moderate
1–2 days
Must be in good physical shape with prior hiking or climbing experience; stamina for full-day outdoor training required.
Get ready for North America’s tallest peak with the Denali Prep Course in Conway, NH. Learn essential mountaineering skills in a hands-on course designed to build confidence and technical ability for your Alaska adventure.
Ages 18+ to Book • Up to 3 People • Mountaineering Course
Join the Denali Prep Course for an immersive 5-day experience designed to elevate your climbing skills! Covering essential techniques from knots to rappelling, this unique program prepares both beginners and intermediates for successful alpine adventures. Gain confidence and knowledge to become a leader or a competent partner on your Denali ascent!
5 Days
This one-of-a-kind course will set you up best for success for Denali! This course will run in the winter as well as in the spring/ summer/ fall. The itinerary will look a little different from the summer and winter programs. Both will cover a host of subjects from the basics such as knots, hitches, anchors, lead climbing and techniques, cleaning gear and anchors, rappels and rappel setups, etc. This course will best set you up for success in your alpine climbing career. The overall goal of this course is to get you to be either a leader or a more competent partner on a climbing team attempting Denali. This course is for beginners and intermediate climbers alike, or for anyone looking to elevate their climbing abilities and knowledge to summit Denali!
Prices: (Includes all technical rentals: Helmet, harness, boots, crampons, axes, ropes, sleeping bag*, sleeping pad*, 4 season tent*, cooking gear. Items with * means limited supply, please notify asap if you need these rentals) 1 person: $1600 2 people: $1250 per person 3 people: $1000 per person More than 3, please call to book!
Spend extra time mastering rope management and communication to ensure smooth glacier travel.
Dress in moisture-wicking layers to adapt quickly to New Hampshire’s unpredictable mountain weather.
Carry enough water and high-energy snacks to maintain stamina during lengthy training sessions.
Repetition is key for crevasse rescue skills; practice frequently to ensure readiness.
Conway sits near the Presidential Range, an area with a long mountaineering history dating back to early 20th-century alpine exploration.
Willard Mountain Guides emphasizes Leave No Trace ethics and works with local organizations to minimize environmental impact in sensitive alpine zones.
Rigid boots provide support and compatibility with crampons for glacier travel.
spring specific
Core tools for traction and self-arrest on icy terrain.
spring specific
Allows quick adaptation to fluctuating alpine conditions.
Protects against falling debris and during technical maneuvers.