Trad Rock Systems

Dates Price Meeting Time & Place Agenda Plus Day Instructors & Group Size Difficulty and Prerequisites Transportation Accommodation & Meals Gear & Clothing Insurance How to Book

Two-days of intensive training with an optional "Plus Day" on an advanced multi-pitch climb. Ideal progression from Rock Transition or Rock Evolution.

Climbing on 'gear routes' where you construct your own anchors and place your own protection is far more challenging than 'clipping' bolts. You can't afford to make mistakes as the consequences are often unacceptable. If you're already following 'gear routes', leading indoors or on sport routes and comfortable climbing 5.7 then you're ready for 'Trad Rock Systems'.

The objective of this course is to work on natural rock protection and belay systems and introduce 'trad' lead climbing tactics.

printer friendly version

2010 Dates

June 12 - 13, July 17 - 18, August 21 - 22

Price

$285 CDN covers instruction and use of technical gear. Accommodation and meals are not included but low cost, easy options exist which we can help organize for you. Cancellation insurance is available for $15. Goods and Services Tax (GST) is extra. Optional 'Plus Day' $230 plus GST.

Currency Exchange Calculator

More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing after the course ... details .

Meeting Time and Place

The course begins at the Yamnuska office at 8:00 am on the Saturday morning. The Yamnuska office is located at 200, 50 Lincoln Park, Canmore. See this map for location.

Course Agenda

Saturday: Start 8:00am at Yamnuska Office then move to local climbing area.

Welcome, introduction, goals and agenda
Introduction to natural protection systems (cams, nuts, pins etc)
Placing natural protection
Building anchors

Sunday: At Local Climbing Area

Placing and removing natural 'pro' on top rope
Simulated leads
Setting up and assessing anchors
Climbs
Personal assessment - recognizing strengths and weaknesses, comfort zones and a plan for further practice

"Plus Day"

Monday (optional): 'Plus' day. Accompany the instructors on one of the classic local multi-pitch climbs. Act as second and work on stance organization (efficient use of ropes, re-racking gear, change-overs). The skills and knowledge learnt on the 1st two days are put into practice. Maximum 1:2 instructor to student ratio. Extra cost: $230 plus GST. Cancellation Insurance available for $12.

More climbing: Yamnuska guides and instructors are also available for private climbing after the course ... details .

Book the "Plus Day"

Instructors & Group Size

Enthusiastic and extremely talented, your instructors hold climbing certification from the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides. Your safety and enjoyment are paramount to them. There will be a maximum of 12 students. Instructor/student ratios range down from 1:6. On plus days 1:2 is the norm.

Difficulty & Prerequisites

You need 'Outdoor Rock Intro', 'Rock Transition' or equivalent plus some further personal experience. You must be comfortable seconding 5.7.

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 from 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 a bit after program hours. For example you can visit Banff and enjoy the hot pools and sample the numerous restaurants. If you want we can put other participants in touch with you who may be interested in sharing the cost of a rental car or who may be willing to use their vehicles in a car pool.

When booking please indicate if you are bringing a vehicle and, if so, whether your are willing or not to give other participants or instructors a ride in a car pool. If you are not driving here please indicate if you'd be willing to share the cost of a rental car or if you would prefer to car pool.

Frequent shuttles connect Calgary International Airport and Canmore. Greyhound Bus Lines (1 800 661 8747) serves Canmore from points east and west along the Trans-Canada Highway. Call 609 0300, 609 1490 or 609 8897 for taxis in Canmore.

Accommodation & Meals

These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available including campgrounds, hostels, B'n'Bs, motels and hotels! Check accommodation options on our links page for our recommendations. The Alpine Club Clubhouse (403 678 3200) is a good hostel here in Canmore with good facilities and reasonable prices.

Food is not supplied. You will need lunch and something to drink each day. Bring plenty to drink and a lunch plus energy snacks.

Equipment & Clothing

The course fee includes use of rock shoes and technical gear although you should bring any natural protection 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 multi-pitch days are often colder.

Clothing and Equipment List

Lunch, snacks and plenty to drink
Daypack (large enough for spare clothing, your lunch & personal and group climbing gear)
Sunglasses
Sun cream
Rain Gear
Clothing allowing for easy and complete range of movement
Warm weather gear (fleece jacket, long johns, warm hat, etc.)
Rock shoes, running shoes or hiking boots (rock shoes available for your use at no extra charge, please let us know in advance if needing to use these)
Harness, helmet if you have them
Any rock gear you have.

Insurance

There is no charge for rescue. If we climb in Banff National Park you will need a day entry pass (c.$9) to qualify for free rescue. This pass can be obtained when we enter the Park. It is wise though to ensure that your health plan will cover you in case of illness or accident while here.

Booking Information

Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require full payment on booking. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance ($15), this must accompany your payment.

For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.

Please note that you will be required to sign our waiver before commencing the course. Please view our sample waiver copy.

Book Trad Rock Systems

Book the "Plus Days"