Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing

  • Dates: Custom, call or email for availability
  • Duration: 3 Days
  • Level: Beginner
  • Client Ratio: 2:1
  • Cost:–Per Person based on 2 people per trip
  • 3 Day – $995
  • Included:Park fees, group climbing equipment, and guide services.
  • Not Included:Ground transportation airfare, transportation within Seattle, hotel accommodations, restaurant meals, gratuities for guides, meals while on the mountain, tents, stoves, cook kits, and all personal items

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Take your rock climbing to the summit! Build your bucket list with these amazing peaks and the classic routes that ascend them;

  • The Tooth 5.4
  • Vespers Peak 5.7-8
  • Sharkfin 5.5
  • Forbidden 5.6
  • Mix Up 5.5
  • Triumph 5.7
  • Black Peak 5.4

Previous experience should include rock climbing routes up to 5;7-8. Climb with your partner to learn how to manage your ropes, climbing technique and time spent on alpine towers to go back out and explore the vast Cascades and other great ranges in the West such as the Sierra, Tetons and beyond. This course also serves as Matterhorn Prep.

ALPINE ROCK CLIMBING EQUIPMENT LIST

Our recommended clothing system has four layers.
Base layer: manages moisture and wicks perspiration away from your skin. (synthetic or merino wool)
Softshell: should be a durable, comfortable, insulating and wind/water resistant layer that breathes well.
Hard shell: windproof, waterproof and breathable. (e.g. Gore-Tex, or similar)
Insulating layer: should be down-fill or synthetic-fill and fit over all layers. (e.g. down, primaloft or polarguard)
These four layers are usually sufficient for most people, but if you tend to be colder bring one extra medium-layer that would be ideal for extra warmth around camp, such as a vest. When deciding what to pack, remember to bring enough clothes and accessories to ensure your safety and comfort, while not over-burdening yourself with items you probably won’t use.

Climbing Gear

  • Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
  • Rock Climbing Harness: Padded and adjustable.
  • Belay Device: Tube style belay device ie .BD Guide ATC
  • Cord: 6 mm, 21 feet
  • Nylon Slings: (1) 60 cm nylon sling, (1) 120 cm nylon sling
  • 4 Locking carabiners 2-Large, pear-shaped carabiners; 2- Medium pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners.
  • 2 Regular carabiners (e.g. Wire-gate are recommended)
  • Ice Axe Lightweight Under 5’7” use 60cm, 5’7”- 6’2” use 65cm,
  • 3 Season mountaineering boots (Must be crampon compatible)
  • Crampons with anti-ball plate,
  • Adjustable trekking poles- optional

Upper Body

  • Synthetic T-shirt
  • Long sleeve polypropylene shirt Lightweight, light colored for sunny days
  • Sports bras Two, synthetic, no cotton!
  • Soft Shell with hood
  • Mid-Weight Down/Synthetic Jacket (with hood)
  • Hard shell jacket with hood Waterproof and breathable. Gore-Tex or equivalent is best
  • 1 Pair light leather palmed gloves for warmth and rappelling
  • 1 Pair warm gloves – insulated
  • Warm hat Wool or synthetic
  • Buff or Balaclava
  • Shade hat or baseball cap

Lower Body

  • 2 Pair heavy wool/synthetic socks Check boot fit with liner and wool socks on
  • 1 Pair lightweight long underwear Polypropylene or Capilene
  • 1 Pair soft shell pants Schoeller fabrics
  • 1 Pair nylon shorts For July/Aug, running shorts or other quick-drying type, not cotton!
  • Gaiters Make sure they will fit over your boots.

Backpack

  • Internal frame pack 2000 cubic inch capacity

Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Sunglasses 100% UV protection with side shields or wrap around.
  • Personal first aid repair kit Basics: moleskin/blister kit, Band-Aids, first-aid tape, ibuprofen, personal medications, and batteries etc.
  • Lip balm At least SPF 20
  • Sunscreen At least SPF 40
  • Headlamp lightweight LED
  • 2 water bottles 1 liter wide-mouth Nalgene and 1 bottle holster, or
  • Hydration bladder With drinking tube and 1 Nalgene bottle
  • Bowl and spoon Plastic, small Tupperware works well. Lexan spoons are best.
  • Toiletry kit Be sure to include WAG Bag or toilet paper stored in a plastic bag.
  • Bandana
  • Hand wipes
  • Favorite snack foods (no more than 2 pounds)

Day 1

  • Knots, belay techniques, protection, anchors
  • Roped climbing, face and crack climbing techniques
  • Rappelling

DAY 2

  • Rappelling and anchor building
  • Multipitch Route

DAY 3

  • Alpine Rock Route options include:
    • The Tooth, Vespers Peak, etc..

WHO WILL MY GUIDE (OR GUIDES) BE?

We are small company who enjoy working together in the mountains as well as highly skilled professionals who hold current Wilderness First Responder certification and are proficient in technical rescue and evacuation skills. Our guides are dedicated to the world of alpinism, many having first ascents and hold professional certifications with the AMGA in the rock, alpine, and ski disciplines. The AMGA is part of the IFMGA, which is the international body of certified mountain guides.

HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP MY GUIDES?

Tipping is considered standard practice in the guiding industry. Tipping amounts vary – so $20-30 per day per person/per guide is average that works well for the guides without a serious blow to your wallet. Often 10% of the course cost is a good rule-of-thumb. If you feel that the program was exceptional or substandard the tip can reflect that.

CAN I RENT EQUIPMENT FROM BCAG?

No, for these trips we strongly suggest to buy your equipment due to obscenely large rental costs for trip of this length.

HOW HEAVY WILL MY PACK BE?

Day trips will keep your pack between 10-15 pounds max.

WHEN DO I NEED TO PAY THE BALANCE OF MY TRIP?

For Scheduled Domestic Courses and Climbs: Your balance is due 60 days from trip departure. Payable by check, Credit Card with service charge or Venmo.

WHAT HAPPENS IF I NEED TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

If you should decide to cancel your trip, BCAG must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date we receive written notice. You will be assessed a cancellation fee according to the following schedule:

90 to 31 days from trip departure – 50% of trip cost

30 days or less – 100% of trip cost

WHAT HAPPENS IF BC ADVENTURE GUIDES HAS TO CANCEL MY TRIP? 

In the rare circumstance where we need to cancel a program you can reschedule without a fee or receive a refund on your deposit. If circumstances arise that force us to cancel a program that is already in progress, we reserve the right to decide whether a refund or credit, at a prorated rate, will be issued. We are not responsible for cancellation fees or costs arising from your changed or cancelled flights, lodging, or other arrangements. We strongly recommend obtaining trip cancellation insurance from your travel agent.