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Trad Climbing Course
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
Learn the basics in this intro to trad climbing course
2 day clinic
Step beyond the bolts and learn the fundamentals of traditional rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’ve top-roped or sport climbed before, this intro trad climbing course will give you the skills and confidence to begin placing gear, building anchors, and leading trad.
This clinic focuses on building a strong foundation in systems, movement, and leader strategy so you can start exploring trad climbing safely and with confidence.
What you’ll learn
Gear fundamentals: how cams and nuts work, where they’re appropriate, and how to place them effectively
Basic anchor building: principles of strong, redundant, and efficient trad anchors
Movement and efficiency on rock: footwork, body positioning, and managing fear when climbing above gear
Risk assessment and hazard awareness: evaluating rock quality, protection options, and environmental factors in alpine and crag settings
Why this clinic is for you
Expert instruction from guides who actively climb and guide on trad routes in the Rockies
A ratio designed for high-value coaching, hands-on practice, and feedback on the go
A supportive learning environment that emphasises safety, systems, and sound decision-making
A clear pathway into trad and alpine climbing — leave with practical skills, confidence, and a solid next step
Prerequisites
This clinic is designed for climbers new to outdoor trad climbing.
Participants should:
• Be comfortable top-roping outdoors or indoors
• Have prior experience lead belaying or lead climbing in a gym or outdoors
• Confidently climb at least 5.6-5.8 on top rope and give a safe belay
If you’re unsure whether this clinic is appropriate for you, please contact us and we’ll help guide you.
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We will meet at a climbing venue outlined in the logistics package at 7:30 a.m.
Climb and learn: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venues will vary depending on weather, conditions, and participant experience.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and trad protection, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Warm jacket
Wind or waterproof shell
Approach shoes
Day pack 40L
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
Learn the basics in this intro to trad climbing course
2 day clinic
Step beyond the bolts and learn the fundamentals of traditional rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’ve top-roped or sport climbed before, this intro trad climbing course will give you the skills and confidence to begin placing gear, building anchors, and leading trad.
This clinic focuses on building a strong foundation in systems, movement, and leader strategy so you can start exploring trad climbing safely and with confidence.
What you’ll learn
Gear fundamentals: how cams and nuts work, where they’re appropriate, and how to place them effectively
Basic anchor building: principles of strong, redundant, and efficient trad anchors
Movement and efficiency on rock: footwork, body positioning, and managing fear when climbing above gear
Risk assessment and hazard awareness: evaluating rock quality, protection options, and environmental factors in alpine and crag settings
Why this clinic is for you
Expert instruction from guides who actively climb and guide on trad routes in the Rockies
A ratio designed for high-value coaching, hands-on practice, and feedback on the go
A supportive learning environment that emphasises safety, systems, and sound decision-making
A clear pathway into trad and alpine climbing — leave with practical skills, confidence, and a solid next step
Prerequisites
This clinic is designed for climbers new to outdoor trad climbing.
Participants should:
• Be comfortable top-roping outdoors or indoors
• Have prior experience lead belaying or lead climbing in a gym or outdoors
• Confidently climb at least 5.6-5.8 on top rope and give a safe belay
If you’re unsure whether this clinic is appropriate for you, please contact us and we’ll help guide you.
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We will meet at a climbing venue outlined in the logistics package at 7:30 a.m.
Climb and learn: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venues will vary depending on weather, conditions, and participant experience.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and trad protection, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Warm jacket
Wind or waterproof shell
Approach shoes
Day pack 40L
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to help.