Winter Courses and Private Guiding
Whether you have a specific goal, or you want one-on-one instruction, private guiding is the most popular choice for those looking to climb. From Lake Willoughby to classics in Smuggler's Notch, Sunrise guides are the most familiar with the area.
This one day course is an introduction to waterfall ice climbing and general mountaineering. It is best suited for novice climbers - NO prior experience is necessary! SAS provides all technical equipment - see the gear list for clothing and packing tips.
This one day course assumes some experience on ice – you have done some toproping, you know your knots, you may have some of your own equipment, but are looking for what to buy next – if you have caught the ice climbing bug and are ready for the next step, this course is for you! 
This is an advanced level two day course for climbers who feel ready for the "sharp end". Leading is very rewarding but one needs to be prepared with technical proficiency and a "bag of tricks" for the variety of situations ice presents. Smuggler’s Notch has a huge variety of beginner leading terrain, making it ideal to take those first steps. Participants should be comfortable top-roping Grade 4 ice.
Get ready for light and fast - not quite vertical ice, and not quite glacier climbing - alpine techniques will get you up and down before the inevitable thunderstorm and in time for happy hour. Alpine strategy, packing and equipment picks, glacial travel and rescue.
This year-round course is open to those with prior climbing and ropework experience who want to expand their rescue toolbox. We will focus on partner rescue – escaping the belay chain, simple mechanical advantage, and safe lowering techniques. After a morning of “ground school”, we will move to the cliff and practice these new skills in different climbing scenarios. This course can also be tailored to rescue groups who want to learn more complex rigging and the science behind it, including complex litter lowers and raises, high lines, and deflections.