International Mountain Climbing School /

Rock Climbing: Core Courses

Spring, Summer & Fall 2008

Rock Index Page	1-Day Introduction	1-Day Rock Anchors	3-Day Basic
2-Day Intermediate	2-Day Advanced	Rock Photo Gallery	Registration Form

Introduction to Rock Climbing

If you have never "tied-in" before this is the course for you. We begin this one-day course at our outdoor "classroom" located at the top of Cathedral Ledge. You will begin by getting a thorough introduction to the equipment (shoes, harness, helmet, ropes, carabiners and slings) and how to use them properly. A nice feature of the classroom experience are the views of the Mt. Washington Valley, Whitehorse Ledge and the Moat Range. Next, we explain the fundamental components of the climber's safety system: anchor and belay systems.

We will go over rappelling briefly after the anchor and belay system clinic. Most novice climbers are understandably anxious but eager to try. We finish the "classroom" experience with a footwork clinic focusing on efficient movement over steep, rocky terrain. We will emphasize techniques that will enable you to climb with your feet and use your hands for balance. Expect to spend between three and four hours in the classroom and then spend the rest of the afternoon top-rope climbing so you can develop confidence in the anchor and belay systems and refine your own climbing technique.

Dates:

Any day from April to October; please call to arrange a date if you are coming alone and wish to climb with a partner or a group.

Cost:

$250 (private weekend); $225 (private midweek); $165 (group of two);
$135 (group of three); $115 (group of four); $100 (group of five); $90 (group of six); $140 (private half day); $100 (semi-private half day); $75 (group of 3 half day) *all prices per person

Three-Day Basic Rock Skills

Dr. Jon Burroughs from Jackson NH on the traverse pitch of "Thin Air" on Cathedral Ledge (click for full size image)

This is the best course we offer to aspiring climbers and alpinists. It is a comprehensive introduction to rock climbing ideal for climbers that have taken our one-day Intro course or have a little climbing experience. Our goal is to help you become a safe and confident climber. Climbing is all about making decisions. We promote a "hands on" approach to learning so you can develop the techniques, skills and awareness required to climb efficiently. Topics covered in this course will include climbing equipment, knots, anchor and belay systems, rappelling and the art of moving efficiently over steep rock terrain. You will do multi-pitch climbs involving face, slab and crack climbing techniques.

Upon completion of this course you should be able to confidently second an experienced leader. Maximum 3:1 student to guide ratio. You will be climbing moderate routes on both Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges. Check out our photo galleries of Upper Refuse on Cathedral Ledge and the Slabs on Whitehorse so you can get a better idea of what you will be doing and where you will be going.

Dates:

Any day from April to October; please call to arrange a date if you are coming alone and wish to climb with a partner or a group.

Cost:

$750 (private weekend); $675 (private midweek); $495 (group of two);
$405 (group of three) *all prices per person

Course Registration Form

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Rock Anchors & Protection Clinic

A three-point, equalized, non extending "Chickenhead" anchor in Cochise Stronghold, AZ. Photo by Maury McKinney (click for larger size image)

Do you climb 5.10 on indoor walls but don't feel ready to lead outdoors? Or have you been seconding outdoors but get "gripped" when leading? The secret is having unshakeable confidence in your gear placements and your ability to craft a solid belay in almost any situation. Anchors are the foundation of climbing safety. This one-day "hands-on" technical clinic is all about you getting the most amount of protection from the least amount of gear. Topics will include proper placement of rock protection (spring loaded camming devices, nuts,and tri-cams), multiple-point rock anchors, equalization, non-extension and advanced belay systems. Climbers will build anchors, remove anchors, hold simulated falls and utilize a variety of belay techniques. Every climber should take this course.

Dates:

Any day from April to October; please call to arrange a date if you are coming alone and wish to climb with a partner or a group.

Cost:

$250 (private weekend); $225 (private midweek); $165 (group of two);
$135 (group of three); $115 (group of four); $100 (group of five)
$85 (group of six); $140 (private) half-day; $100 (semi-private half day); $75 (group of 3 half day) *all prices per person

Course Registration Form

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Two-Day Intermediate:
Steep Rock Skills

For climbers that have taken our three-day basic course or have previous multi-pitch climbing experience. Climbers should already be familiar with climbing equipment, anchors, belaying, rappelling, and should have experience on a multi-pitch climb. Both days' instruction will begin with a multi-pitch climb on Cathedral or Whitehorse Ledges to reinforce understanding of anchor and belay systems. Most of the climbs will be on steep faces in the 5.7-5.9 range.

Other topics for instruction include gear placements, rope management, route finding, multi-pitch rappel set ups, belay escapes and top-rope set up. After taking this course students will feel more confident climbing vertical rock and be more familiar with multi-pitch climbs and rappels. In addition, you will more practiced with setting a top rope using natural anchors (trees and rocks) and you will be a more reliable second for an experienced recreational leader.

Dates:

Any day from April to October; please call to arrange a date if you are coming alone and wish to climb with a partner or a group.

Cost:

$500 (private weekend); $450 (private midweek); $330 (group of two);
$270 (group of three) *all prices per person

Course Registration Form

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Two-Day Advanced:
Sport & Traditional Skills

Dr. Bill Patterson from Newton MA on the 4th pitch of Moby Grape, Cannon Cliff. Pphoto by Sam Ogden. (click for larger size image)

For experienced climbers with a variety of single pitch and multi pitch experience wanting to fine tune and upgrade"sport" and "traditional" skills. Maybe you feel like it is time to take the lead on a moderate sport climb or you want to tackle one of the long and committing traditional routes on Cannon Cliff. Sport climbs are pre-protected by bolts and require difficult movement skills and the mindset to take the "sharp end" and go for it.
The two day sport climbing program will be at the 5.8 - 5.11 level. Your dreams may take you to sites of steep and difficult crack climbs in places like Yosemite, Indian Creek, Squamish Chief, the Tetons and the Adirondacks. Traditional climbing requires a diverse array of techniques - finger crack, hand crack, off fingers, off hands, fist, dreaded off width, chimney and stemming.

Experience with these techniques and advanced protection skills will make climbing many of the classic traditional routes around the world a safer and easier proposition. The two-day traditional itinerary includes single pitch and multi-pitch crack and steep face climbs at the 5.7 to 5.10 level. Best to know before you go! Whatever way you go, traditional or sport, we can take you there!

Dates:

Any day from April to October; please call to arrange a date if you are coming alone and wish to climb with a partner or a group.

Cost:

$500 (private weekend); $450 (private midweek); $330 (group of two);
$270 (group of three) *all prices per person

Course Registration Form

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