ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING COURSE OVERVIEW

This 4-day intro to alpine rock climbing course is an in-depth, experiential course that prepares you to safely climb alpine rock routes. This is a great course for an intermediate trad leader who is interested in climbing alpine rock. The course is broken into two sections: the first at front-country crags and the second on a backcountry alpine rock route.

We begin the course by spending the first two days  in the front country refining multi-pitch skills while climbing classic Eastern Sierra multi-pitch routes. Rock climbing instruction including:   

• Belay stations

• Rope management

• Multi-pitch rappelling

• 4th and low 5th class terrain management

• Traditional gear anchors

The second half of the course is spent in the backcountry. The route will be picked by your guide to best suit the group.  During these two days you be introduced to the following concepts:

• Evaluation of rock quality

• Evaluation of natural anchors

• Route Finding in complex terrain

• Use of Ice Axe and Crampons

• Time management & route planning

• Nutrition

 This course is led by AMGA trained or certified rock and alpine guides who are eager to share their many years of experience on the technical rock climbs of the Sierra Nevada with you. Whether you aspire to climb the classic alpine routes of the Sierra or just want to expand your knowledge of traditional climbing techniques, our guides will tailor your experience to your exact goals. 

EXPERIENCE & PHYSICAL FITNESS REQUIREMENTS

• Previous multi-pitch rock climbing experience with the ability to follow face and crack climbs up to 5.8 in difficulty is required.

• No mountaineering experience required.

• Previous backpacking experience highly recommended.

• Previous off trail hiking experience required.

• 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

Recommended prior courses and trips:

• Traditional Rock Climbing Course

• Intro to Mountaineering

2025 DATES:

June 27-30
August 1-4

Custom dates from June through October

COST: $1595

INCLUDES

• Professional AMGA trained or certified mountain guides

• Breakfast & dinner prepared by your guide during the backcountry portion of the course. ( lodging & food are not included for the first two days)

• Ice ax & crampons

• 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