Trips & Services
VTS’s trips are designed to engage each participant, to create hands-on experiences, striking a balance between recreational and educational instruction. Facilitating outdoor adventure trips is not just a job for VTS’s guides; it is a deep passion—a life style.
Are you a seeker of adventure? Do you daydream of the great outdoors? Is your soul itching for a wild wilderness immersion? Are you longing for crisp mountain air, meandering mountain streams, the sounds of silence and ridge-line hikes? Or do you prefer cooling off in class III whitewater rapids or learning outdoor climbing skills?
Well, you’ve found the right place to quench your thirst, to satisfy that urge, to expand your comfort zone and to reconnect or deepen your connection with nature.
We hope you enjoy perusing all of Valley to Summit’s trip offerings. Be sure to check back for updates as we are always adding more dates and new trips. And to get a taste of what others are saying, checkout some testimonials.
Outdoor Rock Climbing program
Enter the vertical world with VTS’s outdoor rock climbing program. Learn from VTS’s professional instructors at one of the many regional crags in Pennsylvania, the tri-state area and beyond. Trips are available for all climbing abilities. Top Rope, Rappelling, Sport, Trad, Anchor Clinics & Scenario Based Self Rescue Clinics.
Dam-Release WhiteWater Rafting & Inflatable kayaking
Join VTS for an awesome day whitewater rafting on the beautiful and amazingly scenic Upper or Lower sections of the Lehigh River, which zigzag through pristine scenery in the Poconos! Dam-release trips create optimal conditions for class II and III rapids and create fun-filled memorable experiences. New for 2015 is class III & IV+ dam-release whitewater rafting on the Hudson River in NY.
Backpacking
Explore nature head-on with professional guides on a multi day and overnight backpacking trip through some of the regions most remote, wild and scenic wilderness. Trips for novices and the experienced. All group gear and food provided. Learn or hone your map reading and general navigation and other backpacking skills and techniques.
FROZEN WATERFALL EXPLORATION HIKE
With crampons under your boots and ice axes in hand (all gear provided), join VTS on this magical winter adventure. You will explore the dozens of frozen waterfalls and ice formations throughout the ravines of the majestic Ricketts Glen State Park. The Falls Trail system is closed to the public during the winter, except for those with a permit, crampons, ice axes and rope. That means we will have the trails mostly to ourselves!
SNOWSHOEING ADVENTURES
Lift your spirits and get re-acquainted with Old Man Winter. Strap on those snowshoes and immerse yourself and friends in the Pocono Mountains in a wintry wonderland! Explore the majesty of Ricketts Glen State Park from a fire tower or lose yourself (while following a guide) on the beautiful hemlock lined trails of Hickory Run State Park. A winter wonderland is awaiting you!
Custom & Private Trips
You dream it. We plan it. VTS can accommodate small and large groups and provide private, customized programming to accommodate your outdoor needs and schedule. Perfect for birthdays, school/university outings, club events, corporate retreat/team building, bachelor/bachelorette parties, family reunions, etc.
Climbing Wall Services
VTS offers management and operational solutions and services with a focus on risk management and provides other rock gym consulting services. VTS also offers the American Mountain Guides Association Climbing Wall Instructor certification course—the gold standard for rock wall operators and staff.
LEAVE NO TRACE
Enhance your outdoor ethics and low-impact skills and join VTS for a Leave No Trace Workshop or Trainer course. VTS practices and teaches the 7 Principals of LNT in a variety of formats to a diverse audience.