Thursday, June 6 - 1.5 hour classroom session via zoom

Saturday, June 8 - day long session at Sunshine Slabs. Lead belay practice, simulated multi pitch, actual sport multi pitch, gear & anchor workshop

Saturday , June 15 - Sunday June 23 - 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. 

2024 ROCK Program

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 routes. 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

-          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 6^th - orientation night – 7:00 p.m. via Zoom
• Saturday, June 8^th – sport climbing at Sunshine Slabs – belay practice, gear removal, rappelling and multi pitch sport climbing - probably going to the Legion in Canmore after
• ONE OF: Saturday, June 15^th or Sunday June 16^th, or Saturday June 22 or Sunday June 23 (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 10-14.

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 you should have at least top roped a 5.8 route in a climbing gym. You request an application for this program by signing up online on the club calendar.  The event is listed under June 6.

If anybody is interested / willing to volunteer with this program by leading a multi pitch trad day or by helping out on Saturday, June 8 at Sunshine Slabs, please contact Steve Fedyna at president@tabvar.ca

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.