Untitled Document

Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing
Register for course

Course Rundown

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Food

Food is not included.

Course Cost:
$243.00 ($122.00 per day) per person based on 4 participants
5% gst & other taxes extra

Duration:

2 days

Location:

Canmore and Banff, Canadian Rockies

Guide to client ratio:

1:6

Fitness:

Good fitness

Ability:

Introductory

Prerequisites:

None

Ages:

15 years old and up

Equipment:

All equipment is included.

Transportation:

Transport is not included however this can be arranged for an additional $20.00 per day.

Booking deadline:

1 week before course

Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing

Course Description

Our Introduction to Outdoor Rock Climbing is designed to provide MSA students with a complete and reliable system to climb bolted rock routes with confidence. We use a systematic approach to introduce and refine 27 critical outdoor rock climbing lessons.

We cover all the essentials such as climbing safety, equipment, movement skills, outdoor climbing strategy, belaying and rappelling, hazard management, rock climbing terminology, route selection, climbing grades, bolt and tree anchor building, top rope set up and much, much more as can be seen in the course itinerary. Our goal is to ensure that all participants will build a powerful foundation, which will allow for ultimate safety, excellent technique and a rapid progression.

To attain this goal we utilize a combination of factors beginning with a fully comprehensive curriculum that has been developed by leading rock climbing guides. In addition to the essentials, this course will teach you the basics of seconding bolted multi-pitch rock climbing routes - an important element as many sport crags/climbing areas will have several routes that are 2 to 3 pitches and may involve multiple rappels coming off the route. We will also teach rock climb leading through the safe technique of 'mock leads', creating a logical progression to the next complex skill of leading.

This course is run over 2 full days and as per our trademark of low student to guide ratios, we ensure that each student receives extensive coaching and personalized instruction. You can take comfort in knowing that MSA instructors are certified guides who possess a great depth of experience and excel at their trade.

Course Itinerary

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

top of page

Day One 8:00 orientation meeting at Gear Up Sports Rentals, Canmore

• Formal introductions, sign waivers, safety discussion and backpack/equipment check.
• Lesson 1 Equipment: fit for climbing shoes, harness, helmet
• Drive: carpooling recommended where possible.
• Lesson 2 Environment : leave no trace and wildlife discussion.
• Lesson 3 On site safety: objective & subjective sport climbing hazards and safety protocols.
• Lesson 4 Rock Climbing Movement : learn basic climbing techniques and bouldering
• Lesson 5 Introduction to outdoor climbing specific equipment and use
• Lesson 6 Introduction to different anchors and assessing anchor/bolt quality
• Lesson 7 Top-roping: setting anchors and ropes for top-roping
• Lesson 8 Tying in: use of figure 8 knot for climbing
• Lesson 9 Belaying: current belay techniques using a belay tube
• Lesson 10 Communication: climbing commands, proper terminology and communication with your climbing partner
• Lesson 11 Lowering and Rappelling: using belay devices, system checks and safety
• Lesson 12 Quickdraw removal and racking gear on the harness
• Lesson 13 Threading the anchor with various anchor types
• Lesson 14 Climbing technique: professional coaching and movement skills
• Day concludes at approximately 16:30

Day Two 8:00 meeting at Summit Café, Canmore

• Morning Meeting: coffee or tea, review, equipment check.
• Drive: drive to a different climbing area.
• Lesson 15 Safety reminder: current hazards and safety protocols in rock climbing.
• Lesson 16 Climbing: warm up and bouldering
• Lesson 17 Learning to use guidebooks and choosing a route
• Lesson 18 Tying in and Belaying review
• Lesson 19 Lowering and Rappelling review
• Lesson 20 Climbing: professional coaching and movement skills
• Lesson 21 Objective and subjective hazards of outdoor climbing
• Lesson 22 Mitigating hazards and planning
• Lesson 23 Basics of Multi-pitch Climbing (designed for seconding bolted 2-3 pitch routes)
• Lesson 24 Multi-pitch safety considerations
• Lesson 25 Demonstration, how to second a mulit-pitch and clean gear
• Lesson 26 Securing yourself at anchors
• Lesson 27 Rappelling or lowering off of multi-pitch sport climbs
• Lesson 28 Mock Leads in preparation for the next phases of traditional and lead climbing
• More climbing: Continuing rock climbing technique refinement with quality feedback and fine-tuning
• Course debrief and next step recommendations
• Conclusion of course

top of page

Course Logistics

View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary
Equipment List - What to bring?, what not to bring? We can answer those questions view equipment list

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Should you require accommodation in Canmore, we have organized for your convenience excellent value accommodation packages with local providers: economy option at the Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse $30 per night w/ kitchen facilities, superior option at the Rocky Mountain Ski Lodge $123 per night based on double occupancy and luxury options - prices range on luxury level. These choices are made available during the booking process.

