Rock Climbing Instruction in Virginia

At OWLS, we take pride in our rock climbing courses and high-quality instruction.  Our instructors have decades of climbing and outdoor experience and most of them have been trained by the American Mountain Guides Association.  We offer courses ranging from the novice to the advanced and teach rope techniques for efficiency on long and short routes. Get out of the Gym.

Call Today! 406-920-2808

We are the only climbing school that teaches lead climbing by actually letting the students lead in a safe environment. We are the only outfitter that is permitted to guide in the George Washington National Forest and Wintergreen Resort in the Blue Ridge Mountains.  We instruct on the only multi-pitch climbing areas in Virginia.  The Goat Path at Wintergreen Resort in Virginia is a great 300’ climb that allows you to get a feel of multi-pitch climbing on a low angle slab.  This climb, is one of  the more than 26 developed cliffs, on Wintergreen Resort's Nature Preserve that will challenge nearly any ability level.  For those looking for more challenge, the imposing 200’ Love Gap, off of the Blue Ridge Parkway, offers more challenging multi-pitch climbing.  These locations see little traffic, so the only eyes on you will be that of your group and the several Hawks and Turkey Vultures that will be gliding at your eye level.

OWLS Climbing Program and School is simply Virginia's largest, safest, and most comprehensive rock climbing program, period! Southwest Montana's only USFS permitted program through Montana Alpine Guides. Our permitted and private climb sites rival both Seneca Rocks and Joshua Tree. On all of our courses you will learn safety, technique, equipment and gear identification, belaying, absailing (rappelling), basic knots, meteorology, and other various skills.

In addition to the technical skills you will learn, you and your group will learn about natural history, ecology, ecosystem management, geology and other fundamental environmental skills to preserve the integrity of the rock for those who will follow you. All courses are available to individuals, groups, schools, and corporations. Classes in sport, lead, and top rope available - difficulty: 5.6-5.11. Join the adventure. These courses are taught by our highly skilled AMGA Certified instructors who will help you develop your skills on the rock.

Classes also take place in Potomac, Maryland and Seneca Rocks, West Virginia.