MOUNTAINEERING & ALPINE CLIMBING COURSE OVERVIEW

An extended alpine climbing & mountaineering course for beginner or intermediate climbers with in-depth mountaineering training in all aspects of alpine climbing including rock, snow and ice climbing. This is our signature comprehensive mountain climbing course that covers all aspects of mountaineering and is for those aspiring climbers that are more serious about learning the craft of alpine mountaineering.

We begin with rock climbing training at front country crags in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra. Rock climbing instruction includes:

  • Movement on rock (including face and crack climbing)

  • Belaying and all knots

  • Rapelling

  • Rock anchors and protection placement

We then move on to multi-pitch rock climbing techniques with an ascent of a classic rock climb in the Sierra East Side. The first two days of this course are front-country car camping based.

We then climb into the heart of the High Sierra up into the spectacular Bear Creek Spire area where we establish a base camp around 11,500 ft. and base ourselves for the alpine climbing section of the course. Bear Creek Spire (13,726 ft) area is one of California's most spectacular alpine climbing peaks with multiple routes to choose from. It also provides year-round snow for the snow and ice skills practice. Mountaineering training includes:

  • Ice Axe and Crampon use

  • Alpine Ice Climbing

  • Snow & ice anchors

  • Glacier travel & crevasse rescue

  • Roped team travel

  • Alpine-style rock climbing

This course culminates with a climb of Bear Creek Spire via the technical Northeast ridge route, a long 5.6 rock route with a snow couloir descent involving the use of the ice axe. Other nearby routes on Bear Creek Spire may also be attempted.

Along the way we strive to ensure personal attention with a low guide to guest ratio.

Perfect mountaineering training for those who have goals that include the classic alpine climbing arena's of the world such as the European alps and other big peaks and want a complete introduction into the world of alpine climbing and mountaineering.

““Wanted to let you know we had an amazing time during the Sierra climbing course. It was probably the coolest experience we’ve had in the mountains so far.””
— Rich & Deanna G.
 
 
 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

This is an advanced-beginner alpine climbing course

  • No previous climbing or mountaineering experience required.

  • Previous backpacking experience is required.

  • Previous off trail hiking experience required.

  • Very good to excellent physical condition required.

Please feel free to contact us for any training recommendations.

Curious how to rate your physical ability? Check out our Physical Ability Page

2025 DATES

May 21-26
June 25-30
July 16-21
August 6-11
September 24-29

COST: $1850

We include all technical gear & camping gear at no extra cost! No hidden rental fees.

INCLUDES

  • Professional AMGA trained or certified mountain guides

  • Breakfast & dinner prepared by your guide

  • Ice axe, crampons, harness & Helmet

  • Use of backpack, sleeping, bag & Pad if needed. ($30 cleaning fee for using our sleeping bags)

  • Tents and all group gear

  • Mountaineering boot rentals available at $10 per day

For more info on this trip please fill out the form below:

Day 1
We meet in the town of Mammoth Lakes where we discuss rock climbing gear options. We then drive a short distance to the local crag where we begin our rock climbing training. Skills covered will be basic movement, belaying and all knots. There will be plenty of time for enjoying some top rope climbs. Lodging or camping for this night is not included. However, we will be happy to help you find either. There are many camping and lodging options in the Mammoth Lakes area.

Day 2
Today we continue our training with an introduction to multi-pitch climbing and a short multi- pitch climb. Options include the fantasic Crystal Crag near Mammoth which has been described as a "mini mountain climb". We will also cover rappelling and have time for some top rope climbs. Lodging or camping not provided this night.

Day 3
We travel South to the Little Lakes Valley up Rock Creek, the trailhead for Bear Creek Spire. We hike approximately 2,000 ft in elevation gain and about 4 miles where we establish a comfortable basecamp at beautiful Dade Lake. The late afternoon is spent learning trip planning, mountain navigation and route finding.

Day 4
We continue our mountaineering skills seminars with a full snow school including ice axe and alpine ice climbing crampon techniques, snow and ice anchoring principles, and snow climbing belaying techniques. We also teach proper techniques on how to climb and protect 4th class rock climbs using natural anchors.

Day 5
Today is summit day on Bear Creek Spire. After crossing a snowfield we will climb the North Buttress, a 6-7 pitch alpine rock climb up to 5.8 in difficulty or the NE Ridge route which is 5.6 in difficulty. A truly magnificent route with a spectacular summit block. the descent involves a rappel and a 40 degree snow couloir and the possibly the use of the ice axe. That evening is spent resting at base camp.

Day 6
The morning is spent reviewing any skills we need to cover before breaking basecamp and descending to the trailhead. We usually arrive back at the cars around 2-3 pm.