Blue Ridge Mountain Guides
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Our Blog

Free Webinars!

3/30/2020

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In light of being grounded due to COVID-19, BRMG is hosting multiple online webinars on climbing, skiing, and guiding. These will be hosted over Zoom. You will need to download their platform prior to joining. While not required, we encourage you to register for the specific sessions. 

AMGA SPI Course and Assessment Q&A - April 7th 7:30pm EST 
- An overview of the program presented SPI Program Provider pool members and questions from people interested in taking the course or assessment. 
- Panelists include Ron Funderburke, Adam Fox, Derek DeBruin, Azissa Singh, Grant Price, and Sean Taft-Morales. 

Ask A Guide - April 9th 7:30pm EST 

- This 1h webinar will be a Q&A sessions with BRMG's head guide Grant Price. 
Grant is an AMGA Rock Instructor, AIARE Instructor, SPI provider, and AMGA Apprentice Rock Alpine and Ski Guide. 
Topics of questions might include technical systems, gear, terrain, or stories and lessons from the mountains.

​AMGA SPI Q&A - April 14th 7:30pm EST
 
- This Q&A webinar is for currently certified AMGA SPI's 
- Panelists include Ron Funderburke, Adam Fox, Derek DeBruin, Azissa Singh, Grant Price, and Sean Taft-Morales. 

​Ask A Guide - April 16th 7:30pm EST 
- This 1h webinar will be a Q&A sessions with BRMG's head guide Grant Price, Mark Vanover, and Casey Dietrich. 
-Topics of questions might include technical systems, gear, terrain, or stories and lessons from the mountains.

​Avalanche Awareness Webinar - April 28th 7:30pm ET 
- This 1h session introduces the mountain hazard of snow avalanches. Whether you have only encountered avalanches on the big screen or are a climber or backcountry skier, this session is for you. The session will cover an overview of the hazard and how you can continue your avalanche education.
- This session will be taught by Grant Price who is an American Institue of Avalanche Research and Education(AIARE) Instructor, American Avalanche Association(AAA) Professional Member, AMGA Rock Instructor and AMGA Apprentice Ski Alpine and Rock Guide. ​
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Garmin inReach Explorer+ Review

4/16/2018

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Get your Message Out. Wherever you are. 

How often do you find yourself recreating outside of cell service? What would you do in the event of any emergency? Or, do you just need to let loved ones know where you are and that you're ok while on a trip? If you don't have another means of communication, a satellite communicator like the Garmin inReach may be the solution.
What is it: The Garmin inReach is a satellite communicator. It's a little larger than most smart phones and has an integrated GPS receiver. Satellite communicators are capable of sending either preprogrammed or custom messages and emails or SMS texts as well as your current location. The inReach stands above similar models like the SPOT in that the inReach allows complete customization of messages from the device, or over Bluetooth tethering with your mobile device and the Garmin Earthmate app.
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Pros: 
  • Fast message transmissions (30seconds-5mins) 
  • Easy button navigation, even with gloves 
  • External SOS Button 
  • GPS and messenger all in one
  • Convenient phone tethering
  • Suspendible service plan 
  • More economical than a sat phone 
Cons: 
  • Another device to have to carry
  • Reception is poor without a clear view of the sky. Rock formations, dense trees, and mountains can be obstructions  
  • Device is expensive 
Guide Service Application: 
Blue Ridge Mountain Guides operates with two inReach devices. There is always at least one device in the field when guides are at locations like Seneca Rocks, WV where there is no cell phone service. When there are multiple parties out, each guide has a VHF radio and the highest ranking guide carries the inReach. Should an issue arise, information can be relayed by radio to the guide carrying the inReach. 

BRMG utilizes the preprogrammed messages(free to send) each day to communicate to our Virginia office that the day is complete and everyone is clear of the mountain. 
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Your Guide to Seneca Rocks Climbing

3/23/2018

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Seneca Rocks, WV Rock Climbing
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Headed to Seneca Rocks to climb for the first time? This guide will give you the beta you need for a successful first ascent! 

Seneca is located just 3.5 hours or less from major cities like Washington, D.C., Pittsburg, PA, Richmond, VA and more. The appeal of Seneca is that not only does it host amazing multi-pitch rock climbing but, it's the east coast's tallest 5th class summit. Routes range from 60 to 300 feet tall over 1-6 pitches. You can start climbing from Roy Gap road or hike up the "Stair Master" to the base of the South Peak to shorten the day. From the road it's 5-6 pitches to the summit, while hiking the stairs shortens the day to around 3. 

Climbing Services 
Seneca can present difficult route finding, following, and rappels. Hiring a guide to show you around the area can ensure you learn your way around and get plenty of climbing in! 
  - Blue Ridge Mountain Guides 
  - Seneca Rock Climbing School 
  - Seneca Rocks Mountain Guides


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Climbing Guide's Pack

2/21/2018

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Ever wonder what’s in a climbing guide’s pack for a day in the mountains? Probably less than you think but with more uses than you can imagine! Here you will find what we like to carry for a day of multi-pitch rock climbing in Virginia, West Virginia, or North Carolina.

Guide pack: Black Diamond Speed 22
  • Harness: Misty Mountain Cadillac
  • Helmet: Petzl Meteor 3+
  • Shoes: Five Ten Huecos
  • Chalk Bag: Prana
  • Belay Device: Black Diamond ATC Guide or Kong GIGI
  • HMS Carabiners: Petzl Attaches (3-5)
  • Accessory Carabiner: Black Diamond Locking Positron (1-3)
  • Racking Carabiners: Petzl Ange S (8)
  • Draws: Petzl Ange L and Fin’ Anneau slings (8-12)
  • Rack: Black Diamond cams (sizes: .4-3), Metolious (sizes: blue & yellow), Wildcountry Hexes and ABC stoppers.
  • Prussik cords: Sterling Hollowblock (2)
  • 4’ Nylon Sling; Black Diamond (1-2)
  • Nut Tool: Metolious
​
  • Headlamp: Petzl Tikka
  • Med Kit: 2-3 people 1-2 days
  • Energy Bar: Cliff Bar
  • Hydration Bladder: Platypus Hoser 1.8L
  • Pocket Knife: SOG
  • Communications: Cell Phone, VHF Radio, or PLB
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    Grant Price

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  • DESTINATIONS
    • Virginia >
      • Wintergreen
      • Great Falls
      • Richmond
    • West Virginia >
      • Seneca Rocks
      • New River Gorge
    • North Carolina >
      • Pilot Mountain
      • Stone Mountain
      • Moores Wall
    • New Hampshire >
      • White Mountains
  • PROGRAMS
    • Private Guiding
    • Private Courses >
      • First Ascent
      • Gym To Crag
      • Top Rope Anchors
      • Sport Leading
      • Trad Leading
      • Self-Rescue
    • Group Courses
    • AMGA Programs >
      • AMGA SPI
      • AMGA CWI
    • Ice Climbing >
      • VA Ice Climbing
      • NH Ice Climbing
  • INFO
    • Book Now
    • Rates
    • AMGA Info
    • FAQ
    • Our Guides >
      • Grant Price
      • Casey Dietrich
      • Ben Wright
      • Nickel Wood
      • Sean Podrecca
      • Luke Piatt
      • Mark Vanover
      • Mike Paschal
      • Chris Price
    • Contact Us
    • Blog
    • Careers