Expert climbing guide leading a traditional route, demonstrating gear placement for trad climbing students.
Beginner trad climber undertaking a mock lead climb with a safety top rope during our Learn to Lead Trad climbing course.
Trad climber in the learn to lead Trad climbing course practicing cam placement in a crack in order to build an anchor.

$549 Per Person

 

Have questions? Ask one of our guides!

(720) 282-9235 | Info@saiguides.com

See below for more details

In this two day program, master the basic skills needed to be a competent trad climber in a single pitch environment. Discover how to identify and mitigate hazards, select appropriate equipment, place sound climbing protection for the leader and follower, belay from above and a few techniques to get yourself out of trouble.

 

 

 

Booking Info

A 50% deposit is required at the time of booking with the balance due 30 days prior to your trip. If you book a trip within 30 days of the start date, full payment is required at the time of booking.

Once you have selected your trip dates, click “Check Availability”. You will receive an email confirming your trip dates and a link to purchase after completing the “check availability” form.

YOU WILL NOT BE CHARGED UNTIL WE HAVE CONFIRMED TRIP DATES.

Pay a 50% deposit per item

Details

Minimum Eligibility Criteria: Previous outdoor climbing experience, Ability to climb 5.8 on top rope outside, previous experience leading bolt protected (sport) climbs and cleaning anchors, experience rappelling, familiarity with knots and hitches relevant to single pitch climbing: figure eight, overhand on a bight, clove hitch, prussik.

Length: 2 days, 16 hours

Maximum Ratio: 4 participants, 1 guide

Minimum Age: Under 18 will need written consent from parent/guardian

Skills Covered

  • Leave No Trace Principles and Outdoor Crag Etiquette
  • Knots and Hitches Review
  • Gear Placement and Anchor Construction
  • Route Selection
  • Hazard Evaluation
  • Equipment
  • Lead Belaying
  • Communication
  • Use of Runners and Quickdraws
  • Following a Lead
  • Belaying From Above
  • Falling
  • Retreating From a Lead
  • Aiding Out of Trouble
  • Mock Leading Practicum

Price Includes

Does Include:

  • AMGA Trained/Certified Guide/Instructor
  • Group Climbing Equipment
    • Ropes
    • Technical Hardware – carabiners, protection, belay device, etc
    • Technical Softgoods – slings, cordelette, anchor rope, etc
  • Personal Climbing Equipment
    • Climbing Shoes
    • Helmet
    • Harness

Does Not Include:

  • Food
  • Transportation
  • Lodging
  • Trip/cancellation Insurance
  • Non-technical Personal Items – clothing, pack, sunglasses, etc
  • Rescue Insurance
  • Park Entrance Fees (if applicable)
  • Guide Gratuity
  • Unforeseen costs 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