Train with an IFMGA Mountain Guide | AIARE Courses, Climbing & Ski Guiding in New Hampshire and New York

Core Mountain Guides provides AIARE avalanche courses, guided rock climbing, and backcountry ski instruction across New Hampshire and New York. Programs are based in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, including Mount Washington, with additional climbing instruction in the Gunks near New Paltz, just outside of New York City.

Choose Your Course or Guided Trip

Gunks Guided Climbing New Paltz, NY

Private climbing instruction and guided days tailored to your level.

  • Intro to outdoor climbing

  • Movement coaching

  • Multi-pitch progression

Mount Washington Avalanche Courses

Build the skills to travel safely in avalanche terrain.

AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue, AIARE 2

Guided Climb and Ski Trips in New England

Custom days built around your goals.

  • Climbing, skiing, or mountain skills

  • Flexible locations and objectives

Avalanche courses are held on Mount Washington, one of the most active avalanche forecasting zones in the Northeast.

Train with an IFMGA Mountain Guide

Core Mountain Guides is led by Paul Rachele, an IFMGA Mountain Guide, AIARE Avalanche Educator, and AMGA Instructor Team member. Paul brings a decade and a half of professional guiding and instructional experience from the Mountain West to the Northeast.

You won’t just learn technical skills—you’ll learn how to make better decisions in the mountains.

Paul Rachele IFMGA Mountain Guide leading a climbing course in New England
  • IFMGA-certified mountain guide

  • AIARE avalanche course provider on Mount Washington, New Hampshire

  • AMGA Instructor Team member

  • Small-group and private trips

  • Effective instruction, not just technical skills

  • Local expertise on Mount Washington, Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledge, Crawford Notch State Park, and the Gunks

Build Skills and Confidence

Whether you're new to the mountains or advancing toward bigger goals, you’ll walk away with:

  • Confidence making decisions in real terrain

  • Stronger technical and movement skills

  • A clear path for progression

  • Experience that translates beyond the course

Not sure where to Start?

Tell me your experience level and goals—I’ll point you to the right course or trip.

AIARE 1 Avalanche Course, Guided Climbing in the Gunks, Private Trips in New Hampshire

Where We Guide and Teach

Instruction is provided by an IFMGA Mountain Guide and AIARE Avalanche Educator with experience across the Mountain West and New England.

Your Questions, Answered

  • An AIARE 1 is a three-day avalanche education course designed for backcountry skiers and splitboarders. You’ll learn how to recognize avalanche terrain, assess conditions, and make safer decisions while traveling in the mountains. Courses are held on Mount Washington and throughout the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

  • No prior outdoor climbing experience is required. Guided climbing days are tailored to your level—whether you’re transitioning from the gym or looking to improve movement, efficiency, or multi-pitch skills on real rock.

  • AIARE avalanche courses are based on Mount Washington and in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Guided climbing is offered both in New Hampshire and in the Gunks near New Paltz, New York, one of the premier climbing areas in the Northeast.

  • If you’re new to backcountry skiing, start with an AIARE 1 course. If you’ve already taken AIARE 1, Avalanche Rescue or AIARE 2 are the next steps. For climbing, private guided days are the best way to build skills at your own pace. If you’re unsure, reach out and I’ll help you choose based on your experience and goals.

  • IFMGA certification is the highest international standard for mountain guides. Training with an IFMGA Mountain Guide means you’re learning from someone with extensive experience in technical terrain, risk management, and professional instruction across a wide range of mountain environments.

  • Yes. Private guiding days are built around your goals—whether that’s climbing a specific route, improving technical skills, or building confidence in the mountains. Locations and objectives are flexible based on conditions and your experience level.

  • You’ll receive a detailed gear list after booking. For avalanche courses, this typically includes touring equipment and avalanche safety gear. For climbing, all technical equipment can be provided if needed.

Ready to get into the mountains?

Whether you're booking your first avalanche course on Mount Washington, climbing a classic route in the Gunks, or planning a private climbing day, let me help you take the next step.

Courses fill quickly—reach out to reserve your spot.

Reach Out

Looking for some ideas? Give me a buzz. Let’s start building your next adventure!