This 3-Day course is for the intermediate climber wanting to learn how to place traditional rock gear for lead climbing the right way: from the ground up. Learn how to do it safely from our professional mountain guides.
Sport climbing is one thing, placing gear on lead is another. The act of placing protection while lead climbing is a skill set in itself and can test one's mental strength. In this course you'll be introduced, very systematically, to the progression required to become a safe trad climber. The course has you place all kinds of gear on top rope, on mock lead, and on real lead. You will learn to trust your own work by falling into the gear you placed in mock lead situations and you will get a chance to hang into belays that you just built in the vertical arena.
Overall Difficulty: moderate
Skills Required: prior sport climbing experience
Fitness level: good physical fitness
Course Curriculum
Introduction to Gear
Although tipping is not a requirement, it is considered standard practice in the guiding industry and is appreciated by our guides. We generally recommend roughly 10%-15% of your course or trip cost or a flat amount that you are comfortable with.