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Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Course
Register for course

Course Rundown

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included.

Food

Food is not included.

Course Cost:
$465.00 per person based on 4 participants
5% gst & other taxes extra

Duration:

3 days

Location:

Canmore and Banff, Canadian Rockies

Guide to client ratio:

1:6 & 1:2 on mult-pitch day

Fitness:

Good fitness

Ability:

Introductory

Prerequisites:

MSA-R2M1- Intro to rock or equivalent experience- basic outdoor rock climbing experience

Ages:

18 years old and up

Equipment:

Equipment is not included however loaner helmets are available.

Transportation:

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

Booking deadline:
n/a

Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Course

Course Description

This 3 day program is a fast paced and fully comprehensive course including 33 critical lessons. Designed to meet the needs of climbers with previous basic outdoor or indoor climbing experience who wish to learn the complete set of multi-pitch skills including highly beneficial expert techniques.

We begin by reviewing all the essentials such as equipment, movement skills, belaying and rappelling, safety protocols, rock climbing terminology, route selection, climbing grades, and more.

We then move into the fundamentals of Multi-Pitch rock climbing, including theory, safety, hazard recognition & mitigation, route selection, gear requirements, racking technique, the multi-pitch pack, double rope technique, multi-pitch belaying considerations, ascent & descent strategies. We will also cover rope selection and management techniques, lead and top-down belay methods, placing and removing modern protection, route finding, retreat options and backup plans.

On day two we will introduce advanced multi-pitch technique An MSA trademark is catering to climbers that are serious about learning the absolute best techniques and taking the time to do so. As such our cutting edge approach is including teaching advanced techniques usually reserved for guides. Such as use of an auto bloc (reverso) belaying technique, how to protect the second, back belays, trams, crux problem solving, advanced rope management for speedy transitions on the ascent and descent and much more. The result is a strong and powerful foundation that is multi-faceted, will prepare participants for any multi-pitch venue and allow rapid progression.

Finally on day 3 we bring it all together. Those that are comfortable leading will be given the opportunity to lead within their ability level to develop independence. Every participant will lead a rappel descent. This is a guided day up one of the many classic multi-pitch routes in the Rockies with a Guide / Client Ratio of 1:2.

Though not mandatory, previous experience with basic leading on sport and traditional routes will be an asset.

Well known areas that we will do Multi-pitch routes in the Bow Valley include: Yamnuska, Kid Goat, Ha Ling, EEOR, The Ghost, Tunnel Mountain, Cascade Mountain and many others.

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

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Course Itinerary

Day one 8:00 orientation meeting at Gear Up Sports
• Meet at Gear Up Rentals in Canmore Sign Waivers, Safety discussion and Backpack/Equipment check. Goals and Agenda.
• Lesson 1 Equipment check: For those using rental climbing equipment: Fit for climbing shoes, harness & helmet
• Drive: Carpooling recommended when possible.
• Lesson 2 Environment : Leave no trace and wildlife discussion.
• Lesson 3 On site safety: Current hazards and safety protocols.
• Lesson 4 Introduction to multi-pitch Theory: What is a Multi-pitch?
• Review: Knots, belayer & rope placement-belaying, and communication
• Lesson 6 The multi-pitch back pack and approach strategy
• Lesson 7 Gear Requirements: Putting together the right rack for the right route
• Lesson 8 Racking up for a multi-pitch
• Lesson 9 Lead belaying and top-down belaying: different sytems
• Review: Modern traditional gear: Removing and Racking
• Lesson 10 Securing Yourself: To an anchor during a multi-pitch
• Lesson 11 Rope and Belay Management: For Multi-pitch transitions
• Lesson 12 Route Selection: Selecting the right Multi-pitch climb.
• Lesson 13 Rope Selection: Single ropes vs half or twin ropes
• Lesson 15 Double rope technique discussion and demo
• Lesson 16 Retreat Options and Backup Plans- problem solving
• Lesson 17 Rappelling with a back-up prussic
• Climbing: Professional Coaching and Application
• Course debrief and next day objective
• Course Closure.
• Day ends 1700

Day two 7:00 meeting at Beamers Coffee Shop Canmore
• Morning Meeting: Morning Meeting: Coffee or tea, Review, Q & A session, Days agenda, equipment check.
• Drive: Carpooling recommended when possible.
• Review - Environment : Leave no trace and wildlife discussion.
• Lesson 18 Multi-pitch Rock situational awareness & Onsite Safety: Review current hazards and safety protocols
• Lesson 19 Choosing a belaying technique between auto-bloc and re-direct depending on situation
• Lesson 20 Extending the anchor to see your partner
• Lesson 21 Protecting the second from pendulum
• Lesson 22 Advanced rope management- Ascent: effective switch-overs re-stacking
• Lesson 23 Advanced rope management- Descent: J-looping anchor- pre-threading anchor
• Lesson 24 Advanced rope management- End of rope knot or no knot discussion, rappelling with lap coils.
• Lesson 25 Mentoring day climbing up and descending a multi-pitch route.
• Lesson 26 How to assess next days route condition and weather forecast
• Lesson 27 Assignment: Participants choose next days objective and make a route plan
• Day Debrief and next day objective

Day three 7:00 meeting at Beamers Coffee Shop Canmore
• Morning Meeting: Coffee or tea, Review, Q & A session, Days agenda, equipment check.
• Lesson 28 Evaluate participants’ route selection, plan
• Lesson 29 Evaluate participants route condition and weather forecast
• Drive: Drive to Local area.
• Safety: Review current hazards and safety protocols- situational awareness- Multi-pitch rock
• Lesson 30 Participants either lead up within their comfort level and capability or are led up a multi-pitch route.
• Lesson 31 On going multi-pitch system instruction and feedback during the day
• Lesson 32 Participants lead down a multi-pitch via rappel
• Lesson 33 On going multi-pitch system instruction and feedback during the descent- Course debrief and next step recommendations
• Course Closure
• Day ends 1700

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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

Personal climbing equipment is not included - rock shoes, harness, belay device and chalk bag including 2 locking carabiners. Loaner helmets are available. Your instructor will bring all the group gear such as the rope, quickdraws, anchor material, etc. For your convenience, MSA offers discounted ciimbing equipement rental packages through GearUp Sports.

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
Write in the rain book & mechanical pencil

Equipment

Usually students taking this course own their own personal climbing equipment- so we did not include equipment rental and its price as part of the course coust. However it is available at an excellent discount package we have arranged through GearUp Sports. We do have loaner helmet if you need.

Rock shoes- comfortable for long multi-pitch
Harness
Helmet
Belay device- auto block device such as Reverso or Guide ATC is best
2 Locking carabiners
2 double length slings
4 non-locking carabiners
Chalk bag
Hiking pole
If you own your climbing rack, bring it

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
4 double length slings
Trad gear - dependent on student personal trad experience

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
Please call MSA for registration and bookings due to technical issues at this time Ph: 403 609 1564	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
June 21st - 23rd, 2011	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
July 27th - 29th, 2011	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
September 10th - 12th, 2011	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
Please contact MSA directly for alternate dates with pre-organized groups	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
n/a	$465 + 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	$465 + 5% GST		Inquire
3 People	$535 + 5% GST		Inquire
2 People	$640 + 5% GST		Inquire
1 Person	$1275 + 5% GST		Inquire

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