If you want to hear what clients of AMI have to say about us, here are some testimonials about Appalachian Mountain Institute.

Client Testimonials

I am an engineer, business owner, and have been climbing for nearly 20 years. I have a very analytical mind and figured this would be a good “brush up” course where I’d learn a few things and maybe just get a “refresher” on other things. Patrick’s course exceeded my expectations. He was very organized, responded to “weather conditions” in a manner that maximized learning/training, he kept the right balance of encouraging discussion while keeping the discussion “focused and relevant” on the topic at hand, had consistently realistic, relevant “case studies”, and frankly somehow was able to teach/conduct a 3 day course that covered a lot of information without ever losing anyone’s interest or getting bogged down in “minutia”. He knew the material, knew how to teach the material, and knew how to stay on schedule. I am glad I took the course through Patrick and AMI.

Clay Sykes

AMI is the most professional service I have had the chance to work with. Patrick’s ability to teach and cater to every learning style is priceless! I would recommend AMI for any professional learning experience.

Clark Dunn

We spent a day rock climbing at Hawksbill with Ken. He was the consummate professional and tailored the day to our desires and skill levels. Everyone in our group had a great time and learned much. Thanks!

Stephan

Ken was an excellent guide! He constructed an itinerary of climbing based on our desired objectives…and then followed through on climbing day by exceeding our expectations. A very thorough, safe and fun day!

Luke

Ken was fantastic. My wife and two daughters all had a great time and each of us were able to enjoy the experience at our own pace and meet our individual expectations. We appreciated Ken’s willingness to meet us at Table Rock, which was closer, rather than the Brevard area. He was incredibly friendly and patient with us. Cannot wait to come back next summer and do another climb with him.

Alan

I just want to say thank you for an awesome climbing experience. I especially want to thank you for the extra effort you put in to get me out climbing. Because of this positive experience, I am looking forward to improving my climbing skills and planning my next climbing adventure. I want to extend a special thank you to my guides Ken and Tim. You were both very professional and knowledgeable and even though I was hanging off the side of a rock, I felt absolutely safe. Thank you for all that you taught me. I will be coming back to visit the Asheville area again and the next time I do, I will definitely book another trip.

Tracey

Just wanted to let you know that we had a fabulous time today on our first (and not last) rock climb.  Brad was great – upbeast, positive and very professional.  I have to be honest and say I just went along because my kids wanted to go.  I had just as much fun as they did, even when my kids made me repel first!  Should we ever be fortunate enough to be back in the area we will all go for a full day rock climb with Brad.  It couldn’t have been a better experience.

Sarah Kearney

Before going on this trip, me and my friends knew a little bit about climbing, but we had some specific things we wanted to learn, and AMI was able to tailor our adventure to fit our needs. Our guide was friendly and knowledgeable and I would definitely go back again.

Tulley Moyer

Ken was great. He was calm and patient but also pushed us to get more climbs in. The students loved all the instruction and climbing Ken provided as well as Patrick’s anchor building book. Thanks again for a fantastic week we would love to come back next year!

Andrew Padilla
John Hopkins University

I would like to say thanks for the great day. You are truly a professional at your craft and  way more than just a climbing guide. Not only did you keep us safe going and coming, but you did a great job of distracting me from the agony of the hike out with conversation and meteorology jokes.  Climbing the Mummy was one of those goals stuck in the back of my mind that I could have easily dismissed and never accomplished. Fortunately, with the help of family, climbing friends and some personal determination, I can say “been there, done that”. Don’t let the “I can’t feel my arms, feet and fingers” look in the summit picture fool you. I am truly exhilarated on the inside.

Keith Collins

Pat was awesome! He put together a great day of instruction, very focused on safety, and each instruction built upon the next. It was the best training on the rocks with lots of climbing time to practice. I look forward to more advanced instruction from AMI.

Kenneth Cole

Our experience with AMI couldn’t have been better! It was the perfect balance between my teen-ager’s enthusiasm for the sport, and our desire as his parent’s to have his enthusiasm tempered with the importance of safe practices, and learning from the best. Thanks Beckett & AMI for a great experience!

Chris Drain

My initial experience with AMI was a great one. It really got me excited about pursuing my new-found sport and set the foundation for what I feel will be an exciting, safe adventure that I can share with my friends and family!

Mike Huffman

Patrick was a stellar ice climbing instructor who emphasized safety as well as technique. A pleasant combination of humor and business. Easily observable is his love of climbing and dedication to same. I have utilized the services of several high profile guide services, but Patrick Weaver was by far the most thorough and accommodating guide I have ever had the opportunity to climb with to date. I will, most assuredly, climb with him again in the near future.

Ed McCord

My 11 year old son and 13 year old nephew had the experience of a lifetime climbing all 4 pitches of the Nose with Jim. It was declared to be “the best trip ever!” on the way home. My boy is definitely coming back.

