Private Tree Climbs & Classes

A private tree climb can be an unforgettable birthday celebration for adults or children, an exciting opportunity for your scout troop to earn their climbing badges, a powerful team-building experience for your work group, or a family reunion filled with fun and self-discovery that span the generations.

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

A 1-hour private climb for 1 to 6 climbers is $150. If you have 7 to 12 climbers, or if you would just like more time in the tree, you can book a 2-hour private climb for $275. We can accommodate up to 18 climbers in a 3-hour private climb for $400. For an additional fee, you may choose to add a grill rental, firepit rental, water fun with sprinkler & wading pool, or make it a climb-swim combo. 

Private tree 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, and whether you'd like morning or afternoon. I'll work with you to create an experience tailored to your needs!

Half-day or full-day private instruction is perfect for those who want to learn new skills under the tutelage and supervision of an expert climber. 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 call 919-928-4230 or email [email protected] to schedule your next lesson.