Traditional Lead Climbing

Meet your climbing instructor at 8am and hike to the climbing site.

You will spend the morning working with a variety of tools and techniques designed to expand your traditional climbing tool kit as well as hone some of the skills introduced in the Traditional Climbing Fundamentals course. Guides will cover a variety of topics including tips for placing gear efficiently, belaying from above, and more complex anchor situations, among others.

Lunch will be done on-the-go, allowing you to maximize your learning opportunities on this one-day course.

The afternoon will consist of real-world applications. At your instructor’s discretion, you will perform some mock or real leads, after which your instructor will assess your gear placements and provide feedback. Guides will give you as much time as possible to apply the day’s lessons in ways that will make you a more confident leader when venturing out on the sharp end in traditional climbing terrain.

You can expect to be back to the parking lot around 4pm.

• Sport Lead Climbing or equivalent experience.
• Traditional Climbing Fundamentals or equivalent experience.
• A solid foundation of sport and trad climbing skills including knowledge of basic climbing knots and ability to lead belay.
• Any additional climbing experience will enhance your ability to learn, but is not required.
• Ability to be moderately active for a full day.

This course will leave you with knowledge and practical application of:

Refining gear placements:

• Efficient identification of a features’ ability to take gear.
• Equalizing multiple pieces in a non-anchor scenario.
• Rope line management; minimizing leader’s rope drag.
• Slotting gear.
  

Complex Anchor Situations:

• Anchors involving more than 3 pieces.
• Sling craft for complex anchors involving a combination of gear and natural features.

Cleaning Routes and Descents:

• Proper techniques for cleaning anchors safely in a single pitch environment.
• Rappelling in a single pitch environment.
• Personal anchor strategies.

Climbing Technique:

• Crack Climbing Skills.
• Principles of efficient movement in a traditional climbing context.

Field Skills Development

• Mock or real lead of traditional routes (at instructor’s discretion).
• Belaying from above.
• Tips and tricks for removing stuck gear.

PLUS:

• A fun experience you’ll remember forever! 
• A sense of accomplishment in achieving your goals for the trip.
• Confidence in your newfound skills and where to take them next.
• Tips and tricks to add to your toolbox from our professional and knowledgeable guides.

Equipment List

Payment & Cancellation Policies

Travel Information & Trip Insurance

Meet the Team

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