Tours

This two-session Gym-to-Crag series is designed for those who have had the opportunity to climb indoors and familiarize themselves with common climbing systems such as top-roping and/or lead climbing. This course is all-encompassing and starts off with a classroom session, where we will discuss equipment, ethics, anchoring, belaying, rappelling, safety, and more. The outdoor session will be held outside in Clear Creek Canyon outside of Golden, CO. We will all build anchors, clean anchors, practice knots & hitches, rappel, and do some climbing! Every participant will have an opportunity to practice all of these new skills while under the supervision of an experienced, and AMGA Certified Single-Pitch Instructor.

This course is held over two days, Tuesday, August 15th (2 hrs) and Saturday, August 19th (6hrs).

Tuesday evening classroom session is held at the RAB Store in Denver.
Saturday outdoor session will take place in Clear Creek Canyon, outside of Golden, CO.

This course does NOT include instruction on how to lead climb. If you have practiced lead climbing in the climbing gym, then course participants will be provided opportunities to practice those skills during this course.

Outcome

First and foremost, we want every individual to be successful and walk away knowing that they gave their personal best and had a great time outdoors. Gaining proficiency in rock climbing will aid in your ability to progress towards more challenging objectives and venues, and will also help you to develop a well-rounded understanding of the basic safety principles and mechanisms that all climbers utilize.

Learn to properly lead and top-rope belay with ATC and GriGri-style devices
Rope Management
Utilize effective communication and commands
Learn the fundamentals of Leave No Trace ethics
Learn the fundamentals of setting up an outdoor top-rope system on a bolted anchor
Application of additional common climbing knots & hitches for top-rope anchors
Cleaning the anchor and setting up a rappel or lower.
Rock climbing gear considerations and selection
Technical climbing instruction on rock

Location

RAB Store in Denver and Clear Creek Canyon, outside of Golden, CO.

Duration

8 Hours

Minimum Age

Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian

Included

AMGA Trained/Certified Guide
Group Climbing Equipment
Technical Hardware
Technical Soft goods
Personal Climbing Equipment
Climbing Shoes
Helmet
Harness

Not Included

Food
Transport
Lodging
Trip/Cancelation Insurance
Non-technical Personal Items
Rescue Insurance
Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
Guide Gratuity
Unforseen Cost Incurred Outside of the Control of SAI

Equipment List

Clothing

Bottom

Cotton or synthetic climbing pants/capri’s
Shorts for hot weather

Top

Fleece or lightweight down sweater
Lightweight wind shell
Water proof rain jacket – lightweight gore-tex or similar
Short-sleeved shirt
(Optional) Sun hoody

Head

Baseball hat – for sun protection

Hands

1 pair of lightweight leather belay gloves – hardware store versions are great

Feet

Sticky rubber approach shoes or light hiking/trail running shoes (closed toe mandatory)
Cotton or Synthetic socks

Technical Equipment

Harness – UIAA/CE rated climbing harness with belay loop and gear loops. Should be able to fit on the outside of your layers.
Helmet – UIAA/CE rated climbing helmet.
Belay/rappel device – plaquette, tube style device preferred
2 locking carabiners – large, round stock screw gate carabiners that are easily manipulated while wearing gloves
Sticky rubber rock climbing shoes

*All technical equipment will be provided by SAI, but if you have our own, it’s encouraged that you bring it.

Food

2L of water
800 -1200 calories of food – energy bars, sandwiches, fruits, etc

Personal

Backpack – 25-30L
2 Large mouth water bottles, 1L capacity each.
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Smartphone

Location

Gallery

Reviews

      
   Summit Ascents International - Colorado Mountain Guides
   40 Google reviews 
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       Posted on Google  
   
   John McGee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Easy to schedule and great communication. Max was my guide and he was excellent! He knew every inch of the crag and selected routes that were perfect.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Hung Lieu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Another awesome ice climbing trip in the books. Thanks, Dan and SAI Guides!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Michael Schmitz 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Completed the AiARE 1 course with Max Lure in Rocky Mountain National Park. A phenomenal experience.  Would recommend to anyone who is interested  in getting into the back country.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jenni Hanley 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I loved my guided climb with Newt! He chose a great spot that was shaded and not too crowded. Loved the routes he chose for us, which got gradually more challenging. He had a really nice mix of providing some beta while also encouraging us to figure it out for ourselves. Would definitely book an excursion with him again!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Connor Myers 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Have not used their service, but one of their guides, Newt, got me out of a jam a few weeks ago. I took off from the Eldo park and ride without my bag, and when he saw the abandoned bag in the parking lot, he read the situation perfectly, took it with him, made a post online, and got the bag back to me day of. Newt's an honest dude with good situational awareness, great qualities for a guide (and person) to have.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Jason Bryce 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Eric Whewell is professional and helpful, guided and taught my group well!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Ben 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. The SPI course offered by SAI is phenomenal. It exceeded my expectations and taught me numerous invaluable skills I will undoubtedly make repeated use of in the future in both recreational and professional climbing settings. Thank you to Eric Whewell for running such a great program!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Christopher Hunnewell 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Max led my AIARE 2 course and went way above and beyond what I have experienced in previous courses.  Beyond just going through he curriculum Max took personal ownership of the learning of the group and made sure to give us opportunities to implement what we had gone over. Cannot recommend a trip with Max enough!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Sig Newt 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Excellent group of very professional guides. Would highly reccommend.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Elliott Wright 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Phenomenal AIARE1 course! Max Lurie’s expertise is second to none and his comedic edge makes a serious, information packed topic fun for everyone. Thanks SAI and Dan Hunter for putting it on.