Food

Food is not included in this course. For your convenience, MSA offers several discounted meal packages at a great value. We have backcountry food preparation by Backcountry Bistro as well as agreements with several local Canmore and Banff coffee shops and restaurants. See Food.

Please make sure to pack a good lunch with plenty of high energy food and liquids including snacks.

Transportation

Transportation is not included in this course. You may add transportation for this course for $20.00 a day. For your convenience, MSA offers several discounted car rental packages with Enterprise Car Rental. See Transportation.

Equipment

All the equipment you will need is included in this course: rock shoes, harness, helmet, belay device, chalk bag and locking carabiner. If you own your own equipment, bring it as it will be the best fit and it is good to be famliar with it. Your instructor will bring the rest such as the rope, quickdraws, anchor material, etc.

Please view equipment list

Equipment List

View logistics - Course Equipment, Accommodation, Food and Transportation options view logistics
View Itinerary - A day by day summary of the course view itinerary

Clothing

During the summer months weather conditions are constantly changing. Be prepared for both hot or cold days and even rain. There are several rain protected climbing venues. So please dress according to the forecast for the course days.

Cliimbing pants or sweatpants work well
T-shirt
Mid layer fleece
Rain jacket
Puffy or warm jacket
Warm Hat and ballcap
Thin gloves for belaying
Sunglasses and sunscreen.
Sturdy hiking shoes or boots.
Dayback large enough to carry personal and group gear.

Equipment

Rock shoes
Harness
Helmet
Belay device
Locking carabiner
Chalk bag
Hiking pole

Your instructor will also bring;

Group first aid kit
Cell phone
Programmable Radio
Guides Tarp
2 X 60 Metre Ropes
Belay Devices- Gri-Gri
Anchor material
4 locking carabiiners
8 non lockers
12 quick draws

Food & Water

Please make sure to pack a good lunch with plenty of high energy food and liquids including snacks.

Other
n/a

Course Photographs

Fitness Explained

Good Fitness
In good general health- able to walk or ski for at least two hours at a slow pace (including breaks) in undulating terrain. Able to carry a light load (25lbs = 12 kilos).

Very Good Fitness
Exercise regularly (in gym, mountains, etc)- have fairly good cardio. Can walk or ski for several hours (including breaks) over several days in diverse mountain terrain at a moderate pace (including up hill and down hill). Able to carry a moderate load (35-45 lbs = 16- 20 kilos)

Peak Fitness
Follow a routine exercise schedule and may even be training for sports or expeditions. Excellent cardio and good stamina. Able to walk or ski all day at a moderate pace over several days in diverse mountain terrain including steeper uphill and downhill sections. Able to carry moderate loads of (35 to 55lbs = 25 kilos). You feel it would be reasonable for you to acclimatize on peaks.

Ability Explained

Introductory
Suitable for beginner level, no prior experience required.

Intermediate
You have previous experience and a good general knowledge of the sport.

Advanced
You have very good knowledge of the sport developed from regular practice.

Backcountry Skier Ability Level

Type I Beginner
Skis slowly and conservatively. Newer to backcountry skiing, links parallel turns and able to slide slip more difficult sections. Can stop when desired.

Type II Intermediate
Skis at a moderate pace. Links parallel turns in powder and can come to a full stop on demand. Able to handle varied snow conditions and terrain. Has no problem skiing in trees or negotiating short ski crux's (difficult sections).

Type III Advanced
Skis more aggressively, at higher speeds and able to ski advanced terrain. Can handle different snow conditions. Enjoys more technical terrain. No problem handling short cruxes and steeper sections.

Type IV Expert
Aggressive and fast, capable of skiing in all conditions. Able to negotiate difficult sections, ski in couloirs and prolonged steep terrain.

Course Schedule & Pricing


Scheduled Course Date	Course Price	Register	Inquire
June 18th - 19th, 2011	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
July 9th - 10th, 2011	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
July 30th - 31st, 2011	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
August 20th - 21st, 2011	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
September 17th - 18th, 2011	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
Please contact MSA directly for alternate dates with pre-organized groups	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire

Private Course Option
We also offer our students the option of a private course. Join a group of friends together, let us know your group size and preferred dates. See chart below for private course prices.

*Bonus! The group organizer will save 10%. Single private course also available.


Private Date Option	Course Price	Register	Inquire
4 People	$243.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
3 People	$310.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
2 People	$460.00 + 5% GST		Inquire
1 Person	$875.00 + 5% GST		Inquire

Course Menu