Alpine Rock Climbing Course

Are you looking to expand your knowledge of rock climbing and applying it to an alpine environment? The granite climbing in the Sierra is the best in the world. After taking this course and practicing your rock craft you will open up a world of objectives across the range. The weather in the Sierra is also some of the most reliable for Alpine Rock Climbing anywhere. This program is a phenomenal three day course open to those climbers who have experience rock climbing and basic mountaineering skills. This course is a favorite among our guides and participants, and really shows you what Sierra Alpine climbing is all about! 

The Alpine Rock Climbing course is for those looking to experience the world of Multi-pitch rock climbing in an Alpine environment. Our students should have a firm understanding of the basics of single pitch rock climbing including the ability to tie knots and belay. If you do not have experience with this please check out our Introduction to Rock Climbing Course.

The first day is pent reviewing basic climbing techniques such as lead belaying, rappelling, knots, anchor building, lead climbing, and climbing movement. The rest of the day will focus on multi-pitch techniques and specific techniques we use in the alpine. The following two days, we will climb the classic multi-pitch route up Crystal Crag located in Mammoth Lakes and Cardinal Pinnacle located outside of Bishop, CA. These are two of the most spectacular close-to-the-road alpine objectives in the country. Do not worry about the grades of the climbs as there are many options ranging from 5.6 to 5.10 and we will tailor it to your ability level. During Days 2 and 3 we will be explaining everything we are doing in order to get you ready to lead your own alpine objectives. This course is also a great way to prepare yourself for guided climbs such as the Matterhorn.

Course Dates:

  • July 4-6, 2025

  • July 11-13, 2025

  • July 25-27, 2025

  • August 8-10, 2025

  • August 22-24, 2025

  • September 5-7, 2025

  • September 19-21, 2025

Course Objectives

Increasing technical knowledge/skills in all aspects of alpine rock climbing including:

  • Rope/belay techniques

  • Rappelling

  • Knots and anchor systems

  • Moving efficiently and quickly through moderately technical terrain

  • Gaining confidence and skill in 5.6-5.9 alpine rock terrain

  • Face-in down climbing and face-out down climbing

  • Route finding

  • Risk Management

  • Emergency Response

  • Gear and recommendations

  • Multi Pitch climbing techniques

Itinerary

Day 1: Meet in the morning and talk through gear for alpine and multi-pitch rock climbing. Then we will head to a local crag to review basic climbing techniques such as lead belaying, rappelling, knots, anchor building, lead climbing, and climbing movement. The rest of the day will focus on multi-pitch techniques and specific techniques we use in the alpine.

Day 2: Meet in Mammoth Lakes, CA and climb one of the most Iconic multi pitch alpine routes in the world, Crystal Crag. The climbs here range from 5.6-5.8 and we will tailor it to your ability!

Day 3: Meet in Bishop, CA. Head up to Cardinal Pinnacle to climb another amazing multi pitch alpine route. Amongst the guide team this is one of the most spectacular uncrowded, close to the road climbs in the Sierra. The climbs range from 5.6-5.11 and we will tailor it toward your ability!

Prerequisites

  • Must have some single pitch rock climbing or gym climbing experience. 

  • Must be able to successfully climb 5.6

  • Must be able to hike 5 miles a day

Group Size

2:1 climber to guide ratio

Please read our Cancellation & Refund Policies before booking.