Trad Rock Climbing Class in Colorado
Embark on a transformative two-day advanced Trad Rock Climbing classes, the third in our series of rock climbinmg/mountaineering course following the Lead Rock Climbing Class, tailored for adept climbers experienced in sport lead rock climbing seeking a deeper understanding of traditional climbing. For those who’ve conquered sport routes and seek the thrill of trad climbing, this program in Boulder Canyon is your gateway. Be advanced!
Why Choose American Mountain School for Trad Rock Climbing Class?
Expert Instructors with Extensive Trad Experience
At American Mountain School, our instructors bring decades of experience in traditional (trad) climbing techniques. They are skilled in teaching the nuances of placing and removing protection, building solid anchors, and route planning, ensuring you develop a robust foundation in trad climbing.Comprehensive Safety Training
We prioritize your safety by focusing on risk assessment, gear management, and building a solid understanding of protection and anchor systems. Our curriculum includes hands-on practice with expert feedback to reinforce safety as you progress through different pitches and routes.Emphasis on Personalized Instruction
With small class sizes and one-on-one feedback, our instructors adapt the course to fit your experience level and goals. Whether you’re new to trad climbing or looking to advance your skills, we tailor the curriculum to maximize your learning and confidence on the wall.Prime Colorado Climbing Locations
Experience some of Colorado’s most iconic trad climbing spots, known for their scenic views and high-quality routes. This course allows you to learn on diverse rock formations, enhancing your skill adaptability in various real-world climbing settings.Hands-On Practice with Full Gear Kit
We provide group gear such as ropes, protection, and quickdraws, so you have the opportunity to become familiar with different types of gear and techniques without needing to invest in your own right away. Our course covers everything from gear selection and racking to anchor building and multi-pitch planning.Focused on Building Independence
Our goal is to equip you with the skills and confidence needed to climb independently. With American Mountain School, you’ll leave with the knowledge and practical experience to handle trad climbs on your own, advancing safely with each outing.
Boulder Canyon: An Epicenter of Trad Climbing Mastery
- Immerse yourself in Boulder Canyon’s enchanting terrain, an ideal playground for aspiring trad climbers.
- Engage with multi-faceted rock formations, providing real-world challenges for advancing trad climbers.
- Embrace the thrill of applying traditional climbing techniques amidst this natural wonderland.
What to Expect from Our Trad Rock Climbing Classes:
Day 1: Mastering Traditional Climbing Fundamentals
- Dive deep into rock assessment methodologies
- Gear selection for the traditional climbing and its proper placement
- Convenient organization of equipment on the harness
- Acquire skills in building fundamental and reliable simple anchors on 2-3 points for safe trad climbing.
Day 2: Embracing Trad Climbing Leadership
- Comprehensive exploration of various anchor types and their application in diverse climbing scenarios.
- Progress to mock trad climbing leadership, mastering the art of leading climbs and strategically placing protection.
Expert Guidance and Mastery Refinement
- Led by seasoned climbing guides, masters in trad climbing techniques, ensuring top-tier instruction.
- Benefit from small class sizes, fostering personalized coaching and an encouraging learning atmosphere.
- Prioritize safety through meticulous guidance on gear selection, placement, and anchor building.
Forge New Heights, Join Us!
NCLUDES:
Group Gear:
- Rope, Slings, Rock Protection, and Quickdraws: High-quality ropes, slings, and quickdraws for protection and progression.
Personal Gear (Provided If You Do Not Have Your Own):
- Climbing Helmet: Certified climbing helmet for safety and protection against falling debris.
- Climbing Harness: Comfortable and secure climbing harness designed to hold you safely on the rock.
- Technical Rock Climbing Shoes: High-performance rock shoes for precise footwork on all terrains.
- Locking Carabiner: Essential for secure clipping, locking during belaying, and anchoring.
- Assisted Braking Device (GriGri): Belay device with assisted braking for enhanced control and security.
- Chalk Bag: For keeping hands dry and improving grip during climbing.
EXCLUDES:
Personal Gear:
- Climbing Backpack (20-30 liters): Lightweight backpack to carry your essentials comfortably.
- Belay/Rappel Gloves: Gloves designed to protect hands from friction while belaying or rappelling.
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm: High SPF sunscreen and moisturizing lip balm to protect from sun exposure.
- Sunglasses: UV-protective sunglasses to reduce glare and protect your eyes during climbing.
- Personal First Aid Kit: Small kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptics, and any necessary medications.
- Snack for a Day: High-energy snacks to keep you fueled throughout the day.
- Thermos (1 liter): Thermos for carrying warm beverages in cold weather.
- Water (Isotonic) 1 liter minimum: Hydration for the day; consider adding electrolytes for added endurance.
- Breathable Base Layer: Lightweight, moisture-wicking fabric to keep you dry and comfortable.
- Mid-Layer: Insulating layer (like fleece) to keep you warm during cooler conditions.
- Weatherproof Jacket: Windproof, water-resistant jacket in case of changing weather.
- Climbing Pants or Shorts: Flexible, durable pants or shorts that allow full mobility on the rock face.
- Hat: Sun hat or cap for sun protection, or a warm beanie if climbing in cooler weather.
- Appropriate Footwear: Lightweight approach shoes or sturdy hiking boots to reach the climbing site comfortably.
The rendezvous point for Trad Rock Climbing Class is the Neptune Cafe & Bar parking lot.
PRICE INCLUDES
- Climb itinerary
- Guide fees
- Group equipment such as ropes, rock protection, quick draws, etc.
- Human waste disposal bags
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Food during trip
- Transportation
- Personal gear (see gear list)
- Trip cancellation insurance
- Rescue Insurance
- Gratuity
- Expenses due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of American Mountain School
Class Schedule and Pricing
FAQ
Lead climbing experience is essential for this course. Familiarity with lead climbing ensures you’re ready to focus on the specific skills and techniques of trad climbing without spending time on basic lead practices. This allows us to dive straight into gear placement, anchor building, and route planning for an optimal learning experience.
We provide all group gear, including ropes, slings, and trad-specific protection. If you have your own personal gear, like a helmet, harness, or shoes, you’re welcome to bring them. A detailed gear list is provided and will be checked upon booking to ensure you’re fully prepared.
Our curriculum includes gear selection and racking, placing and removing protection, building anchors, belaying techniques specific to trad climbing, and hands-on practice with route planning. We also emphasize safety, risk assessment, and anchor evaluation skills.
This class is ideal for climbers with some experience in top-rope and lead sport climbing who are looking to transition into trad climbing. Absolute beginners are encouraged to start with our Intro to Rock Climbing class before moving to this more technical course.
Trad climbing requires a moderate to high level of physical fitness. You’ll be climbing, carrying gear, and engaging in multi-pitch routes. We recommend training for endurance, as the course covers full days of climbing and skills practice.
We keep our class sizes small, usually between 2 to 4 climbers per instructor, to provide individualized instruction and ensure your safety and learning goals are met.
Yes, this course covers the essential skills required to lead trad routes, including protection placement, belay techniques, and risk assessment. We focus on skill-building exercises that prepare you for safe and effective lead climbing on trad routes.
If our class days are not convenient for you and you want to take them privately, please text us via the contact form.
