Join Us On 4 Days Alpine Rock Climbing Course
Washington has some of the most spectacular alpine routes anywhere. Rock climbing combined with steep sections of snow or ice and glacier travel make for the perfect training ground for the Greater Ranges. This four-day course will allow students to not only climb a beautiful alpine rock route, but will also teach the basics of traditional (trad) climbing as applied on alpine ridges, faces, and towers. This Alpine Rock Climbing Course is the ideal first-step if you hope to tackle grade four or grade five alpine routes, and can include sleeping on a bivi ledge high on a technical ridge. Typical course areas include North Cascades National Park, the Index Town Walls, and Snoqualmie Pass. Previous outdoor rock climbing experience and excellent fitness is required. Previous exposure to traditional (trad) climbing very helpful. Outdoor rock climbing experience can be gained on our Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing trip or our Trad Climbing Course. Students who have previously completed our Trad Lead Climbing Course or have equivocal experience may be able to lead portions of the routes we climb.
Skills Covered During Alpine Rock Climbing Course:
- Packing for alpine routes requiring on-route bivies
- Backcountry Navigation
- Reading a Route Topo
- Methods of traveling through 3rd and 4th-class terrain
- Introduction to alpine rock and snow anchors
- Rope systems for 5th-class rock in an alpine environment
- Rope Management at a Multi-pitch Belay
- Attaching to a Multi-pitch Anchor
- Multi-pitch Communication
- Lead Belaying
- Removing and Racking Protection
- Racking Extension and Cordallette
- Crack Climbing Technique
- Efficient Climbing Movement
- Deconstructing Anchors
- Rappelling and Lowering
- Route Finding in Vertical Terrain
- Wilderness Camping
- Leave-No-Trace Ethics
We will have a logistics meeting and gear check at least three days before your trip is scheduled to depart.
Duration
4 Days 3 Nights CampingGear check
RequiredPassport
Not Required for AmericansMinimum Age
16 years oldActivity
Rock Climbing and InstructionAccommodation
Tents
- Stoves/Cook Kits
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide Services
- Pre-trip Planning/Information session on packing and gear
- Backpacking, rock climbing, and general outdoor safety skills

- Transportation (We will help arrange carpools)
- Parking or entry fees
- Meals/Snacks/Drinks
- Gratuities for Guides