First Time at North Country Climbing
First time visiting the North Country Climbing? Awesome! Here’s some information to help you out. In addition to the information on this page, check out our Climbing Overview page to learn some climbing basics.
Visitor and Liability Release Agreement
All visitors, whether they are climbing or not, must complete a Visitor Agreement. Any visitor under the age of 18 years must have their parent or legal guardian sign their form. You can fill it our online or in person when you arrive.
If you prefer, you can download a copy of it, print it off, sign it, and bring it in. If you do that, please write legibly! We actually do read and transcribe all the information from the form into our customer database. Also, note that the signature space is on the second page.
What to Expect for Your First Time at North Country Climbing
Getting Here
To reach us, use the main Evergreen entrance and follow the signs past the party rooms, golf simulation room, dance studio, and gymnastics studio. While the access hallway can be a bit chilly, we keep the climbing gym at a comfortable temperature so you can focus on your climb.
First Things First
Before you start, you’ll need to fill out and sign a waiver. This is required for all visitors, even if you aren’t climbing.
Greeting and Purchase
When you arrive at our front desk, one of our friendly and knowledgeable staff members will greet you, review your options, and process your purchase.
Rental Gear
If you need rental gear, we’ll help fit you for climbing shoes and a harness. Finding the right fit may take a few tries, but we’ll make sure you’re comfortable and ready to climb.
Orientation
Before your first climb, a staff member will give you a brief orientation—usually about 5 minutes. You’ll learn about the different areas of the gym, the types of climbing available, and our policies. Our team is really knowledgeable, so this is the perfect time to ask questions and get tips to make the most of your visit.
Your Adventure Begins
Once orientation is complete, it’s time to start climbing! Explore the routes, practice your skills, and enjoy your first adventure at North Country Climbing.
First-Time Options for Beginners, Families, and New Climbers
At North Country Climbing, we strive to make climbing fun, accessible, and affordable for everyone. Our visitors come with a wide range of backgrounds and abilities, so we offer several options to meet your needs. While having choices can feel a little overwhelming, it’s actually quite simple. For first-time climbers, there are two main options:
Open Climb Package (Recommended)
Description: This includes everything you need for a great time climbing: a day pass, full climbing gear rental, and skilled N3C staff provide belays until you and/or your kids can’t lift your arms.
This is the best option, and what we recommend, if you are just looking for a good time climbing!
Pricing: $45 for adults, $40 for students and military, $30 for kids 5 to 10, $20 for kids 4 and under.
Timing: We offer Open Climbs whenever we are open. If you are bringing a larger group, we strongly recommend reservations or calling ahead of time. You can expect the gym to be busier around the holidays.
Reservations: Reservations are not necessary, but can help speed up the check-in process. Click here for Open Climb Package reservations.
Best for: People who want to climb! Families love this option because they can all get as much climbing as they wish.
Bouldering / Auto-Belays Only
Description: Alternatively, consider getting a day pass to climb independently in our bouldering area and on our auto-belays. Bouldering is climbing on shorter walls (up to 14 feet high) with a thickly padded floor but no ropes. Although many new climbers find this to be counterintuitive, bouldering is often more physically demanding than roped climbing, so it’s not necessarily the best type of climbing for beginners.
Pricing: Day Pass is $21 for adults, $18 for students and military, $15 for kids 5 to 10, $5 for kids 4 and under. Rental gear (shoes, harness, and chalk) is additional. See Pricing page for details.
Timing: Come in anytime we are open, for as long or as short as you’d like!
Reservations: Reservations are not required, but can help speed up the check-in process. Click here for Day Pass reservations.
Best for: People who are short on time or don’t like the idea of ropes.
If you have any additional questions, feel free to call us at 603.838.5300, contact us online, or message us on Facebook.
Lessons at North Country Climbing
Check out our new lessons! Whether you are a new climber and want to gain independence or you are looking to further develop your skills for the outdoor season, we have lessons for you!
These are best suited for climbers looking to become more independent, but they’re not ideal for new or first-time climbers. If you’re new to climbing or just want a fun day at the gym, the best way to start is to simply come in and climb! Our Open Climb Package provides everything a beginner needs for a great day of climbing.
*We do not recommend any climbing or belay lessons for first-time or newer climbers.*
Top Rope Belay Lesson
Best For
Climbers who want to become independent in the gym.
