|
|
|
Weekend Rock Climbing Courses
'Complete Rock'
Course Details
The long yellow wall of Yamnuska rears high above us as the approach trail drops behind.
Walking along the base of the cliff, what had seemed so blank now reveals weaknesses ledges,
cracks and chimneys show where routes might go. The angle relents in places. Nervousness is
replaced by anticipation as we rope up at the base of the climb. We've worked hard to get to this
point. The preceding days have been spent learning how to move on rock like this, belaying and
anchoring are no longer a mystery and now we're ready to climb. On the summit it's hard to believe what we've achieved in such
a short time!
'Complete Rock' is a unique opportunity to learn and practice an exciting and exhilarating sport in a terrific area. The goal? To
develop the skills, knowledge and attitudes required to allow you to quickly realize your climbing potential in as safe a manner
as possible.
Dates
2000: June 5 - 10, June 19 - 24, July 3 - 8, Aug 21 - 26, Sept 4 - 9.
Price
$840 CDN (c.$560US) covers GST, 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 $42.00.
Location
The course is based in Canmore but expect to be traveling to different climbing areas throughout it. There are
lots of places to climb rock in our area. Expect to find yourself out at Yamnuska, both on the 'practice cliff' and
on the famous wall above. There's lots of climbing right around Canmore too, Cougar Creek and Grassi Lakes
come to mind. One of the best and most scenic crags in the country is found at Lake Louise, a must on this
course!
Course Agenda
From limestone to quartzite, from Yamnuska to Lake Louise, there's great climbing in the Bow Valley and we'll be making the most of
them! Please note that this program is an example only as we vary it with weather conditions and student abilities and inclinations.
Day 1:
- Meet at 8:30am at Yamnuska Office. Discuss program and goals.
- Knots, harnesses, belaying and climber's calls.
- Check equipment.
- Travel to climbing area.
- Movement on rock (bouldering).
- Setting up ropes, rappelling, top-rope climbing.
Day 2:
- Longer top-roped climbs.
- Rappelling practice.
- Protection placement.
- Evening session on hazards, equipment and literature.
Day 3:
- Instructor led multi-pitch climb. The real thing! an ascent of a rock face like Yamnuska.
Day 4:
- Bouldering warm-up.
- Anchor placements.
- Simulated leads.
- Evening session with belay drop tests, short lead techniques, "escaping the system".
Day 5:
- Option between an instructor led multi-pitch climbs (longer, harder climbs if appropriate) or a day of sport climbing on bolted routes
with emphasis on the different safety techniques required for this popular aspect of rock climbing.
Day 6:
- A day to consolidate and reinforce skills learnt on previous days. Lead climbing techniques, anchor building and sport climbing ... all possible!
- Course evaluation and wrap-up by 5.00pm
Instructors and Group Size
Your instructors are certified by the internationally-recognized Association of Canadian Mountain Guides
and licensed by Parks Canada. There will be a maximum of 12 participants on the course and instructor
ratios will range from 1:6 on the initial days to 1:2 on the multi-pitch days.
How difficult is it? How fit and experienced need you be?
You need NO previous experience. This course is for beginner and basic level climbers. A high level of
fitness will contribute to enjoyment and achievement.
Transportation
Canmore is 100km west of Calgary on the Trans Canada (#1) Highway. Calgary International Airport is
regularly serviced by flights from Europe and throughout North America. Participants are responsible for
their own transport to Canmore which can be reached by regular bus service (on booking we'll send you full
bus info). Transportation during the course is not included. We will coordinate a car pool among participants, if necessary we can arrange
additional transportation.
Accommodation and Meals
These are your responsibility. There are lots of options available ranging from the inexpensive Alpine Club of Canada Clubhouse right on
up to five star hotels. We'll send you a list of recommended lodgings and are happy to make bookings for you. Each day on the course you
will need to bring a packed lunch and something to drink.
Equipment and Clothing
The course fee includes use of rock shoes and all technical gear although you should feel free to bring any gear you already have. When
you book we will send you a complete list of anything you will need to bring (appropriate clothing etc.).
Insurance
There is no charge for rescue. On the 1 or 2 days we climb in Banff National Park you will need a day entry pass (c.$5) 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 whilst here. Obtain extra coverage if necessary.
Booking Information
Please book as early as practical to avoid disappointment. We require a $280CDN deposit with the balance due 8 weeks in advance, after
that, full payment is required. To avoid unnecessary cancellation penalties we suggest you take our cancellation insurance for an extra
non-refundable $42, this must accompany your deposit. Please read the booking conditions and cancellation penalties carefully before
booking.
For detailed booking instructions and conditions, click here.
Along with all relevant receipts we will send you a full trip logistical kit (containing meeting times, a list of what to bring and info on how to
get here), an experience questionnaire and a sample copy of our waiver which we will ask you to sign when you meet us.
PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CONTACT US IF YOU NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE!
|
|
