Big Wall Climbing Clinic with Mark Hudon
Peak Ascents is excited to bringing in Yosemite stone master, Mark Hudon for a full day clinic on big wall climbing. For those looking to build skills to succeed climbing big walls, there's no better way to build your skills. If you have a little experience with trad gear and a lot of big dreams, join us for this unique opportunity!
Location: Manchester, NH
Date: October 3rd, 9am to 4pm
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Price: $395/person
Key Skills You'll Develop:
Ascending a rope
Aid Climbing
Lower outs
Hauling
Planning & Packing for a wall
If you would like to avoid booking fees and pay by cash, check, or venmo, please contact us at info@peak-ascents.com. We're happy to help save you money!
Description
Climbing a big wall, like Yosemite's El Capitan, takes a unique set of skills beyond placing traditional gear and climbing with your hands. To move quickly on big wall routes, a climber must employ many tactics to make it through blank sections, traverse to the next crack over, and bring the gear needed for multiple days camping on the wall.
In this clinic you'll learn how to ascend a rope, aid climb, lower out, and haul, essential skills to succeed on a big wall route. You'll also get hands on practice with these skills, overseen by two instructors, Mark Hudon and Dylan Connole, who have each climbed El Cap. Plus you get Mark's knowledge, not just on how to use the gear, but how to maximize your setup for the best chance of success on your first El Cap climb, or any other objective
Participants should have interest in big wall climbing. Familiarity with traditional climbing gear and big wall climbing will help you understand the deep knowledge Mark has to offer and allow you to get the most from this clinic.
Guest Instructor Bio:
Mark has been climbing for more than 50 years. He first climbed El Cap in 1974 and most recently last year. Mark and Max Jones were the first climbers to attempt to free climb El Cap in 1979. They free climbed all but 300 feet of the Salathe Wall, breaking the paradigms of the day and setting the stage for future free El Cap ascents. In 1978 Mark climbed the second ascent of the first 5.13 in the US, the Phoenix in Yosemite Valley.
After a bit of a hiatus from climbing, Mark came roaring back in 2009 leading the Nose in 15 hours at the age of 53. Since then Mark has climbed El Cap 28 times. His almost free ascent of Freerider in 2019 was made into the movie “Free As Can Be”.
Mark’s deep knowledge of wall climbing coupled with his ability and enthusiasm explaining it is informative and a treat for anyone attending his clinics.
A fundraiser to benefit Central NH Climbers Association
Mark Hudon Presentation & We Who Wander Film Showing
Join us for an evening of climbing stories, personal profiles, and life lessons
Join the Peak Ascents and CNHCA for an unforgettable evening of storytelling, community, and cinematic inspiration! This special event is a fundraiser supporting local climbing access and stewardship right here in New Hampshire.
The night kicks off with a screening of We Who Wander, a captivating short film celebrating the beauty, grit, and exploration of central New Hampshire climbing. Following the film, legendary big-wall pioneer Mark Hudon will take the stage. Drawing from a lifetime at the vanguard of rock climbing, Mark will share insights into the evolution of big wall climbing, the psychology of performance across decades, and lessons from his passion for the vertical world.
This is a free event, however prior registration is strongly requested so that we can know how many people to expect.
This fundraiser is to help the CNHCA repay the loan that was used to purchase land and the parking lot that now allows access to Miriam woods, Russell Forrest, and even holds multiple crags. Every registration to this event will bring us closer to achieving our mission. Together, we can secure climbing in Central NH. Don't miss this chance to support the CNHCA, connect with the local community, and learn from one of climbing’s most enduring and enthusiastic mentors. We appreciate any and all donations.
Thank you for supporting our mission, your support is invaluable!
What is Central New Hampshire Climbers Association?
Central New Hampshire Climbers’ Association (CNHCA) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) in New Hampshire comprised of climbers who are dedicated to maintaining and preserving the climbing resource in central New Hampshire. From the soaring granite slabs of Dickey Ledge to the brutal sport test-pieces of Merriam Woods, from the alpine ice climbing at Fletchers Cascade to the granite bouldering at Yellowjacket, this area holds enough diverse challenges to keep climbers motivated for years. CNHCA covers numerous crags, which hold hundreds of routes, including:
Merriam Woods
Russell Forest
Russell Pond
Exile Crag
Yellow Jacket Crags & Bouldering
Welch Mountian
Dickey Ledge
Fletchers Cascade
Osceola High Camp
Davis Boulders
With Help from the Access Fund, CNHCA purchased a 5 acre plot that abuts national forest and Merriam Woods. In May 2026 a new parking lot was opened that helps provide reliable off street parking and secure access to hundreds of climbing routes. The parking was entirely paid for with funds raised, but the CNHCA needs to continue raising money to repay the Access Fund loan that opened the doors to success.
For more information and to become a member, supporting CNHCA's mission, please visit https://www.centralnhclimbers.org/
Friday, October 2nd at 6:30 PM
Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH
Free event (suggested donation)
