BIG WALL AND AID CLIMBING COURSE
We’ve climbed El Cap 20 times, including a free ascent of the Freerider, we’ve put up big wall first ascents in Washington, Red Rock, and El Potero Chico, and we want to share that love with you. Big wall climbing is HARD and requires a lot of grit. We’re here to pass along our accumulated knowledge and tricks to give you an upper hand on completing your dream route.
Course Length
4 days
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Locations we offer this course
Washington (Index)
Upcoming Dates
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Washington:
Private Course Availability: April - September 2024
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2024 Group Course Dates:
May 24 - 27
Aug 30 - Sept 2
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Don't see a date in a location you are looking for? Reach out to us about setting up a private course on your preferred date.​
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Prerequisite
You must have taken our trad multi pitch climbing course or have experience leading trad multi pitch climbs at a grade of 5.8 or higher. Contact us if you have any questions about whether or not you are ready for this course.
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Course Ratio
Max 2:1
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Course Cost
Group Course Cost
$995
Please note we will have to charge private course rates if only 1 person signs up.
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Private Course Cost
1 participant $1695
2-4 participants $995 per person
ask us about adding on an overnight objective on a wall!
SKILLS YOU WILL LEARN
Appropriate gear selection
Aid leading with trad gear and bolts
Discussion of aid ratings
Pendulums
Fixing a line
Ascending a fixed line
Following an aid pitch (passing gear, lower outs)
Big wall transitions
Hauling and docking a haul bag
Rappelling with a haul bag
Assessing pitons and other fixed gear
Setting up a port-a-ledge
Setting up a comfortable bivy
Route finding and topos
COURSE ITINERARY
DAY 1
We will meet up in the morning to do paperwork and introductions. Once we are all acquainted we will talk about big walls and specialty gear. After this discussion we will pack up and spend the day practicing aid movement and rope ascension.
DAY 2
We will start the day continuing to practice aid movement, cycling people into real leads as they feel ready. The second half of the day will be utilized talking about and practicing how to manage leading pendulums and following them using lower outs.
DAY 3
Day 3 will be mostly used to talk about managing multi pitch transitions and big wall anchor. We will discuss how to pack a haul bag and efficient hauling techniques. Depending on pacing, motivation and weather, it is sometimes possible to spend this night in a portaledge camp on a wall somewhere.
DAY 4
Day 4 is spent climbing a multi pitch aid route.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
INCLUSIONS
Instruction from an AMGA certified Rock Guide
Climbing Permits
Use of Group Technical Equipment such as Ropes and Rack
Use of specialty Big Wall gear such as pitons, hooks, ladders, daisy chains, haul bags and portaledges
Depending on weather and group motivation, it is possible to spend a night on the wall in a portaledge camp.
EXCLUSIONS
Personal Climbing Equipment (harness, helmet, shoes, belay devices)
Transportation
Lodging or Camping
Meals while on the course
Trip Insurance
Guide Gratuity