About Pisgah Climbing School

Defined by Mountains.

Fueled by Knowledge.

Pisgah Climbing School (PCS) is North Carolina's premier rock climbing school, based in Brevard and operating throughout the southeast, northeast, and abroad. Founded by IFMGA Certified Mountain Guide Karsten Delap, PCS was built on a single conviction: that world-class climbing instruction should be accessible to everyone, from first-timers stepping onto rock for the very first time to experienced climbers pursuing AMGA certification or preparing for technical alpine objectives.

The Pisgah National Forest is one of the Southeast's most exceptional climbing destinations, home to iconic granite domes like Looking Glass Rock, Laurel Knob, and Cedar Rock — and PCS knows this terrain better than anyone. Whether you're introducing your family to climbing, developing multi-pitch trad skills, training for ice and alpine routes, or working toward a professional guiding credential, PCS offers a curriculum that grows with you.

What sets Pisgah Climbing School apart is the depth of its guide team and the breadth of its programs. From beginner and family climbing days to AMGA Single Pitch Instructor courses, from military vertical training to private instruction tailored to your exact goals, every program is led by highly certified guides who are committed to both safety and genuine mountain education. PCS is a permitted operator within the Pisgah National Forest and holds the qualifications that every program demands.

The mountains are waiting. PCS will get you ready for them.

Our Story

Pisgah Climbing School, or PCS was founded by IFMGA Mountain Guide, Karsten Delap and his wife Maggie. PCS started with a few humble goals. Firstly to provide access to the mountains through the highest quality climbing education. Secondly to create a company that would sustain the guides’ life, both socially and financially.

The Delap family has called Brevard home for the past few decades. Karsten, Maggie, Margo, and dog Max love this town and want to share its world class climbing with you for your next adventure.

Nov 28, 2021 - Jan 13, 2023

Margaret Marie Woolls Delap “Margo"

Margo Delap tragically passed away on January 13th, 2023 while napping at preschool. Her memories will live on as we enjoy the mountains and point at all the birds... just as she did.

PCS Guides

Meet Our
Highly Certified Guides