My boyfriend suggested I take rock-climbing and ice-climbing lessons with EMS, so we could spend more time together. He is a huge climbing enthusiast, and has also had good experiences with EMS. I love the outdoors, but I prefer activities that require little to no technical equipment and firm contact with the ground (running, martial arts, dance), so I was a little skeptical at first. That said, I had a terrific experience with EMS' one-on-one lessons with Jason. Both the rock-climbing (Gunks) and ice-climbing (Catskills) lessons were well-structured (started out easy to build confidence, then became more challenging), and a good blend of explanation/priniciple and practice. I learned more than expected, and surprised myself by going FAR beyond my comfort zone. By the end of the rock-climbing lesson, I had climbed 2 pitches, and by the end of the ice-climbing session, I had rappeled down 4 waterfalls and climbed three. And gotten used to hiking on crampons with a backpack, top-roping, belaying, etc. Although I felt a bit uncomfortable with the equipment and timid with heights, I never felt unsafe. This was due to Jason's professionalism, encouragement, and sense of confidence. He exudes calm, emphasizes safety, and truly wants you to have fun. I totally trusted my guide. The hard part is trusting yourself! read more

I did two days of private lessons with Jason, one of the guides, as opposed to doing the 3 day, group Intro to Lead course. I came in with some knowledge and a small amount of experience, and so this private format was essentially the same cost at the 3 day course, but far superior. Jason did an awesome job of covering and going through lots of topics, ranging from gear placement to self-rescue. Being able to ask lots of questions 1-1 was incredibly helpful, and he did an excellent job of going through scenarios to help push me to think critically about the climbing. More than anything, I appreciated the fact that he tailored what we did to where I was at as a climber, and he pushed me during the process. We also had some good laughs along the way. He is extremely knowledgeable and experienced and good at helping you learn how to think wisely about what you're doing while you climb. I would highly recommend the program and the guides. The only piece of advice I'd suggest if you're going to be doing private guiding vs. a group is to make sure you vocalize what it is you want to do, learn, or practice. Since there is always so much to cover, advocating specifically for what you're looking for will help assure you get out what you had hoped. Thanks Jason & EMS! read more

This place is where you want to be. Trust me, I did my research before signing my young adult son up (he's starting the very long process of becoming a mountaineer). There are many companies that offer instruction on the rock, but if you're looking for a personalized experience, look no further! They are so thoughtful about individual needs and goals. The guides are approachable, extremely knowledgeable, and they know when to push and when to step back. And yes, safety is the number one priority! They keep detailed records of every climb including how well you do...and they're really honest about what your weaknesses are, because in the end, they want you to succeed. It doesn't matter what your skill level is or if you've never climbed a day in your life, EMS has you covered! A special shout out to Nin for really taking the time to establish what my son's expectations were...and to the guides, Patti and Eric for making magic happen for 10 full days! They were easy to connect with which is so important when you're above the treetops (trust is essential with heights)! Is it corny to say they ROCK?!?!! I really can't say enough good things about this company and their team! A wonderful experience and we highly recommend!! read more

I just finished a whole day of private climbing instruction with guide Patty at EMS and had a truly wonderful experience. This was my first day ever climbing outdoors (with only 6 months climbing experience indoors) and she did a great job of picking routes and pacing our day so that I was engaged, productive and had stamina for eight full hours of climbing. We climbed on a Monday, so there were few people on the Gunks, making it possible for us to simply walk up to the most popular routes and climb without delay. We completed 10 pitches and several multipitch routes, exposing me to a variety of climbing techniques, equipment, and (foremost) emphasis on personal protection. A private lesson let me to move as quickly (or slowly) as needed. Patty was very knowledgeable and patient, listened well and let me ask lots of questions and never once made me feel like I was as novice as I am. I am definitely looking forward to repeating the experience to develop more skill and enjoy more challenge, and am already wondering when (in my busy life) I can fit in another private lesson and how quickly I can move to more advanced EMS courses. read more

