The New River Gorge is the kind of place that makes you fall in love with climbing (or fall back in love with it). Think towering sandstone, featured holds, and endless options. Come as you are— whether you're starting at zero or refining your movement—and get skill-forward coaching in small groups. Expect the kind of community that makes it easy to challenge yourself and ask questions—and leave with more confidence, better technique, and new climbing friends.
New River Gorge Climbing Retreat
- Regular price
- $1,950.00 USD
- Sale price
- $1,950.00 USD
- Regular price
What's Included & Not Included
What's Included & Not Included
Included:
- 2½ days of guided climbing
- Optional rappelling
- 3 night of lodging
- All rock climbing gear.
- Two and a half days of guided climbing
- Optional rappelling on final day
- All meals, starting Saturday morning
- Not Included:
- Everything not explicitly mentioned on this website
- Transportation during the retreat. We will help guests organize carpools
- Gratuities to guides. We recommend between 15-25% depending on your experience.
- Trip protection. We will host this retreat rain or shine. If the weather is poor we will propose alternative activities such as technical skills lessons (anchor building, self-rescue, multi-pitch) or hiking. While we can't predict the weather, we have chosen these dates because they present us the driest weather without being too hot.
Cancellation & Trip Insurance
Cancellation & Trip Insurance
We will host this retreat rain or shine. If the weather is poor we will propose alternative activities such as technical skills lessons (anchor building, self-rescue, multi-pitch) or hiking. If poor weather would make you want to cancel we recommend looking into our Cancel For Any Reason option.
Here is a link to our cancellation policy. We strongly suggest purchasing trip insurance to protect your investment.
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For this program, we’re partnering with Elaina Arenz and the team at New River Mountain Guides to bring you world-class instruction in one of the most storied climbing destinations in the U.S.
You can expect a supportive, skill-forward weekend that balances high-quality instruction with the kind of community She Moves Mountains is built on—so you leave not only having climbed a lot, but also understanding why things work, and feeling more capable the next time you tie in.
all images taken by Jim Lawyer
Climbing
Climbing in the New River Gorge can be whatever you need it to be—your first time on a rope, your first day outside, or a chance to push into harder routes with expert coaching. To make sure everyone feels supported and appropriately challenged, we’ll split into small groups with three guides and tailor the day to your experience level: Intro: brand new to climbing? We’ll start with the fundamentals and build confidence step by step. Intermediate (5.5–5.9): for climbers with some experience who want mileage, technique, and coaching—especially if you’re newer to outdoor climbing. Advanced: for climbers ready to tackle more challenging routes and refine skills with guide support.
Rappelling
On our final day, you’ll choose between a half-day of climbing or a 2-hour guided Rappel Adventure paired with a few hours of climbing. This rappelling experience is an unforgettable introduction to vertical terrain. You’ll learn the fundamentals of rappelling, then descend a stunning cliff with iconic views of the New River Gorge Bridge. No prior experience is required.
Accommodation
Our basecamp for the New River Gorge trip will be The Meadows—a spacious, solar-powered cabin tucked into the woods just outside Fayetteville. We’ve reserved the home for our retreat, giving our group plenty of room to relax between climbing days. The Meadows is set on a private-feeling rural property with acres of yard and a peaceful, scenic setting. For sleeping, you’ll have the option of a private room or a bed in our bunk room.
Meals
We love to eat! And we love supporting local businesses. At each retreat we work with local restaurants to offer the best tasting food of the region. And don't worry - we can accommodate those with food restrictions*. We provide a simple breakfast of bagels & cream cheese (GF and Vegan options provided), eggs, grain free granola, yogurt, fruit and nuts. For lunch we will be making sandwiches and provide a variety of snacks and bars.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1
Starting at 6pm, we'll have check-in and happy hour, followed by introductions before a good night's sleep.
Day 2
We'll start the day off right with a good breakfast, then drive to the New River Gorge for a full day of climbing! At 4pm, we'll head back to the Meadows for dinner and a campfire.
Day 3
Following a solid breakfast, we'll head out for another fabulous and full day of climbing in the New. After testing our mettle on rock, we'll enjoy another afternoon at the Meadows with dinner and relaxation around a campfire.
Day 4
Day four has more New River Gorge amazingness in store. After breakfast, we’ll pack up and check out of our accommodations, then head out for a final half-day adventure (about 4 hours)—either a half-day of climbing or a rappel + climb combo (a 2-hour guided rappel adventure paired with a few hours of climbing). We’ll plan to say our goodbyes at the crag before everyone heads off for travel home.
FAQs
Age & Physical Requirements
- Ability to hike three miles over varied terrain while carrying a 15 lb backpack. Ability to do 20 squats.
- Must be 18 years of age or older.
Travel Information
Fayetteville is easy to reach from anywhere in the U.S. Most guests fly into Charleston, WV (CRW) (about 1 hr 20 min from Fayetteville). From there, you can either rent a car at the airport or arrange a private airport transfer (car or shuttle/van) with advance booking. If you’re looking for other flight options, Beckley, WV (BKW) is closest but has more limited schedules, and Pittsburgh (PIT) or Roanoke (ROA) can be great alternatives depending on your home airport. We’ll connect the group ahead of time so you can coordinate shared rides, transfers, and arrival times if you’d like.
How many participants come by themselves?
The majority of women come to our clinics alone - somewhere around 95%. If you are hesitating to join because you would be coming solo, please know that we expect a majority of our participants to be joining by themselves, seeking community.
What is the average age of the women who attend?
We generally have a wide range of ages at our retreats. The average tends to fall anywhere between the ages of 26 to 45. But we have had quite a few women in their 60's join as well. It really is up to the attitude and physical ability of the participant.
I've never climbed before, can I come?
ABSOLUTELY. We will have at 3 instructors at the retreat so that we can accommodate a wide range of abilities. In fact, teaching people the basics of rock climbing is what we do best. The entire ethos of She Moves Mountains guiding is to remember what it felt like to try climbing for the first time. It's intimidating, but we will be with you ever step of the way.
What happens if it rains or the weather is poor?
All of our retreats are rain or snow or smoke or shine. We do our best to choose dates where this won't be an issue, but it's always a possibility. Even more so with the changing climate. If poor weather occurs we will propose alternative activities such as movement skills at the climbing gym, technical skills lessons such as anchor building or multi-pitch clinics, or hiking.
If poor weather will ruin your experience we suggest that you purchase "cancel for any reason" trip protection as we will not be providing any refunds due to weather related issues.
Can people with food allergies join?
People with food allergies are absolutely welcome to join us at our program! We have food options that are vegan, gluten free, lactose free. Of course, if it would make you more comfortable, you are also welcome to pack your own meals.
I am plus sized. Am I able to climb?
Yes! We want you here and we are committed to making your experience a positive one.
If you can:
• Hike three miles over varied terrain while carrying a 15 lb backpack
• Do 20 squats
• Have good balance
• And maintain a positive attitude
CLIMBING IS FOR YOU!
Currently the most limiting factor is the ability to fit into a harness. We have harnesses that can accommodate up to a 56inch waist. We are looking into getting a fleet of fully adjustable harnesses before next season starts.
Are payment plans available?
Yes we have two types of payment options. Please visit our Payment Plans page for more information.
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