Testimonials

SMU, Taos


“My friend, Nick Martin, and I spent 2 1/2 days of guided climbing in mid November with Mountain Skills Blue Diamond Nevada in Red Rocks Canyons Reservation Land. Although we booked our guide on fairly short notice, Donna made it happen with a phone call, and she was an excellent coordinator throughout our trip. Our guide, Thomas Gilmore, took us into the canyons to experience some classic and beautiful rock routes. He is an excellent leader, handling the sharp end flawlessly, and allowed us to push our limits into the mid 5.10 range. We felt very safe with him the entire time. He also gave us insight into the geology, flora, and fauna that we would not have had if we had climbed alone there. There was also definitely some time for clowning around! In addition to being a solid leader, Thomas is a solid person, and we hope to join him on some more adventures in the future! Big thanks to Mountain Skills and Thomas Gilmore for a great climbing experience!


Climbing in Red Rock Canyon, in Las Vegas, Nevada has been a dream of mine since I first visited as a newbie climber 8 years ago. I was finally able to return last November, and Donna at Mountain Skills made it incredibly easy to coordinate my trip.
 
My guide, Thomas, was incredibly open to providing the kind of climbing experience I wanted and made thoughtful suggestions based on my skill level and experience. Thomas does it all, from sport climbing to multi-pitch and multi-day classes, self-rescue clinics— seriously, climbers of all levels can learn something from him! I would highly recommend climbing with Thomas, as he is knowledgeable, professional, and enjoyable to be around. He truly has a passion for teaching, and teaches in an engaging and memorable way. He even emailed me more climbing material to read and practice afterward!
 
Thomas is also a great person. He took the time to (safely) snap some pictures of me working on a project and even stayed out late that day to give a rescue belay to a climber (not with a guide!) who dropped their rope while at the top of a wall.
 
The entire experience, which I expected to be great, exceeded my expectations. Thank you, Thomas and Mountain Skills! Can’t wait to come back to do some multi-pitch!”
 
Emily Weber

“My friend, Nick Martin, and I spent 2 1/2 days of guided climbing in mid November with Mountain Skills Blue Diamond Nevada in Red Rocks Canyons Reservation Land. Although we booked our guide on fairly short notice, Donna made it happen with a phone call, and she was an excellent coordinator throughout our trip. Our guide, Thomas Gilmore, took us into the canyons to experience some classic and beautiful rock routes. He is an excellent leader, handling the sharp end flawlessly, and allowed us to push our limits into the mid 5.10 range. We felt very safe with him the entire time. He also gave us insight into the geology, flora, and fauna that we would not have had if we had climbed alone there. There was also definitely some time for clowning around! In addition to being a solid leader, Thomas is a solid person, and we hope to join him on some more adventures in the future! Big thanks to Mountain Skills and Thomas Gilmore for a great climbing experience!”


“I have just had three fantastic days being shown around by Jay Foley of Mountain Skills Rock Guides. We got in some great climbs and I was able to see the huge potential for climbing around Taos, visiting Tres Piedras, Comales Canyon and finally the legs on Questa Dome. The top pitch of the Five Eight Variant was pure magic, dramatic, steep and yet with superb holds. Many thanks to Jay and Dennis for showing me around, pointing me at climbs that I could manage to lead, and most of all to their excellent  company. You have some truly beautiful climbing.”

Sir Chris Bonington


“My husband and I did a full day climb on Cat in the Hat. Thomas Gilmore was overall one of the best guides we have ever climbed with; very personable and extremely knowledgeable. We had a great time and would definitely climb with Thomas again!!! Thanks Thomas!!!”


“Our family enjoyed a wonderful day climbing Calico Hills in Red Rock. Our guide Jake was fun to be with, super experienced, very safe, and easy-going. Booking was simple and friendly. I would definitely climb with Mountain Skills again!”


“Mountain Skills rock climbing school is fantastic! For 30 years they have provided us with exceptional organization and service and wonderful guides. They always make sure everyone feels comfortable and challenged from the novice who has never climbed before to the expert climber. Our day with them is always a favorite among the SMU students!”
Mandy Golman, M.S.
SMU Wellness Instructor


I just wanted to let you guys at the school know that my kids and I had a great time. David was a wonderful instructor, and I really appreciate his patient and professional approach to teaching a very serious subject to my two overly enthusiastic children. My kids came away with a healthy respect for a challenging sport and confidence that they can do more than they ever thought possible. Also, this was the coolest thing I have done on my birthday in many, many, years. Please convey my sincere appreciation to David once again. 

Mark Matise


Dear friends at Mountain Skills,

I wish you could hear the excitement in the voices of our Cross Training campers when they return from an afternoon of rock-climbing adventure! As they relate the experience to their peers, they are so proud of the challenges they faced. Every year as we plan for our camp activities, we know that the campers who go rock-climbing with your Mountain Skills staff will build confidence, have a great time, and learn a lot about safety and supporting each other. Our campers are always very complimentary of your staff and the way they both challenge and encourage. What an awesome group of professionals you are! Thank you…we’ll be back again next year!

Jan Meyer
Executive Director of ACU Leadership Camps


Girl Scouts from Camp Elliot Barker

“Thank you so much! The girls loved it!” Squeek
“It was the most exciting thing I’ve ever done” Mercedes
“You guys are great. It wouldn’t have been camp without you” Lacie


“Olivia and I had a great time climbing. She still talks about her adventure with you guys on real rock. What a memory for a 10 year old kid! Next time we’re in the area, we will come climb again.” Hans


“Hey Man! Just wanted to tell you thanks!!! You took my wife and I climbing at Dead Cholla last Tuesday, and it has sparked a new love and appreciation for the sport. We are both very excited and grateful that we got the chance to meet you and spend a little time together on the rock. We will definitely be making another trip to Taos, in the not so distant future, and we will contact you for longer trip. Thanks again man, keep up the good work!!!

Jeremy and Robyn Fennell

Tulsa, OK

PS. We went by Taos Mountain Outfitters and bout a copy of your book, AWESOME!


HI just wanted to let you know thaw we had a great time climbing with Guy last Saturday.. Mountain Skills greatly exceeded my expectations of what the day would entail. The routes he selected were varied, challenging, and fun. It was definitely one of the best days of climbing I ever had. I am not sure when I will be back in Vegas, but I will certainly book another trip whenever I get there.


Had a SPECTACULAR day of climbing at El Rito with Jay Foley! He is such a competent climber – very professional but loads of fun – great personality. This is the second time I’ve used this company, and I look forward to using your services on future climbing trips.

Happy climbing!

Susan Eller


I am writing you on behalf of my guide, Dan Young. May trip today was phenomenal thats to Dan. He was a wonderful guide. He made me feel comfortable, was unbelievably knowledgable, was safe and thorough in his explanations. I am really very thankful for my adventure with Dan as my guide. He encouraged me to step out of the box, and really explore my capabilities. With that, I feel that he enabled me to grow, and become a stroner person. I will definitely be back, AND asking for Dan to be my guide again!!! Today I had a ton of fun, a dn a life long memory was formed. I am thrilled that Dan could be part of it!!!

THANKS AGAIN to you and Dan!!!

Victoria Appelbaum

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