Jason is the best! Second time climbing with him as a guide. Great teacher, excellent guide. Would recommend to anyone! The first time we climbed with Jason was on the weekend, where his knowledge of the area shined. The Gunks is very crowded on the weekend, particularly near the popular routes. He was still able to get us on some exceptional routes. He is able to quickly assess our skill and tailor the day to individual desire. We were looking to be challenged and he brought it. Along the way he provided excellent instruction, advice and conversation. The second experience was on a Monday. I highly recommend climbing the Gunks during the week if you can swing it. Much less crowded and we many more route options. Again, we had a blast. First rate climbing and training. Jason is also probably one of the most detail orientated guides I have met, particularly when it comes to safety. If you are concerned when it comes to safety, or even perhaps a little nervous about heights, etc., this is your guide. He knows his stuff! He is also very patient and takes the time to explain everything that is going on. read more

In late June 2014 I took the 1-day intermediate climbing class with 2 other students. I had never been to the Gunks before, so it was great that the EMS school was so easy to find. (coming from interstate 87). Jason was our guide. I was impressed with the emphasis on safety. It starts before you get to first route. If you show up with any gear of your own, including harness, the EMS guide will thoroughly check over your gear. We started out on 1 very easy, short route. Even though this was an intermediate class, our guide didn't take anything for granted--including the climbing experience we claimed we had! So, after safety checks are done, Jason evaluated our actual climbing ability before moving onto a 3 pitch route. We ended the day on a nice corner route. Throughout the day Jason gave us tips on rope/gear care, and good practical stuff like how to clip/unclip gear in a way that you won't drop it. All in all, I would recommend the EMS school. I think that 3 is the maximum # of students per guide, which is fine. If you sign up for a course and there's only 2 students you'll probably do a little more climbing. read more

Just got back from a one day private lesson at the Gunks. I was a little apprehensive about climbing the Gunks, because it was my first time climbing outside. I was vacationing in the area and want to see how my indoor climbing translated to the outside climbing world. I emailed the EMS store a few questions and they promptly got back to me and answered all of my questions. My guide, Jason did a great job. He provided instruction on each of the routes and with his knowledge of the area was able to move us from route to route to build both my confidence and my skills. I also met a few of the other instructors from EMS at the crag and all were very friendly and willing to offer opinions on what routes to tackle in order to challenge me, but not overwhelm me. I would highly recommend EMS to anyone who is considering using a guide to climb the Gunks. Billy read more

My father and I take an annual trip to New Paltz and this year we decided to try rock climbing during our visit. I have never rock climbed a day in my life and the experience was phenomenal. When we arrived, the staff was incredibly friendly, and seemed happy to be there. We met Jason, who was going to be training and guiding us. Jason was funny, friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive. He guided us with concern for our safety and during this experience, it awoke a passion I didn't know I had. I took to climbing and Jason answered all my questions with patience and humor. He worked very well with my father, was encouraging and it will be trip that I will remember for a long time. I highly recommend this place and most of all Jason, because he was a catalyst for a new found hobby and a shared memory of me and my dad. read more

I'm an old Outward Bound instructor (54) and have not climbed much in the last 10 years. Always wanted to try the Gunks. We did a full day with Bill Irving, the EMS guide. It was me, my wife, and our 11-year-old son. We did some easy top-ropes and my son and I did one easy 2-pitch climb (Betty). For us, it was just the right pace and a great intro to the Gunks. Got lucky with relatively cool weather for July and we had a blast. I think the quality of the experience is highly dependent on the quality and personality of the guide and Bill was great. Would climb with him again and--if he is representative of the EMS quality, would not hesitate to climb with EMS next time around... read more

I did a private and guided rock climbing day with two of my friends. Eric was our instructor. We all had a great time. We started out small and then did a multi-pitch climb during the last half of the day. Everybody felt challenged and learned as much as we wanted to learn. Eric didn't waste time teaching anything that wasn't necessary, but he did go more into depth if we asked questions. Definitely worth the money for anyone that only goes a few times a year and isn't that interested in leading themselves. You don't have to worry about keeping up with your own equipment since everything is provided. As a bonus, Eric e-mailed us pictures of the day. read more

