalize your safety systems, this clinic bridges the gap between indoor comfort and outdoor independence. Designed for a range of experience levels, we will build a solid foundation of essential crag skills to help you transition smoothly or level up your existing outdoor knowledge. You’ll get hands-on practice safely navigating the top and bottom of a cliff, building robust top-rope anchors using natural and fixed protection, and reviewing critical communication and outdoor belay techniques. We will also cover essential equipment checks, outdoor etiquette, and how to safely break down a climb so that you and your partner can feel completely confident managing your own top-rope crag days. And of course… we climb!
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced indoor climbers ready to step outside, as well as outdoor climbers looking to formalize their foundational safety systems and build confidence on real rock.
Availability:
- Friday with Noah Johnson
- Saturday with Guide TBA
- Sunday with Noah Johnson
Size: 1:6 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 14 years old | Price: $100
Outdoor Bouldering
Learn what you need to know to take your indoor bouldering outside. This clinic will take climbers to a bouldering area in Bolton, VT to learn about crash pad placement, spotting, and assessing how to mitigate risk while bouldering.
Prerequisites: This clinic is great for someone who has been bouldering in the gym for a minimum of 6 months, or for someone who has some outdoor climbing experience but wants to branch out into bouldering and doesn’t know how.
What to Bring: Bring your own climbing shoes, chalk bag, snacks, and water in a small light backpack. Crash pads will be provided.
Availability:
- Saturday with GeneO Desideraggio
Size: 1:6 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 14 years old | Price: $100
Intro to Sport Climbing
Ready to take the sharp end outside? This clinic is designed to give you the skills, safety systems, and confidence necessary to lead your first outdoor sport climbs. You will master the best practices for managing sport climbing gear, reading real rock to plan your ascent, and clipping efficiently on the lead. We will dive deep into critical safety transitions, including how to properly clean a sport anchor, lower down safely, and rappel with confidence, ensuring you leave ready to manage your own sport projects safely and independently.
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced gym climbers or anyone interested in taking their climbing outside to the next level. All participants must be comfortable with top roping and know how to top rope belay.
Availability:
- Saturday with Noah Johnson
Size: 1:6 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $100
Intro to Trad Climbing
Experience the magic of traditional climbing and open up a whole new world of real rock by mastering the use of active and passive protection. This clinic is designed for competent sport leaders who want to gain the skills and confidence necessary to lead their own trad routes. You will focus heavily on the fundamentals of gear placement, learning how to properly identify solid rock features, place robust protection, and construct rock-solid traditional anchors. To help you safely transition into this new realm, you will practice these skills during a low-consequence mock lead, allowing you to place gear and plan your ascent while minimizing risk.
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced indoor lead climbers, outdoor sport climbers, or proficient outdoor top-rope climbers (5.9+). Prior experience with anchor building is an excellent primer, but not required.
Availability:
- Friday with John Willard
- Saturday with Kristen Fiore
- Sunday with Steve Charest
Size: 1:4 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $125
Multi-pitch Transitions
Already comfortable on the rock and looking to step up your multi-pitch game? This clinic is all about mastering the technical efficiency that separates a long, grueling day on the cliff from a smooth, fast ascent. You will learn advanced techniques for streamlining your belay transitions and seamlessly managing complex rope systems. We will dive into practical, high-efficiency skills like parallel and caterpillar rope management, “outside-inside-under” station organization, stacking and flipping the rope pancake, and safely belaying two followers using different devices. Come learn what these systems mean in practice and walk away with the tools to drastically cut down your transition times while maintaining a rock-solid margin of safety.
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced climbers who can cleanly top-rope or follow 5.8 outdoors and 5.9 indoors. Belay competency and comfort with rappelling are required.
Availability:
- Friday with Andrea Charest
- Sunday with John Willard
Size: 1:2 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $225
Rock Rescue
What happens if your rope gets damaged, your rappel line gets stuck, or you need to safely bail off a project without leaving your entire rack behind? Worse yet, would you know how to safely descend with an injured partner? This clinic is designed to bridge the gap between climbing movement and essential crisis management by equipping you with critical problem-solving and self-rescue skills. You will learn a variety of hands-on techniques for handling both common crag mishaps and complex emergency scenarios. The focus will be on building a versatile, rock-solid toolkit of rescue systems that you can confidently adapt to any situation on the cliff, ensuring you are a self-reliant and responsible partner.