Michael Egues

“My day at Cedar Rock with Patrick was exactly what I was hoping for. As requested, I received excellent instruction on rescue techniques and improving my climbing movement and had a great time. Patrick is the most thorough guide I have ever climbed with and I will definitely be back for more instruction as well as guided climbs.”

Elizabeth Gainer, Florida

Our “first time” rock climbing family consisting of my wife and I along with our two 16 year old sons and 7 year old daughter had a blast! Our guide was outstanding and gave us the confidence to safely push ourselves to new heights. He guided us through the steps to successfully climb to the top of what I thought would be an impossible rock surface to ascend. Mom, Dad and all three kids made it to the top throughout the day. We’ll definitely return for another trip.

David Adler, New Freedom PA

Patrick is extremely knowledgeable in every area covered and beyond. His teaching methods are very thorough and effective, not only in coverage of material but in demonstration and application as well.

Marcus Webb

Patrick knows his stuff and is an excellent teacher. Although I am an experienced multi-pitch trad climber, I still learned tons on my outing with him. I highly recommend AMI.

Dan Stipe

I had the great pleasure to climb with Patrick Weaver this summer, founder and head guide of the Appalachian Mountain Institute. Having started my own guiding service twenty years ago, I am no stranger to the challenges and joys of professional mountain guiding and I feel qualified to say that Patrick is one of the finest guides and teachers I have met in the mountains.
We chose to climb a classic line in the Sierra Mountains on Temple Crag named Venutian Blind. While rated a moderate 5.7, the climb is a true classic alpine mountaineering objective with over a thousand feet of technical climbing including complex routefinding and exposed traverses. While he was not officially guiding on this climb, it was clear to me that Patrick’s leadership and skills enabled us to safely complete the adventure. He led every pitch with the efficiency and thoughtfulness that is characteristic of the top-rated guides in the country. In addition, his spirit and encouragement along the way for a moderate climber such as myself made the climb much more than a race up a mountain, but an enjoyable experience that I will remember the rest of my life.

I would recommend Patrick without a doubt for anyone looking for an adventure in the mountains, particularly if you want to learn the skills necessary to climb on your own in these kinds of settings in the future. Climbing of course, requires more than technical know-how, but a full engagement of the mind, heart, and body. Patrick has both the passion and patience necessary to nurture all three of these important elements in order to help you achieve your goals.

Kevin “Doc” Klein, President
Uncharted Territories In.

For the last 2 years I have invited Patrick Weaver to teach a Movement Skills Course for students in an intermediate climbing class here at Hollins University. On average each student that has participated in the class has had an increase of 2 grades added to their climbing ability. Even more impressive has been Patrick’s capability to teach to a variety of learning styles within the class and give each student a solid foundation and understanding of the material so that they can continue to progress after the seminar is over. It is because of Patrick’s level of professionalism and attention to detail that we have made him a permanent addition to the class. Hands down, this is one of the best values in climbing instruction offered in the field.

Jonathan Guy Owens
Director, Hollins Outdoor Program, Hollins University
Roanoke, Virginia

Patrick,
 My two recent rock climbs with you have really been enjoyable.  I appreciate your consistent emphasis on safety, and even after climbing for fifteen years learned some useful techniques from you.  Looking forward to our next climb.

Fred Bahnson, M.D.

Fantastic experience! Better than I had imagined and the guide was an excellent tutor for my wife who claims to have a fear of heights. I would highly recommend AMI and plan to use their guides again.
Thanks for a great experience.

Chris Salice

I appreciated Patrick Weaver listening to what I wanted to learn and then designing a two-day course around my needs. Patrick also had the wisdom to steer me in slightly different directions when what some items I had requested were things I was not yet prepared to learn because of my background.

Joe Rego

My AMI instructor was able to present the information in a variety of ways, tailoring the course to each student’s individual needs and ensuring that we all completely understood and could perform the material he taught.  I learned more in three days than I have in the past seven years I’ve spent climbing.

Jim Toman

I just wanted to send you a quick note to tell you how much my son and I enjoyed climbing with you at Table Rock on Sunday. We could not have asked for anything more. I greatly appreciated your excellent instruction and professionalism. Thank you.

David Lloyd (Sr.)

Patrick – Thanks for the awesome class. Alison’s climbing and confidence improved dramatically over the course of the day! We both learned a lot and are psyched to do some more climbing. You’re one of the best teachers I’ve had – for any subject.

William Myers

I would encourage all novice climbers to use AMI because they were friendly, attentive and very knowledgeable. We even had teenagers that enjoyed the experience!!!

Susie Rhein

I was placing a cam when leading a run-out route recently. I used the methods you taught me about gear placement while setting the protection. The cam placement held a 25 foot lead fall and none of my protection pulled out. I am sure what you taught me gave me the skill to make a solid, perhaps life-saving placement. Thanks.

Danny McCracken

My experience with AMI was nothing short of outstanding! My guide, Patrick, drew on a wealth of experience and provided me with excellent feedback during my SPI exam.

Chris Erwin