Adventure, Unbounded
An appreciation for the great outdoors has coursed through our community since our founding. In 1900, the beauty of Western North Carolina’s mountains and abundance of proximate recreational opportunities attracted Asheville School’s founders and convinced them to set their school in this very spot. More than a century later, our climbers, paddlers, hikers, and mountain bikers still find new nooks and crannies of these mystic blue hills to explore.
Asheville School’s mountaineering program makes it possible for students of all interests and skill levels to experience the joy and thrill of outdoor adventure under the guidance of seasoned instructors.
Through hands-on Basecamp Education in wilderness preparedness, including fire building, first aid, survival skills, camp setup, and outdoor cooking, our mountaineers are ready for anything the wilderness might throw their way.
We offer both recreational and competitive pathways in climbing, mountain biking, paddling, skiing, and snowboarding to empower every student to forge a connection with the natural world to confidently navigate its challenges and traverse its wilds.
Just steps from your dorm, you will find mountaineering facilities including a climbing complex that includes a bouldering facility and competition-level climbing tower, a swimming pool for kayak instruction, a robust gear and equipment cache, and 300 acres of forested land laced with miles of trails.
While working toward high-level mastery of skills and safety practices, students frequently embark on off-campus trips to area locales like Pisgah National Forest, the Green and French Broad rivers, and Linville Gorge.
As the only high school registered as a USA Climbing team, Asheville School provides an unparalleled opportunity to train and compete alongside the best in regional and nationally sanctioned events, elevating their skills and experience in the sport. Throughout the year, these talented climbers participate in USA Climbing’s Region 72 Bouldering and Lead/Top Rope competitions.
Our robust climbing program includes both JV and Varsity levels under the direction of our dedicated Head Climbing Team Coach, Steven Keiser. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced climbers start with top-roping, bouldering, and belay school at our on-campus climbing complex, where they hone their skills with top-tier instruction and tackle dynamically set routes. JV and Varsity climbers also train at top-notch local climbing facilities, where they meet and learn from fellow enthusiasts.
Seasoned rider? We will help you sharpen your skills and explore opportunities to compete. First time trying this on for size? Let’s start with the basics. With hundreds of miles of trails to choose from in the nearby national forests, there is almost always a new route to explore.
Craving the thrill of competition? Our mountain bike team takes racing to the next level as a registered team with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), competing in the North Carolina Interscholastic Cycling League (NCICL). Led by Coach Robby Bennett, whose coaching and racing experience runs deep, our competitive riders train rigorously under the guidance of two NICA-certified coaches. Race weekends are more than just a test of endurance and skill; they are a chance to connect with fellow riders across the state who share a passion for the sport. The season’s race series provides the perfect stage to push limits, track progress, and embrace the grit required to tackle every challenging course.
Our close proximity to a favorite local ski area means our elite ski and snowboard team can partake in other mountaineering activities by day and still hit the slopes for some runs in the evening.
Driven by speed and precision, our team takes on the competition at Cataloochee Ski Area, racing in NASTAR giant slalom events throughout the winter season. Led by Professional Ski Instructors of America & American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) certified instructors and seasoned snow sports enthusiasts, our racers refine their technique, build confidence on challenging terrain, and push for peak performance. With a history of top finishes and podium placements, our ski and snowboard racers bring relentless focus to every run, making their mark on the mountain with each carve and turn.
Slicing through rapids, mist on your face, propelled only by paddle—the exhilaration is unmistakable. Our kayaking, canoeing, and stand up paddle board instruction begins with the fundamentals on flat water in the pool. With the basics under your belt, it is off to the banks of the nearby French Broad and Green rivers to sharpen your skills and experience the subtleties of navigation through a stretch of class I-III water.
With stables, trails, and an Ireland Riding Ring right on campus, equestrian is an easy entry point for students to experience the outdoors and the incredible connection between horse and human. Afternoon lessons span beginner through advanced levels, and are all under the tutelage of our seasoned equestrian director.
We invite all of our students to connect with the wild and stunning place we call home. You may have never explored a cave’s otherworldly interior or experienced the calm of a night beneath the stars, but before you leave here, you will come to know the magic of this landscape.
Some of the richest biological diversity on our planet is just outside of our door. One of the best ways to experience its splendor? Fully immersed, on day hikes trekking up to ridgelines and overnight backpacking trips beneath towering trees.
Drifting through quiet coves or charging down rolling rapids, each paddling excursion offers a chance to develop technical skills and experience the winding bends and glassy expanses of our region's iconic waterways.
Each fall, all third-formers kick off their Asheville School journey on a two-night backpacking trip. Between scenic hiking, setting up camp, and cooking over flame, they begin to bond with their new classmates and faculty—embarking on the journey of forging lifelong connections.
Since 2023, Asheville School has come together with cross-town rival Christ School to jointly host a friendly and high-octane Outdoor Adventure Sports triathlon. This new tradition is a feat of endurance as participants paddle, cycle, and climb for the gold.
Spelunking, anyone? We lead caving expeditions during the year, where students explore unique and dazzling subterranean features and learn about important safety and leave-no-trace principles.