What You’ll Learn
In this lesson, you’ll learn the fundamentals of top-rope climbing, including:
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Tying into a rope using a retraced figure-eight knot
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How a belay device works
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Proper setup of the belay system
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How to belay and lower a climber
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Standard climbing commands and communication
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Standard partner checks
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Hands-on practice to build confidence
When
Schedule a time that works for you. Book online, call 603-838-5300, or contact us directly.
Advance reservations are required.
Duration
Approximately 1–2 hours, depending on group size and pace.
Who It’s For
This lesson is a great fit for:
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Climbers who want to belay independently
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Those returning after a long break
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Parents who want to belay for their children
Need to Know
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This is a belay-focused lesson and does not include full climbing instruction
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Not recommended for first-time climbers—consider our Open Climb package instead
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Participants must be at least 14 years old to belay
Lead Climb and Belay Lessons
Learn to Lead Climb & Belay
Best For
Experienced climbers who are comfortable with top-rope belaying and ready to progress to lead climbing.
What You’ll Learn
This two-part lesson introduces the systems and techniques used in lead climbing and lead belaying. You’ll learn:
Lead Belaying
- Taking in and paying out rope without introducing excess slack or restricting movement
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Proper positioning relative to the climber and rope path
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Catching lead falls
Lead Climbing
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Clipping the rope into quickdraws efficiently
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Choosing appropriate clipping stances
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Identifying the best quickdraws to clip on a route
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Recognizing and avoiding z-clipping and back clipping
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Managing rope position while climbing
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Taking lead falls
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Plenty of hands-on practice to build confidence with both systems
When
Lessons are scheduled by request. Call 603-838-5300 or contact us to set up your sessions.
Advance reservations are required.
Duration
Two sessions, typically scheduled about one week apart. Each session lasts approximately 2–3 hours.
Cost
Members for $80, and Non-Members for $100. This includes a day pass for non-members.
Who It’s For
This lesson is a great fit for:
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Climbers who are proficient with top-rope belaying
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Those looking to expand their skills and take on more advanced climbing systems
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Climbers ready to learn how to lead climb and lead belay
Need to Know
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Prior top-rope belay experience is required
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Participants must be top rope belay certified or take the test at the start of the lessson
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Participants must be at least 14 years old
Advanced Lead Climbing
Best For
Lead climbers who are already comfortable leading and belaying indoors and want to refine skills, build confidence, and prepare for outdoor climbing.
What You’ll Learn
This two-session program is designed to help climbers explore advanced techniques and build the skills needed to climb more efficiently and confidently. Topics may include:
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Improving clipping and belaying efficiency
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Managing fear and comfort with lead falls
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Assessing and preparing for outdoor climbing
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Route reading and planning sequences
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Personalized instruction based on your goals and skill level
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Hands-on practice with coaching and feedback
Each session is tailored to the participant’s experience and can focus on any combination of technical skills, movement strategy, and mental preparation for climbing outdoors.
When
Lessons are scheduled by request. Call 603-838-5300 or contact us to book your sessions.
Advance reservations are required.
Duration
One session, about 2–3 hours.
Cost
Members for $50, and Non-Members for $70. This includes a day pass for non-members.
Who It’s For
This lesson is a great fit for:
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Climbers who already lead climb indoors
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Those looking to increase efficiency, confidence, and control
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Climbers preparing to take their skills outdoors
Need to Know
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Prior lead climbing and lead belay experience is required
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This is a personalized, advanced program, not an introduction to lead climbing
- Participants must be lead belay and climb ceritified or take the test at the start of the lesson
Multipitch and Self-Rescue
Intro To Multipitch Climbing
Indoor Lessons Coming Soon!
Self-Rescue Techniques
Indoor Lessons Coming Soon!
Lesson Cancellation Policy
To ensure the best possible experience, we typically schedule additional staffing for belay lessons and lead lessons. Out of respect for our staff, please try not to cancel scheduled lessons.
- Lessons may be canceled for a full refund with at least 48 hours notice
- If a lesson is canceled less than 48 hours in advance, 50% of the cost may be applied toward a future lesson of the same type
- Lessons that are not canceled at least 24 hours in advance will not be refunded if they are missed