Besides being a great climber, Rodney Lanier is just plain fun.  He really enjoys sharing the experience of rock climbing with others.  Whether it’s taking you up one of his original first ascents or just teaching you the techniques, Rodney enjoys climbing and helping others. Ask him about a route in North Carolina and Rodney probably knows all about it.  He has put up many routes in North Carolina and is particularly knowledgeable about Rumbling Bald and Crowder’s Mountain.  Rodney is an Appalachian Mountain Institute senior guide.  His talents also include creating topos for guidebooks, including many original drawings for the Thomas Kelly editions.

Climbing Experience

Originally from the Charlotte area, Rodney began climbing at Crowder’s Mountain.  Rodney put up many of the routes there.  The skills Rodney developed there have taken him to many climbing destinations.  With 30 years of climbing experience, he has taken a variety of trips to places around the country.  He has been ice climbing in New England, Colorado and other places including North Carolina.  Travels west have taken Rodney to Yosemite where he made an ascent of the Nose of El Cap, Half Dome, and the DNB, and also to Utah climbing the desert cracks.  In addition to the 30 years of rock climbing experience that he brings to AMI, Rodney has been ice climbing for 8 years and has worked as a climbing guide and trekking guide in WNC.

Professional Experience

Rodney is a certified EMT since 1987 and is active in EMS services in the Asheville area.  Additionally, he has training in high angle rescue.  He is also a Certified Single Pitch Instructor through the AMGA.  Rodney’s experience shows particularly with his technical skills; he can find and place exceptional protection and protect a pitch with an eye for detail.  His exceptional belaying technique and technical skills inspire confidence.

Interests

Rodney lives in Asheville with his wife, Valerie, and dog, Bailey.  Besides climbing, Rodney enjoys hiking and mountain biking in NC.  Be sure to ask Rodney about his book collection.  He has an extensive collection of climbing literature.