Trip Dates

Spring to Fall

Price

$300/day *$50/extra person/day

Group Size

Maximum 1:6 ratio

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Related Trips

Daily Guided Rock Climbing
Rock Transition

Intro to Rock Climbing

This 1 day course is designed for the beginner to intermediate climbers with no previous experience or perhaps some previous indoor climbing experience.

Topics covered include basic movement skills, equipment use, top rope climbing techniques and general crag safety. Our experienced instructors will customize your learning based on your background and recommend further training if interested.

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

8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site

  • Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda
  • Issue of required gear
  • Intro to common rock climbing equipment
  • Movement skills intro and bouldering
  • Basic knots, belaying, rope handling and commands
  • Rock climbing with the safety of a rope
  • Integration of movement skills while roped climbing
  • Climb, climb, climb!
  • Practice belaying, rappelling and anchor construction if time allows
  • Course debrief and wrap-up by 5:00pm
  • Prerequisites

    This introduction to outdoor rock climbing course is for beginner climbers and climbers with some prior indoor climbing experience. No previous climbing experience required. Join us and safely learn this exciting sport from our skilled instructors.

    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 at a 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, no previous climbing experience is required. This introduction to outdoor rock climbing course is for beginner climbers and climbers with some prior indoor climbing experience.


    Q: Do I need any of my own climbing equipment?
    A: On this intro course, we will supply every participant with all the necessary equipment; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. Let us know if you need any particular gear/sizes or if you plan to bring your own.

    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 and international 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.