Progressing from single pitch to multi-pitch sport climbing is the goal of many rock climbers. There are numerous lifetimes of multi-pitch sport climbing but additional skills are required to do this safely and proficiently.
The Rock 3 – Multi-Pitch Sport Climbing Course will focus on providing you with the skills to successfully and efficiently complete multi-pitch climbs at almost any rock climbing destination. Skill development will focus on route selection, belaying methods in the multi-pitch setting, protecting both the leader and the second while climbing, anchor construction and considerations for multi-pitch rock climbing, route finding, rappel descents, and emergency preparedness.
This sport climbing course is the perfect progression for climbers who are leading Sport 5.9 or Trad routes in the 5.7 range or harder and are looking to perform successfully and efficiently in the multi-pitch environment.
Course Agenda
Day 1: 8:00 am at the Yamnuska Office and Local Climbing Area
- Welcome, introduction, goals, and agenda.
- Risk and hazard assessment for multi-pitch climbs
- Guide book use and route selection
- Introduce the multi-pitch system and forces involved (fall factors)
- Anchor construction for multi-pitch climbs (using bolts)
- Instruction and practice of techniques for belaying from above
- Multi-pitch demo (controlled setting – ground school)
- Multi-pitch systems practice (controlled setting – ground school)
- Instruction for rope management on multi-pitch climbs
- Rappelling review and practice
Day 2: At Local Climbing Area
- Risk and hazard assessment
- Review leading techniques and introduce the concept of protecting the second climber
- What to bring on a multi-pitch climb
- Racking gear for a multi-pitch climb
- Multi-pitch practice and coaching (on rock)
- Rappel descents
- Considerations for traditionally protected multi-pitch climbs
- Emergency preparedness
- Debrief and wrap-up.
‘Plus Days’
Stay for an extra day and put your new skills into practice on a classic Canadian Rockies multi-pitch climb. The instructor-to-student ratio is 1:2. We divide into compatible teams, choose a suitable multi-pitch route and spend the whole day climbing it. Climbs include routes on Mt. Yamnuska, Kid Goat Buttress, Tunnel Mountain, and Cascade. The goal will be to climb a personally challenging objective while practicing the skills required to second a multi-pitch rock climb. $385 plus GST. Available following ‘Multi-Pitch Climbing Skills’ course.
Meeting Time and Place
The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:00 am on Day 1. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.
Instructors and Group Size
Enthusiastic and extremely talented, your instructors hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Our instructors are chosen not just for their technical climbing virtuosity but also for their ability to instruct and coach.
Instructor to student ratios range down from 1:4. On “Plus” days 1:2 is the maximum. The minimum group size is 3.
Transportation
To keep prices down participants are responsible for their own transport to Canmore and during the program. Canmore is a 1hour (100km) drive west of Calgary.
If you are flying from afar for the program we suggest that you rent a car for your visit. In addition to getting you to the climbing locations, it will allow you to explore our region after program hours. For example, you can visit Banff and enjoy the hot pools and sample the numerous restaurants.
Park Passes
Please note that program venues may be within National Parks and/or Kananaskis Country. For programs where transportation is not provided by Yamnuska/Canadian Rockies Hiking by Yamnuska, guests will be required to purchase their own pass.
National Park passes are available both online at https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission and in-person at National park gates and some information centres.
Kananaskis Country conservation passes are available online at https://www.alberta.ca/kananaskis-conservation-pass.aspx
Accommodation and Meals
Accommodation in Canmore is not included. A variety of accommodation options exist in both Canmore and Banff, including campsites, hostels, all levels of hotels as well as condo-style accommodation with kitchens or suites. We recommend that you book your own pre and post-trip accommodations well in advance as all levels of accommodations in the Bow Valley fill quickly.
Food is not supplied. You will need lunch, energy snacks, and plenty to drink each day. We recommend a minimum of 1L of fluids per day, more if it is hot.
Equipment and Clothing
The course fee includes the use of rock shoes and technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have.
The weather encountered on this program varies greatly, with the courses at the beginning and the end of the season more prone to cold conditions. The list below covers all possibilities. Should sunny warm conditions be forecast some items may be unnecessary. Remember that weather can change fast so even if the day starts out sunny you may still need rain gear in the afternoon. Conditions on the higher climbs on the ‘Plus Days’ are often colder.
Clothing and Equipment List
We suggest you bring:
- Lunch, snacks, and plenty to drink
- Backpack (30-40 Litre alpine back large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear)
- Sunglasses
- Sun cream
- Rain Gear (minimum jacket, pants if available)
- Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
- Warm weather gear (fleece jacket, long johns, warm hat, gloves, etc.)
- Rock shoes*
- Hiking boots or running shoes for the hike to the climbing area.
- Harness, helmet, belay device if you have them*
- chalk bag
*We can loan you these but you must advise us in advance that you need them.
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking.
We ask that you familiarize yourself with our detailed booking instructions and conditions.
Risk is an inherent part of all mountain activities. We strive to manage and reduce it however, it is impossible to totally eliminate. Learn more about our safety and risk management approach here. Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the program. Please view our sample waiver copy.
There are two basic types of insurance that most travellers need to consider: Medical and Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance. We offer our guests coverage for both and highly recommend you purchase it.
Emergency Medical Expenses Insurance:
It is wise to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident during your trip. Obtain extra coverage if necessary. There is no charge for rescue in the national and provincial parks with the purchase of a park entry pass, however, costs such as air or ground transportation, long-term care, and other services are not covered.
Cancellation/Trip Interruption Insurance:
We recognize that our guests’ schedules may change for many reasons; business, family, flight delays, injuries, and other unplanned events. For these eventualities, Trip Cancellation/Interruption insurance is a great way to protect your investment.
For all your travel insurance requirements we recommend the Simpson Group. This agency offers a wide range of travel insurance options including Trip Cancellation/Interruption, Travel Medical, and Personal Effect Loss for Canadian Travelers. We highly recommend purchasing this insurance.
Please note that this coverage is for Canadian residents only. For guests who are not from Canada and who are interested in the ‘Visitors to Canada’ insurance package please contact the Simpson Group directly at JSimpson@simpson-group.com and reference your Yamnuska Mountain Adventure trip.
Dates:
PRICE:
$485 CDN covers instruction and the use of technical gear. Accommodation and meals are not included but low cost, easy options exist. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is extra. Optional ‘Plus Day’ $385 plus GST.
Trip Cancellation Insurance is available through the Simpson Group.
Please note you will be required to sign the Yamnuska Release of Liability, and Waiver of Claims prior to commencing the program. Please review the sample waiver prior to booking and call us with any questions.
Is it for you?
This course is the perfect progression for climbers who are leading Sport 5.9 or Trad routes in the 5.7 range and are looking to perform successfully and efficiently in the Multi-Pitch environment.
