Vertical World Adventures

Vertical World Adventures is a professional outdoor adventure guiding service located in Worcester, Massachusetts. We believe in the transformative power of an outdoor adventure lifestyle. 

Our Business

Since the founding of Vertical World Adventures in 2000 we have been successfully guiding clients on outdoor adventures trips across the U.S. We lead many outdoor adventure trips in Massachusetts to beautiful cliffs like Crow Hill in Leominster State Forest.  Yet, we also guide multi-day adventure trips to amazing climbing destinations throughout New England and across America.

trips, technical instruction, and adventure- based therapy

programs.

We strive to satisfy our clients adventure cravings by working with them to design advenuture trips they have always dreamed about.  This includes private outdoor climbing parties and corporate team building.

Our Guides

Vertical World Adventures realizes that your interactions and experiences with your guide is perhaps one of the most important elements in the success of any adventure. For this reason we hire only guides of the highest personal caliber and professionalism. Our mission is to meet all the needs of our clients and ensure that your time spent with us is extremely rewarding and memorable. We wish to form a lasting bond with our customers. We take great pride in sharing and teaching about the true joy of outdoor adventure and helping others reach their personal goals. We wish to do everything in our power to offer the highest quality adventure opportunities that focus on safety without compromising excitement and inspiration.

If you are putting together a private trip and would like to request a certain guide please feel free to do so. We know that the relationships formed through mountaineering and climbing are very strong and comforting.

Michael Donofrio

Founder, director and lead guide of Vertical World Adventures. Michael is passionate about guiding and sharing with others the priceless gift of outdoor adventure. Since 1996, Michael has professionally guided thousands of people, of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. Skilled in the art of traditional, multi-pitch rock and ice climbing and mountaineering, Michael's undivided attention to the safety and needs of his clients is unparalleled.  Michael recently earned a Bachelors of Science degree with a concentration in Education through Worcester State College. He is also currently certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/Life Saving through Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities (SOLO).

Sue Donofrio

Since 1996, Sue has climbed extensively throughout New England and across the U.S. An avid rock climber, Sue has done many classic climbs in Yosemite, the Tetons, Sedona, Smith Rock, and Seneca Rocks. Her rock climbing abilities range up to 5.10 and she is a beginning traditional lead climber.  Sue also enjoys ice climbing, hiking, cross country skiing and running. Her other interests include creating art, playing guitar and traveling. She is certified in wilderness first aid and CPR/lifesaving through SOLO. Sue has her M.A. in Expressive Therapies and is currently working as an Art Therapist with children at the Assabet Valley Collaborative in Marlboro, Massachusetts.

Mike Wilander

Mike's been climbing since 1994, and in that time has been able to climb around the US as well as in Japan and Thailand.  He spent five years working as a climbing guide and instructor for Outward Bound where he took students on their first multi-pitch adventure and taught technical skills to assistant instructors. Since then Mike has received an M.A. in Intercultural Relations and is currently teaching high school history. His favorite climbing locations are the New River Gorge, the Gunks, and Cochise Stronghold, but he's really into exploring the Northeast right now.

 Dave Goguen

Dave has been actively climbing since 1982, traveling

throughout the U.S. and Canada, having a variety of

climbing experiences including rock and ice, alpinism, as

well as enjoying classic aid routes. Currently living in the Mt

Washington Valley, Dave has an active residential design

business and enjoys the local outdoor adventure whenever

he can. Always ready for a road trip and looking forward to

introducing folks to new adventures as well as climbing with

old friends.

Eric Bailey

Eric is actively involved in both outdoor adventure and

physical fitness.  He earned a B.S. in Health Science in

1997 and has dedicated his life to physical and outdoor

adventure pursuits. Whether guiding rock and ice climbs or

working as a physical instructor for state agencies and

others in the community, Eric is passionate about teaching

the technical and physical skills needed to succeed. Eric has

rock and ice climbed at many of the great New England

mountains, cliffs, and crags.  He is an avid cyclist, skiier,

and boader and is always inspirng others to get out,

push themselves, and enjoy the great outdoors.

Who We Are

Vertical World Adventures was founded in 2000 by Michael Donofrio with the intention of offering people fun and professional outdoor adventure guiding experience.

Our mission has been to safely introduce others to the joys of an adventure liefstyle.

Vertical World Adventures is fully insured and a member of the Worldwide Outfitters and Guides Association.