Trip Dates

June 9 & 10, 2012
July 10 & 11, 2012
Aug. 8 & 9, 2012

*available on demand April - October

Price

$195 / person for 2 days (based on 4 people) *organized family/group $790

Group Size

1 guide: 6 students

Skill Level

Beginner to Intermediate

Home / Rock Climbing / Courses / Rock Climbing Courses /

Rock Climbing Essentials

Bring awareness to your growing skills, this program is designed for intermediate climbers with or without gym climbing experience...

The focus of this 2-day course is to convey basic safety standards for outdoor top roping climbing practices and to indroduce lead and multi-pitch climbing.

Skills covered include; general crag safety, anchor construction, rappelling, basic rope handling, movement skills, lead belaying and much more. Join this course and safely learn from a professional how to get started and established at your local crag.

This course is available throughout Western Canada, contact us with a desired location. The West Kootenay courses will take place at one of the many local 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.

Itinerary Prerequisites Equipment Weather Location
Services Included FAQ

Itinerary

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

Welcome, introduction, goals & agenda.

Issue of required gear

Introduce/review movement on rock while bouldering

Introduce/review knots, basic belay systems and belay calls

Climbing, rappelling & lowering

Basic top roping anchor skills

More top rope climbing with coached movement skills

Day 2: 8:00 AM meeting at local climbing site

Bouldering warm up

Review yesterday skills

Students will set up their own anchor/climb while being coached

Top rope climbing and more advanced movement skills

Introduction to traditional gear

Additional skill if time permits

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 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 a beginner to intermediate program for climbers wishing to make a safe transition from gym climbing to outdoor rock climbing. Previous gym climbing experience is necessary, outdoor climbing aspirations is useful.

Equipment

rock-climbing-equipment-list.doc

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

How experienced do I need to be?

On this course, candidates will benefit from a year or two of periodic gym climbing. If you have lots of gym climbing experience along with some outdoor rock climbing experience, the advance rock course may be more beneficial for you. Please feel free to contact us in this regard.

Is it safe?

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 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.

Can I rent some of the rock climbing equipment needed during the programs?

On this program we offer participants access to all the technical climbing and rescue gear at no extra charge. This includes; harnesses, helmets, rock shoes, belay device, carabineers and much more. Contact us for specific sizes and availability.

Where can I rent/buy climbing & outdoor equipment?

Here are a few outdoor stores in Nelson that supply good service and quality outdoor equipment and gear rental, please ensure you rent gear well in advance.

Rivers Oceans and Mountains 354-2056 www.roamshop.com
Valhalla Pure Outfitters 354-1006 www.shop.vpo.ca