INTRO TO MULTI-PITCH CLIMBING

We begin by reviewing all the essentials:

• Equipment
• Movement skills
• Belaying and rappelling
• Safety protocols
• Rock climbing terminology
• Route selection and climbing grades

We then move into the fundamental skills for Multi-Pitch rock climbing:

• Multi-pitch theory
• Risk mitigation and hazard management
• Route selection
• Gear requirements and the multi-pitch backpack
• Racking techniques
• Belay considerations
• Ascending and descending strategies

Forming a powerful foundation we then move onto further advanced skills that provide the efficiency needed to complete multi-pitch routes in a timely manner.

Such skills as:

• Advanced rope management
• Specialized belaying techniques
• Rapid leader transitions

The result is a sound foundation, a safe and effective technique, and efficient multi-pitch transitions for speedy ascents and descents. All this is geared towards making you into an independent multi-pitch climber who has the skills to progress rapidly.

8:15am: Meet your guide at Squamish Adventure Centre.

The guide will have everyone sign a waiver before having a safety discussion and performing a gear check. They will then discuss the day's objectives and lesson plan.

4:30pm: The day will end at approximately 4:30pm with a debrief, discussion of the course and next step recommendations.

Rentals/Purchase:

If you require rentals or need to purchase equipment, we have teamed up with the experts at the Escape Route Alpine Demo Centre. Follow the link HERE to purchase or rent gear for this course!

Individual Equipment:

• Rock climbing shoes
• Harness
• Helmet
• Belay device (with 1 locking carabiner)
• Prusik 1.5-1.7m, 7mm
• Anchor building equipment (2 locking carabiners, 2 non-locking carabiners & 120cm or 240cm sling)
• Chalk bag

The above gear can be purchased from MEC, Climb On (37873 Cleveland Ave, Squamish) or Escape Route (40222 Glenalder Pl, Squamish).

Clothing (Plan ahead, check the weather forecast, and dress accordingly):

• Climbing pants (light pants that allow maximum mobility)
• T-shirt
• Mid layer fleece or wool top
• Weatherproof shell jacket
• Down or synthetic insulating “puffy” jacket
• Warm hat
• Light gloves
• Sunglasses and sunscreen
• Approach shoes
• Daypack 25-35L

Weather conditions along the Coast Mountain Range are constantly changing. Plan ahead, look into weather trends, and prepare for all weather conditions.

Topics Covered:

• Equipment
• Environment & on site safety
• Introduction to multi-pitch theory
• Gear Requirements
• Route Selection
• Securing Yourself
• Lead belaying and top-down belaying
• Racking up for a multi-pitch
• Multi-pitch communication and commands
• Efficient leader switch-overs
• Rope drag reduction technique
• Advanced rope management
• Advanced safety techniques
• Mentoring day climbing up and descending a multi-pitch training route

Click HERE for the full curriculum