Climbing experience isn’t required, but it helps. We have a competitive application process and unfortunately aren’t able to recruit enough volunteer instructors to accommodate every student who wants to take Basic Alpine Climbing.
Absolutely! Our ideal students have a well-tested passion for the outdoors and are looking to expand that passion into more challenging pursuits. If you’re not sure how you feel about carrying a backpack or sleeping overnight in a tent, then this course probably isn’t for you.
Every little bit helps. Cardiovascular conditioning, a strong back and core for carrying heavy loads, and the endurance to walk long distances are all very important for climbers.
Since our training starts earlier than the climbing season, you’ll have plenty of time to seek advice on climbing-specific conditioning once you’ve enrolled in the course. But a minimal foundation of fitness will make the course much more enjoyable for you.
Some of the physical challenges you’ll face in training before the climbing season starts include the following:
At $530, the course is very affordable compared to commercial options and guide services. The course fee includes your own copy of Freedom of the Hills 8 - hard copy and/or electronic copy. However, it’s important not to overlook the cost of gear when you’re thinking about whether you can afford this class.
You’re encouraged to borrow as much gear as possible from friends. If you must buy gear, wait until the class starts and ask around before making big purchases—the Mountaineers have relationships with prominent vendors, and lots of great advice for finding good deals on quality gear.
That being said, the typical cost of outfitting yourself can be substantial—anywhere from $400 to $2,000 depending on what you already own and what kind of gear you buy. At minimum, you’ll need:
This list is provided only so that you can get an idea of how much you might need to spend for this course. Please do not start shopping for gear until after you’ve been accepted into the class and had the opportunity to talk to your instructors about gear.
See the requirements section.
The course curriculum includes five class meetings, seven field trips and a minimum of three basic experience climbs. You will also be assigned to a Small Instructional Group (SIG) for additional instruction and outings. See the schedule section for a detailed listing.
In addition, there are required classes in navigation and first aid, which are taught outside the formal course structure, a stewardship requirement, and self-study. See the requirements section for more information.
Because of logistical challenges, each of the five class meetings are only offered on one date. You are expected to attend all five. If extenuating circumstances exist which prevent you from attending, your SIG leader MAY be able to arrange an alternative.
With the exception of the two SIG field trips, field trips are offered on four different dates so that you can select the one that fits your schedule. If you need to attend on a specific date, you are encouraged to register early as the field trips are limited to 1/4 of the class for each session and are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
See the schedule section for a detailed listing.
This will vary depending on your skills and abilities, but in this course you will not be climbing above 5.6 on the Yosemite Decimal Scale.
No. You will be learning how to climb rock as a follower and how to remove protection placed by leaders. After completing Basic Alpine Climbing, you’ll be eligible to apply for our Intermediate Course. It’s there that you’ll advance your trad climbing and learn to place protection on lead.
If you’re only interested in climbing rocks and not glaciers, you may want to check out our Crag Climbing course instead of Basic Alpine Climbing.
No. You will learn to use a single ice axe and crampons to climb on steep, crevassed snow with a rope team, but you will not be climbing on vertical water ice. An advanced Water Ice Class is available to those who have completed both Basic Alpine and Intermediate Climbing.
Yes! Many of our climbers have started off with our Alpine Scrambling Course. It’s a great way to learn some of the same tools, techniques and terrains you’ll encounter in climbing, but with lower-angle routes and fewer hazards than technical climbing.
SIG is an acronym for "Small Instructional Group". Each student will be assigned to a SIG of approximately ten students and one leader which will conduct two of the field trips and hold additional learning and practice sessions. Your SIG leader will be your primary point of contact for the course.