Trip Dates

May 22&23, June 18&19

Price

$205

Group Size

Maximum 1:4 ratio

Skill Level

Intermediate to Advance

Related Trips

Rock Rescue
Daily Guided Rock Climbing
Alpine Rock
Canadian Mountaineering

Advanced Rock

This 2 day course is design to make the experienced climbers more independent. It provides a safe learning environment to continue refining your skills and bring them to the next level.

Topics include improvise anchors and belay systems, advance movement skills, lead and multi-pitch climbing, traditional climbing and much more. Intermediate to Advanced climbers welcome.

This course will take place at one of the many local West Kootenay outdoor rock climbing sites (Slocan Bluffs, Kinnard Bluffs, Koch creek Bluffs, Waterline, etc.). The area is blessed with a fine variety of outdoor rock climbing sites in pristine wilderness for you to discover.

Itinerary

Day 1: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site

  • Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda
  • Issue of required gear
  • Review movement on rock while bouldering
  • Review knots, basic belay systems and calls
  • Review rappelling & lowering
  • Revise anchor construction and gear placements
  • Climb sport and traditional gear routes
  • Personalized coaching in movement skills
  • Day 2: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site

  • Bouldering warm up
  • Review yesterday skills
  • Setting up and assessing improvised anchors
  • Climb sport and traditional gear routes
  • Simulated traditional gear leads
  • Additional skill if time permits
  • Personal evaluation; recognizing strengths, weaknesses, comfort zones, instructor recommendations, etc.
  • Course debrief and wrap-up by 5:00pm
  • Day 3 option: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site

  • This extra day is available for those interested in further developing their skills. The 1st logical option is to join our Rock rescue course on May 25th for an extra $105. You can also hire a guide for this 3rd day and customize your learning on a multi pitch climb, do a specific skills clinic or a more advance skills like Aid Climbing
  • Prerequisites

    This is an intermediate to advanced course for climbers seeking a broader rock climbing skill set.  Previous lead climbing experience on sport routes in the 5.8 to 5.10a range is required.  Some exposure to traditional gear and crack climbing is very useful.

    Equipment

    Weather

    Spring and fall temperatures in the West Kootenays can vary wildly from 0C to +20C during the day. Conditions can change from warm sunshine to isolated showers quickly.  Ensure you are dressed for all variations as temperatures, wind and precipitation tends to change within the day.

    Summer (July and August) tend to be more predictable but can be very hot. The average mid-day temperature in the summer usually ranges from +20C to +30C. A lightweight rain and/or wind shell can come in petty handy in the event of an afternoon thundershowers. Be sure to pack a ball cap, sunglasses along with sunscreen and extra water during the summer season, see equipment list for specific details.

    Location

    The group will be meeting with the instructor at 8:00 AM of the 1st day at pre-establish outdoor rock climbing site in the West Kootenays. We will go over last minute equipment issues, review the planed itinerary and update you with present conditions.

    Services Included

    • Pre-course planning support
    • Fully certified IFMGA and/or ACMG Rock and Alpine guide services
    • 15 years of experience in the area
    • Alternative plan based on current conditions
    • All technical equipment
    • Emergency response plan
    • Group safety equipment

    FAQ

    Q: How experienced do I need to be?
    A: On this course, candidates will benefit from a few years of sport lead climbing experience (5.8 to 5.10a) along with exposure to climbing with traditional gear on crack climbs. The more experience you have, the more you will benefit from this advanced course.

    Q: Can I rent some or all of the rock climbing equipment needed during the programs?
    A: We have all the rock climbing equipment available for you to rent during the course. This includes; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. The rental fee is $5/item/day (reduced rate of $20/day for whole kit). Please contact us for specific sizes and availability.

    Q: Is it safe?
    A: For all of our climbing programs and courses, SMG provides you with fully certified IFMGA/ACMG Mountain, alpine and rock guides. This guaranties you the highest safety standards in the Canadian industry. Rock climbing remains hazardous and while it is impossible to eliminate all the hazards, our guides will maximize your experience and greatly minimize the risks involved.