The West Ridge of Forbidden is one of the best climbs in the North Cascades.  Check out this video shot last week by Chase Wallace.  Conditions are prime right now!

In a mountain range stacked with classic alpine climbs, the West Ridge of Forbidden is definitely one of our favorite climbs in the North Cascades.  Last week I headed out with a long-time client of mine, John Williams, to show him one of the best climbs in the Cascades.  We have climbed quite a few classics over the years, most of the time with his wife Susan.  The Matterhorn, Mount Rainier, Mount Shuksan are just a few of the fun climbs we've shared together.

After our great trip to the Bugaboos last year Leslie came back for some more climbing in Canada.  This time we decided to head farther east into the Canadian Rockies and attempt Mount Assiniboine.  Conditions had been dry most of the summer but right before our trip the mountain picked up a bunch of new snow.  We were undeterred and were looking forward to the added challenge.

Jeff just finished up guiding a trip in the Bugaboos.  The weather was perfect and climbing conditions couldn't have been better.  This was a exploratory trip for NCMG to see if we wanted to offer this trip in the future.  Jeff can't stop raving about the trip so this will likely be a trip that we offer next year.  Classics such as the West Ridge of Pigeon Spire and the Kain Route on Bugaboo Spire are just of few of the amazing alpine rock routes that this area has to offer.

Mount Shuksan is one of the true iconic peaks in the North Cascades.  It has to be one of the most beautiful peaks in the world, with sharp rock spires sticking out of massive glaciers.  Last week David and Chris from Billings, Montana had the opportunity to climb the Sulphide Glacier on Mt. Shuksan with Jeff.  They spent three days climbing and training on the peak.

A few weeks ago, long time NCMG guest and documentary film maker Pete Vogt ran a film camp here in the Methow Valley.  Each of the students was required to produce a sub 5 minute documentary during the camp.  One of the students decided to make a video about climbing and the metaphors it reflects on everyday life with the help of NCMG.  Unfortunately during the climbing day, a thunderstorm moved in and they were forced to climb in the rain at Fun rock. Here is film maker Willow Jon Collamer's film titled "REACHING".  We hope you enjoy it.

While the valley is sweltering under 90+ degree temps, conditions at Washington pass have been ideal.  Highs in the 70's, great views and long climbs are just what this weather calls for.  Last week, NCMG guides Matt Walker and Larry Goldie decided to link up a couple of classic routes in the Wine Spires in a long day.  The began with the West ridge of Paisano Pinnacle, and then continued on to the North Face of Burgundy spire.  These

There are certain routes at Washington Pass that are in a league of their own in terms of quality, accessibility and just plain fun.  These make up our favorite climbs, and the SW Rib has a secure spot as the best 5.8 climb at the pass.  Toward the end of June, Larry guided Kyle Kimball for a day on this route and made a short video that shows some of the superb climbing and the spectacular setting that makes this route such a gem.

As part of Mountaineers night at the Trails End Bookstore in Winthrop, Larry gave a slideshow presentation.  Many of those attending said they found the slides inspirational, so we thought we would share a short closing segment of the slideshow with all of you that weren't able to make it.  Enjoy!

Climbing in the European Alps.... The birthplace of Alpinism.  Big North Faces and perfect granite.  High Mountain Huts and hundreds of ski lifts that eliminate the back breaking work of an approach with an overnight pack.  What more could you ask for??  How about some of the best food in the world paired with a nice French wine?  There's a reason NCMG continues to offer climbing trips to the Alps every summer.  Here's a little slide show of some of the great climbing we've experienced over the years.