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Join Us on 2 Days Multi-pitch Rock Climbing Course
This two-day course introduces participants to multi-pitch rock climbing in the heart of the Cascades. The first day is spent learning skills, while the second is spent climbing multi-pitch routes. Students will climb sport routes or trad (traditional) routes depending on the climbing background of students and the weather report. With practice, the skills gained from this course will allow participants to confidently participate in multi-pitch alpine rock climbs on infamous peaks such as Sharkfin Tower, Forbidden Peak, Mt. Shuksan, Johannesburg, and Mt. Stuart. Participants must have previous climbing and belaying experience, preferably in an outdoor setting. This can be obtained on our introduction to rock climbing trip.
Skills covered during Multi-pitch Rock Climbing Course:
- Reading a climbing route map (called a "topo")
- Climbing equipment selection, strengths, and weaknesses
- Tying into the rope for multi-pitch climbing
- Safety check system
- Communication
- Belaying a lead climber
- Removing rock protection
- Introduction to anchor building
- Attaching to a multi-pitch anchor
- Rope management at a belay station
- Lead belaying
- Multi-pitch rappelling or lowering
We will have a logistics meeting and gear check at least three days before your trip is scheduled to depart.
Duration
2 Days 1 Night CampingPassport
Not Required for AmericansMinimum Age
13 years oldActivity
Rock Climbing and InstructionAccommodation
Tents PRICE BASIS
PRICE INCLUDES
- Stoves/Cook Kits
- Tents
- Group climbing equipment
- Guide Services
- Pre-trip Planning/Information session on packing and gear
- Backpacking, mountaineering, and general outdoor safety skills
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Transportation (We will help arrange carpools)
- Personal clothing and equipment
- Parking or entry fees
- Meals/Snacks/Drinks
- Gratuities for Guides
ITINERARY
Day 1:
Meet at a Park and Ride in the Seattle Area and carpool to the course area. Possible course areas include the Index Town Walls, Exit 38, Snoqualmie Pass, or a route in North Cascades National Park, depending upon the learning objectives of students. After establishing a camp, we head to the rock for practice. Students practice belaying a lead climber during a mock multi-pitch climb on flat ground. Students will do safety checks, learn multi-pitch climbing communication, practice responding to verbal commands, learn how to remove climbing protection, and manage the rope at a belay. After this practice guides will set-up a single or multi-pitch climb so students can practice the material and work on rock climbing movement skills. If time allows, students will learn methods of technical descent such as lowering and rappelling with a friction-hitch back-up. In the evening the group will return to camp rest.
Day 2:
Today we head to the base of a multi-pitch route and rack-up. Students will belay guides as they lead the route. Guides will belay each student from the top of a pitch while students remove protection as they climb. Once students reach the belay, they help the guide rack gear, manage the belay, and set-up the rope for the guide to lead the next pitch. At the top of the climb students will either rappel to the base or walk back to the base. Depending upon the time and desires of students, students may be able to continue climbing, review skills, or return to camp to pack-up and head home.
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