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced climbers who can cleanly top-rope or follow 5.8 outdoors and 5.9 indoors. Belay and rappel competency are required. Familiarity with basic knots and hitches (clove hitch, Munter mule overhand, and friction hitches) is highly recommended to maximize your learning.
Availability:
- Friday with Steve Charest
- Friday with Isaac Bernstein
- Saturday with Steve Charest
- Saturday with Isaac Bernstein
Size: 1:4 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $125
Multi-Pitch Two Session Progression
This immersive two-day clinic is designed to take you from the fundamentals of multi-pitch climbing to tackling bigger, more committing objectives. On day one, you will dial in the essential multi-pitch systems, rope management, and belay transitions on moderate terrain. On day two, you’ll step things up a notch, putting those newly refined skills to the test on harder, more complex routes. This progressive structure is perfect for climbers looking to expand their comfort zones, gain self-reliance in complex terrain, and experience some of Vermont’s finest classic vertical lines.
Prerequisites: Recommended for experienced climbers who can cleanly top-rope or follow 5.8 outdoors and 5.9 indoors. Belay competency and comfort with rappelling are required.
Availability:
- Saturday & Sunday with Antim Constantinescu
Size: 1:2 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $225
LGBTQ+ Open Clinic
This clinic is created for individuals who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community and is open to climbers of all ability levels. Whether you have only climbed indoors or have been moving on real rock for years, our professional instructor will tailor the day’s curriculum to match the specific experience, goals, and needs of the group. You will dive into personalized movement tips, master essential outdoor safety concepts, and explore how to approach climbing as a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit. By adapting the instruction in real-time to meet everyone exactly where they are, this clinic offers a supportive, inclusive, and customized environment to build community and elevate your skills on the stone.
Prerequisites: Open to climbers of all experience levels, from complete gym beginners to intermediate outdoor climbers.
Availability:
- Sunday with Kristen Fiore
Max Ratio: 1:6 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 16 years old | Price: $100
BIPOC Open Clinic
This clinic is created for individuals who identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color and is open to climbers of all ability levels. Whether you have only climbed indoors or have been moving on real rock for years, our professional instructor will tailor the day’s curriculum to match the specific experience, goals, and needs of the group. You will dive into personalized movement tips, master essential outdoor safety concepts, and explore how to approach climbing as a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit. By adapting the instruction in real-time to meet everyone exactly where they are, this clinic offers a supportive, empowering, and customized environment to build community and elevate your skills on the stone.
Prerequisites: Open to climbers of all experience levels, from complete gym beginners to intermediate outdoor climbers.
Availability:
- Saturday with John Willard
Max Ratio: 1:6 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 14 years old | Price: $100
Women’s Open Clinic
This clinic is for anyone who identifies as a woman and is open to climbers of all ability levels. Whether you have only climbed indoors or have been moving on real rock for years, our professional, female-identifying instructor will tailor the day’s curriculum to match the specific experience and goals of the group. You will dive into movement tips and techniques optimized for a female body, master essential safety concepts, and explore how to approach climbing as a fulfilling, lifelong pursuit. By adapting the instruction in real-time to meet everyone where they are, this clinic offers a supportive, customized environment to build your confidence and elevate your skills on the stone.
Prerequisites: Open to climbers of all experience levels, from complete gym beginners to intermediate outdoor climbers.
Availability:
- Saturday with Andrea Charest & Katrina Brewer
Max Ratio: 2:10 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 14 years old | Price: $100
Adaptive Open Clinic
Climbing is for everyone, including people with disabilities. This clinic provides a welcoming space for adaptive climbers to explore the systems and techniques available to experience the joys of climbing, including mental and physical strategies for planning a route and utilizing adaptive climbing equipment. The curriculum will be tailored entirely to the specific access requirements of the participants, with the goal of employing these techniques in a real outdoor setting at the Bolton Quarry. CRAG-VT has been actively working on an accessibility infrastructure project at the Quarry, and this clinic is being offered completely free of charge in exchange for your in-depth feedback on these new upgrades. Your experience and insights will directly help shape the future of accessible climbing in Vermont. Friends, family, and support providers/guides are welcome to join this session to assist, support, or accompany participants.
Prerequisites: We recommend this clinic for new and experienced climbers who would benefit from adaptive climbing techniques.
Availability:
- Sunday with Julia Vitale & Guide TBA
Max Ratio: 1:4 (guide:client) | Minimum Age: 14 years old | Price: Free
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