My name is Swis, and I run Granite Arches Climbing Guides, a guiding service passionate about quality instruction. We started Granite Arches in 1996. For the past 20+ years we have been providing customized, boutique rock and ice climbing experiences for clients throughout the southeastern US.

I am an AMGA certified Rock Instructor, and an AMGA SPI course provider. I am a paramedic and board certified emergency physician.  
My main love, however, is getting out with our exceptional clients and helping them meet their climbing goals as efficiently as possible. At Granite Arches, our focus is on YOUR climbing goals, not OUR climbing accomplishments.

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My name is Swis, and I run Granite Arches Climbing Guides, a guiding service passionate about quality instruction. We started Granite Arches in 1996. For the past 20+ years we have been providing customized, boutique.

Swis Stockton, AMGA Rock Guide . 2 trips offered

Aerial Sports

Backcountry Skiing

Cross-country skiing

Heliskiing and Catskiing

Hiking

Horseback Riding

Ice Climbing

Mountain Biking

Mountain Climbing

Nature Discovery

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Top 5 volcanoes to climb in Ecuador

Nepal Guide: Best Himalayas Treks and Climbs

Crater Ski Runs on a Mount Yotei Dream Come True

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Mon argent

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Yama to keikoku

Le Matin

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Discover the magic of the Blue Ridge Mountains while breaking into the world of rock climbing! This one-day introduction to outdoor climbing course will prepare you for the plethora of objectives throughout the Appalachians and beyond, providing the foundation for an exciting career in rock climbing!

The Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina are a symbol of Appalachian wilderness, occupying the western landscape along its border with Tennessee. The range itself extends roughly 550 miles from Georgia to Pennsylvania. The granite and gneiss slabs across North Carolina’s beautiful forested terrain are perfect for rock climbing, hiking, and any outdoor activities. This pristine wilderness is the ideal place to launch an exciting career in mountain sports.

Your program is designed to do just that, utilizing the picturesque Blue Ridge as your classroom. Over the course of a day, you will learn everything from safety instruction and equipment preparation to belay technique and rope management. All of your learning will be hands-on, with a lot of climbing and practical application of newly-acquired techniques.

Common lessons include gear care and use, crimping and footwork, objective hazards, and navigation. With a wide umbrella of instruction, you will have plenty to practice while climbing constantly. I have over 20 years of experience, so you will have plenty of opportunities to gain personalized technique and feedback from a seasoned veteran.

With a tailored lesson plan geared toward the entire group, you will receive valuable tools to progress as an outdoor climber. First-time climbers and families are encouraged to join this fun and safe program. We will craft a program based on your needs and abilities to provide the best experience possible in one of America’s most beautiful settings. If one day isn’t enough, we can also extend your program for a more immersive experience. Longer courses will be more thorough and give you more climbing time.

This program will allow you to develop skills quickly while also giving you the training necessary to evaluate fellow climbers and your safety. As you obtain and practice safe techniques and build a solid foundation of knowledge, you will prepare yourself for a successful progression onto bigger, more ambitious objectives.

**Book this introduction to outdoor climbing course in the Blue Ridge Mountains NOW and spend one day on a guided rock climbing course that will provide a skill set for a lifetime and allow you to reach goals in North Carolina, the United States, and the world!**

We can also [spend a day rock climbing outside of Asheville, North Carolina, on Whiteside Mountain](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/rock-climbing-day-whiteside-mountain-near-asheville-nc/)!

Contact me upon booking for further information regarding our meeting point.

Join AMGA-certified guide Swis for a scenic and beneficial introduction to outdoor climbing course in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina for a day of guided instruction to develop your rock climbing skills.

1-day Introduction to outdoor climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1-day trip. AMGA Rock Guide guide

http://granitearches.com/intro-to-outdoor-climbing/
http://granitearches.com/why-climb-with-granite-arches/


1-day Introduction to outdoor climbing in the Blue Ridge Mountains

Take your climbing to new heights by spending a day on the rock of Whiteside Mountain near Asheville, North Carolina! This guided program in the Appalachian Mountains combines intermediate and advanced climbing routes with the unbridled beauty of the wilderness surrounding this almost-5,000 foot peak!

Known for its high cliffs and steep granite, Whiteside Mountain has become a climbing mecca for outdoor recreation enthusiasts in the Asheville area. Located in Southwestern North Carolina near the Georgia border, the volume of great intermediate and advanced climbing routes make it a must-climb for the dedicated mountain athletes in the Eastern United States. Its remote location, exposure to the elements, and poor protection have led to its reputation as a difficult mountain to climb.

With an early start, your program will set you up for a successful ascent of this exciting objective. We will follow the Original Route, a common multi-pitch line that is reserved for serious rock climbers. With my personal expertise on the rock, I will be able to guide you on a safe, satisfying, and all-around fun day to the highest reaches of this daunting wall.

Climbing the Original Route will involve climbs graded 5.7 to 5.11. The climbing is varied up a steep headwall. The most challenging section tends to be short, where we will aid climb as necessary to get to the 5.7 to 5.9 portions. With a focus on safety, you will be able to battle the volatile weather on isolated and long climbs, utilizing my guidance for a fulfilling run to the top of Whiteside.

There are plenty of other routes and climbs on Whiteside, so let me know what you are looking for and we can design a trip around your needs and abilities. This is often considered one of the most challenging climbs in the Southeast, so we can definitely find an adrenaline-pumping route just for you.

This is a demanding day of climbing with hazards and remote areas. You should be in good shape and capable of handling a sustained say in tough conditions. Previous climbing experience and a high level of climbing proficiency are required.

**Book this captivating one-day climbing program up Whiteside Mountain NOW and discover the magic of this North Carolina climbing destination near Asheville!**

For beginners just breaking into rock climbing, we can also enjoy a [one-day introduction to outdoor climbing course in the Blue Ridge Mountains](https://www.explore-share.com/trip/1-day-introduction-outdoor-climbing-blue-ridge-mountains/)!

We can possibly meet at nearby Cashiers. Contact me upon booking for further information on a meeting point.

Climb one of the most enticing mountains in the Southeastern United States with AMGA-certified guide Swis and take on Whiteside Mountain near Asheville, North Carolina, on a day program full of exciting pitches and exhilarating fun.

Rock climbing day on Whiteside Mountain, near Asheville, NC. 1-day trip. AMGA Rock Guide guide

http://granitearches.com/whitesides/
http://granitearches.com/why-climb-with-granite-arches/


Rock climbing day on Whiteside Mountain, near Asheville, NC

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