Logistics

Online Learning

There are 3 online eLearning sessions that must be completed before arriving for your course. Combined, 3 sessions on average will take 1.5 hours to complete. After registering for the course, you will receive these online materials from your instructor.

SPI Course Resume

As you move into the professional guiding world, a climbing resume will be required for job applications and other guide level programs. Once confirmed on your course, please complete your climbing resume using the SPI Course Resume, and submit your completed form to our office.

8:00AM at Course Location

Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the course location for a quick gear check, introductions, and an overview of the day. We will give you an exact location in your confirmation materials.

Please review the Single Pitch Instructor manual prior to the course. Climbers who do not arrive equipped for the day will not be able to proceed with the course.

Physical Conditioning

Climbers taking the SPI course should have a strong recreational climbing background. All climbers should be able to lead 5.6 using traditional gear by the time of the course start date.

Climbing requires excellent balance, core strength, flexibility, and stamina.  Even if you don’t belong to a climbing gym, there are still excellent ways to build climbing strength from the comfort of your own home.  Check out this free stay-at-home climbing training routine for some ideas.

If you don’t already practice yoga, consider adding it to your routine.  Not only is yoga excellent for increasing flexibility and overall strength, the breathing exercises and relaxation techniques can prove very helpful on the rock.

Knots to Know

Aim to know the following knots for your course.

Single Pitch Instructor Course
Figure 8 Knot
Figure 8 on a Bight
Bowline Knot
Double Bowline
Figure 8 Bend
Water Knot
Flat Overhand Knot
Autoblock
Prusik Knot
Klemhesit Knot
Barrel Knot
Stopper Knot
Overhand on a Bight
Double Fisherman’s
Clove Hitch
Girth Hitch
Munter Hitch
BHK

Reading

Climbers taking the SPI course are required to purchase the AMGA SPI Manual by Jason Martin and Bob Gaines before arriving for the course.

Supplemental Reading
Knots for Climbers
The Rock Warrior’s Way: Mental Training for Climbers
Climbing Anchors
Climbing Self Rescue: Improvising Solutions for Serious Situations
Training for Climbing: The Definitive Guide to Improving Your Performance
9 out of 10 Climbers Make the Same Mistakes
Rock Climbing Technique: The Practical Guide to Movement Mastery

Lodging not provided by Alpine Ascents

Lodging is not provided by Alpine Ascents for the Single Pitch Instructor Course. Climbers are welcome to stay wherever they prefer on Saturday evening or return home for the night. Depending on the location of your trip, hotel/Airbnb availability will vary. Below are the most common venues we use for this course.

Leavenworth

Leavenworth is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Seattle.   It’s a faux Bavarian village (really!) and has numerous hotels at all different price points.  A couple of our favorites are below.  Alternatively, there are many options on AirBNB.   Last but definitely not least, there are several excellent campgrounds along Icicle River Road and a KOA in Leavenworth proper.

Loge Leavenworth
(509) 209-8958
Website

Enzian Inn
(800) 223-8511
Website

Little Si & Exit 38

The climbing areas of Little Si and Exit 38 are about 35 miles east of Seattle.  It is a very reasonable drive from Seattle which has many lodging options at all price points.  Alternatively, there are numerous camping options on the I-90 corridor.

Vantage, WA

Frenchman Coulee, the main climbing area of Vantage, has pretty good dispersed camping that is popular with climbers.  There are vault toilets but no running water or picnic tables.  If you’d rather not rough it, there are a few nice options on AirBNB in the general vicinity.

Gear Overview

Having the proper equipment is of upmost importance as a single pitch instructor. Climbers are expected to arrive to their course prepared not only for climbing but also for the elements and proper self care.   Upon confirmation of registration a detailed SPI handbook including an equipment list will be provided via email.

If you already own your own rock climbing gear, don’t forget to inspect it regularly AND before this course.

Food

Students need to bring their own lunches for the three field training days. These are long days, so please plan to bring about 1,000 calories of food. Here’s a sample lunch pack:

• Cold pizza, fresh sandwich, or burrito
• Piece of fresh fruit
• Trail mix
• A bakery cookie
• Small bag of chips or similar salty snack
• Cold drink mix for your water (at least 2 liters)