Private Tree Climbs & Lessons

If you have more than the 6 climbers who can fit in a public climb, or if you would just like more time in the tree, we can plan a private climb just for your group! Private climbs make unforgettable birthday celebrations for adults or children, exciting opportunities for scout troops to earn their climbing badges, powerful team-building experiences for work groups, and family reunions filled with fun and self-discovery that span the generations.

As with public climbs, private climbs are open to climbers from 6 to 106 years old. No experience is necessary; our skilled facilitators will fit each participant with a helmet and harness, provide a brief but thorough orientation, and then encourage them to give climbing a try at their own pace.

Special attractions your group can enjoy at Schönwald during and after climbing include a 240-foot zipline, 4 giant tree swings, tetherball, nature trails crisscrossing 8 acres of hardwood forest, a massive seesaw built to hold 4 adults, horseshoe toss, yard games, a large lawn area, two trampolines, a nature playscape, and friendly chickens to feed. Booking a private climb also gives your group exclusive use of the 20' x 40' event tent with picnic tables. Check out the video tour below to see all there is to do here!

Private Climb Pricing: 

• 2 hours of tree climbing (up to 12 climbers): $275
• 3 hours of tree climbing (up to 18 climbers): $400

Options: You may choose to add a grill rental ($35), fire pit rental ($90+, includes firewood, marshmallow skewers, and the fire already built for you), water fun with a sprinkler & wading pool ($20), or make it a climb-swim combo ($150+). 

Payment: A $100 deposit is required to hold your reservation. The balance is due the day of your event.

Private group climbs are available on the same weekends we host public climbs. To book your private climb, email [email protected] with your preferred dates, how many hours you want to climb, preference for morning or afternoon, and any options you want to add. I'll work with you to create an experience tailored to your needs!

Half-day or full-day private lessons are perfect for those who want to learn new skills under the tutelage and supervision of an expert climber (Patrick). You may bring your own gear (subject to safety check) or use ours. All private lessons take place at Schönwald. The general skill progression for recreational/research/arboriculture tree climbing is outlined below.

1. Tree selection and identifying potential hazards
2. Basic tree climbing gear 
3. Getting your climbing line into the tree
4. Safety in the tree
5. Traditional Moving Rope System (MRS) climbing. Knots, ascending, and descending
6. Advanced MRS climbing methods (hitch climber setup, Petzl ZigZag)
7. Limb walking and lanyard positioning
8. Stationary Rope System (SRS) climbing. Rope Wrench System, Zigzag/Chicane, Rope Runner, etc
9. Advanced positioning in the tree - Redirects, peripheral canopy access, etc.

Private lessons are given in 3-hour increments. Skills 1-5 above can usually be taught and practiced in the first 3 hours, and then it is reasonable to cover another 2 or 3 of the advanced skills in each subsequent 3-hour session. We will work with you to develop an instruction plan tailored to your experience level and what you want to learn.  

A 3-hour private lesson for one person is $180. You can invite 1 or 2 friends for an additional $90 per person. Please email [email protected] to schedule your next lesson.