At Northern Lights Rock and Ice, we seek to develop and harness the human desire to climb, to go to places just beyond your comfort zone, to explore, to take risks, to push the boundaries of what you thought was possible as a means of growth in confidence, achievement, teamwork, trust, leadership ability, communication, self-efficacy and self discovery.

Northern Lights Challenge and Leadership is a universally accessible, world-class team building and leadership facility serving families, companies, students, athletes and people of all ages and abilities.

The medium is our outdoor high and low element team challenge course, dual 450 foot zip wires and our outdoor rock and ice climbing structures located at the 4 Diamond Resort and Spa, The Essex, in Essex Junction, Vermont. The means are our expert instructors and facilitators working with families, individuals, and groups to craft your learning experience.

Mission

Provide a universally accessible outdoor challenge course, rock and ice climbing, recreation, team building and leadership development serving families, companies, students, athletes and people of all ages and abilities.

Vision

Vision: NLRI seeks to empower individuals and groups through experiential learning. 

Our Team

Chris Bacon - Chief Executive Officer

Chris, of Essex, Vermont brings 15 years of entrepreneurial and leadership experience as the owner and managing partner of BottomLine Professional Services, an accounting, bookkeeping and tax preparation business of Phoenix, Arizona. Chris provides the essential administrative and financial direction for Northern Lights Rock and Ice.

Frank Hassler - General Manager - Lead Facilitator - Rock and Ice Instructor

Frank brings his years of experience as Ropes Course Director, Facilitator, Instructor and Outdoor Guide with Petra Cliffs Climbing Center and Mountaineering School, Burlington, Vermont to manage the course, programs and staff of Northern Lights. Frank did his first ropes course at the North Carolina Outward Bound School in 1970, later worked for the Colorado Outward Bound School, and served as The University of Pennsylvania's Mountaineering Project Director. Frank holds a B.S. in Elementary Education and American Civilization from The University of Pennsylvania. Frank did his first ice climb during a 5 day Rainier Guides' Mountaineering Course on Mt. Rainier in Washington, State in 1975. Frank's passions are introducing beginners to the sports of rock and ice climbing, and challenging people and teams to go beyond what they thought was possible at the amazing Challenge and Leadership facility that is Northern Lights Rock and Ice.