My teenage son and I just completed our first outdoor rock climbing course (101) with Bill as our guide. It was just the 2 of us and so we were fortunate to have the individual attention. Bill chose routes that were "just right" for our level and increased the difficulty accordingly. He also helped talk us through some of the more challenging spots. There was a nice camaraderie with other climbers sharing the same walls and we were able to learn by observing those with more advanced skills. It was terrific experience despite being a cold 32 deg. morning (cold fingers!). We intend to come back when the weather picks up. read more

Awesome day. Matt was great. All the info conveyed was completely relevant and just right. There was even physics thrown in, kinda like the chemistry lesson on America's Test Kitchen (That was not promotional. Disclaimer: neither I nor anyone in my family is an employee or stock holder in that institution). It was the most physically challenging thing I ever did partially because of the fear factor at first. After I finally believed that I could not fall, it did indeed become an intellectual exercise and rappelling was a piece of cake. Overall, just amazing. I am going to join an indoor rock climbing gym this winter. read more

The EMS Winter Climbing 101 course was a small class (3 of us + 1 guide) led by a knowledgeable instructor, Eric from EMS in New Paltz. The morning was spent learning winter mountaineering skills (ascending snowy slopes, ice axe use, and getting used to crampons) and the afternoon spent ice climbing. Since all of us were more interested in the winter mountaineering aspect, Eric was able to skew the class more toward our interests as well. And all of this a short drive (or bus ride) from NYC. I will definitely consider the more advanced winter mountaineering courses that EMS offers. read more

I just recently took an ice climbing class ( 101)at EMS. I along with 3 of my friends went out with Eric from New Paltz. Although we did not have any experience on ice Eric provided us with the tools and knowledge to progress fairly quickly from basic ice axe technique,walking on ice to rappelling and climbing steep ice. We all wanted to move onto climbing steep ice and Eric moved us along so that by the end of the day we all managed to climb close to vertical ice. The experience was excellent and all of us will be out there again climbing ice this year. read more

Had a great time with Carolyn and Patty. I am a beginner climber, and they broke it down for me in a clear way. Everything from different ropes and their uses, ways to belay, different anchors you can build, etc. I'd love to go back and learn more! Carolyn has a personality to boot, with "rad" jokes and stories which help you remember techniques better. Would highly recommend the school to novice and experienced- they will cater to your level. I will be going back for sure. read more

I just got back from a self rescue class with Eric at EMS and it was an excellent experience! I can't stress enough to everyone that if you climb, you NEED to take this class! You may think you know how to get out of a situation but you would be surprised how much knowledge it takes to rescue yourself or your partner. Eric was an excellent instructor and walked us through the basics right on up to us going through a real life rescue scenario. Two thumbs up! Thanks guys! read more

I agree that the curriculum could be spelled out a little better, but the experience was excellent. Patty & Carolyn were extremely knowledgable, thorough and excited to engage myself and my associates in even the most basic of climbing skills. We all had quality take-aways even though we all have different levels of experience and skills. I would recommend the EMS climbing School to any beginner to novice level climber or those in need of a refresher course. read more

Wonderful experience. We did a 3 day private rock climbing with guide Patti. (2:1). Was everything we could have hoped for and more. We were two slightly different strength levels and Patti focused on our needs independently and still guided us together on many pitches each day. We would definitely go again and recommend EMS (private lessons-didn't experience the group class) for anyone seeking to learn/improve outdoor rock climbing. read more

Carolyn was an amazing guide. She was very knowledgeable and answered all our questions, and made sure we were comfortable and moving at the pace we wanted. She let us struggle and figure out difficult moves and asked before giving beta... other guides I have had talked way too much and it became hard to focus, but not with her. This allowed us to gain confidence and have a really satisfying day ! read more