Rock Climbing for Mountaineers Course Itinerary

Day 1: Morning Gear check and introduction to the equipment we will be using. Drive to the crag. We will introduce climbing commands, belay techniques, basic knots and hitches, along with developing movement skills on technical rock terrain. In the evening guides will give a lesson on climbing ratings and talk about climber resources.

Day 2: Review of knots from previous day and then continue to learn more knots and hitches in an application setting at the crag. Along with more technical rock climbing we will go over building anchors and equalizing them. Climbers learn and practice placing active and passive rock climbing protection, as well as advanced rappelling techniques. All these skills will be integrated at the cliff face allowing for real application. Evening discussion: Hazard assessment and risk management.

Day 3: Review setting up a top rope. Climbers learn tips for belaying a leader and belaying a climber from above. Guides will also teach how to follow a route that has been lead with traditional gear. We will cover gear placement and problem solving on routes. Evening discussion of multi-pitch climbing and lead climbing.

Day 4: We do a multi-pitch climb. Climbers inspect and evaluate gear placements made by the guide. We will practice our rappelling skills on the descent of the route. Guides will find a route that meets every climbers needs. Discussion: setting yourself up for success.

Day 5: A variety of options are available based on climber's goals, including: multi-pitch climbing, learning to lead climb, rock rescue techniques, anchor building and top rope set up.