Thursday, June 1 - 1.5 hour classroom session via zoom

Saturday, June 3 - day long session at Sunshine Slabs. Lead belay practice, simulated multi pitch, actual sport multi pitch, gear & anchor workshop

Sunday, June 4 - Sunday June 17 - you will have the opportunity to get outside for at least one day of multi pitch trad climbing

Helmet, harness, climbing shoes, nut tool, personal anchor system, belay device, extra locking carabiner, hollow block or 1m of 6mm accessory cord + non locking carabiner for prussic back up on rappels. 

Chalk bag optional. Belay gloves highly recommended. Bringing cookies for leaders is always a good idea. Brownies are also acceptable. 

The ROCK (Rockies Outdoor Climbing Knowledge) program is designed for people who know a little about climbing and would like to participate in RMS section climbing trips. ROCK is ideal for people who have done some gym climbing and would like to expand their climbing to include outdoor trips. The program covers the skills that you need to be a proficient second on an ACC multi-pitch traditional climbing trip. Traditional (or “trad”) climbing means that the leader is placing protection, rather than relying on fixed protection such as pitons or bolts. We will include:

-          what to expect on an ACC climbing trip (including the ever present waiver!)

-          tying in correctly

-          rope management and knot tying

-          belaying

-          leader / climber signals

-          how to pack, what to bring, particularly food & water

-          proper rappelling and lowering technique

-          how to clean gear and take down an anchor

What we DON’T cover:

-          basic rock climbing skills i.e. where to put your hands & feet!

-          leading

The program consists of an evening orientation session via Zoom, one day of sport climbing / belay practice / gear removal / simulated multipitch climbing, and a classic long trad day in the Bow Valley. The entire focus of the program is on safety, safety and safety. Oh, ya, we focus on having fun too. But mostly safety.

The dates:

• Thursday June 1^th - orientation night – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Saturday, June 3^th – sport climbing at Cougar Creek or Grassi Lakes – we will simulate multi pitch climbs, but doing only one pitch at a time
• ONE OF: Saturday, June 10^th or Sunday June 11^th , or Saturday June 17^th or Sunday June 18^th  (just one of these 4 days, depending on leader availability) - classic multi pitch route in the Bow Valley (leader’s choice) – trips in the past have included the North East Ridge of Ha Ling, Escargot Corner, Gooseberry, Mother’s Day Buttress and the Yamnuska classics Grillmaier Chimney, Unnamed, Easy Street and King’s Chimney

NOTE: options exist for attending the trad days on weekdays as well, particularly June 12-15.

You must own your own harness, shoes, helmet, nut pick, prussic (back up for rappelling – 1 m of 6mm cord or a Beal Hollow Blok + non locking carabiner), personal anchor (or a double length – 120cm - sling with an extra locking carabiner) and belay device to participate. A chalk bag is optional!

There is no cost for this program, but participants MUST be members of the Rocky Mountain Section of the Alpine Club of Canada, and MUST commit to attending all of the sessions. We have had long waiting lists for this program in the past, so if you sign up please arrange to attend all three sessions. Also, a minimum level of previous climbing experience is required. Ideally, to get the most out of this program 

There is usually a big wait list of this program, so please advise the coordinator well in advance if you are not able to attend.