Aid Climbing
The Aid Climbing course is a 1-day intermediate-level course that focuses on the fundamentals of aid climbing. Participants can expect to gain hands-on experience in skills such as placing and bounce-testing gear, hooking, high-stepping in aid ladders, and various other aid-specific techniques in a single-pitch setting.
For climbers who wish to tackle a big-wall-style route like The Nose on El Capitan, we recommend extending this to a 2-day course. The second day will combine multi-pitch systems and wall-specific skills, including belay station management, hauling bags, ascending fixed lines, and performing lower-outs.
We recommend that participants have experience placing and leading on trad gear before taking this course. Additionally, we recommend that participants in the 2-day course are comfortable with multi-pitch trad climbing.
Skills taught in this course:
1. Placing and bounce-testing gear for direct aid
2. High-stepping in aid ladders
3. Belay station management
4. Hauling systems
5. Performing lower outs
6. Various techniques for ascending a fixed rope
7. Basic anchor building
8. Rappelling with a haul bag
Duration: 1 or 2 days
Max climber-to-guide ratio: 3:1
Location options: Broughton Bluff, Beacon Rock, or Smith Rock
Price per person per day:
1 climber $435
2 climbers $235
3 climbers $175
Dates: Custom, private dates are available year-round