Rock Skills Course

If you want to learn to be a skilled & confident rock climber this 3 day course is the perfect way to get started! Very small group sizes (max 4) allows us to provide personalized instruction that matches your skill level and provides a highly enjoyable experience for all. During the course everyone will have lots of opportunities to improve their climbing, build anchors, learn to lead and much more!

Leading a rock climb at Lake Louise during a rock climbing course

DATES 2025:

  • May 26-28th (4 spots left)
  • Aug 18-20th (4 spots left)

COST: $725 + GST per person

Max Group Size: 4

Prerequisites: At least a day or two of prior outdoor rock climbing experience including belaying and other basic skills. If you have no prior climbing experience our two day Intro Rock Climbing Course is often scheduled immediately beforehand and can be combined for 5 awesome days on the rock! Arranging a custom day of rock climbing beforehand would also give you the required skills. Please feel free to get in touch if you are unsure about your experience level. 

Meeting Place & Time: Canmore at 7:30am

Book your spot: Please contact us at info@cdnalpine.com to get signed up!  You can join as an individual or as a group of up to four people.  A non-refundable deposit of $250 + GST is required to book your spot, with the remainder due 4 weeks prior to the start of the course.  Invoices will be provided with options for etransfer, credit card and PayPal.  Reading and completing a Waiver form is required to participate in all courses or trips.  A copy of the Waiver will be provided to you before booking and can also be downloaded here: CRAG Waiver Form.  Before booking you must acknowledge that you have read & agree to the Waiver form.  

Learning rappelling on a rock climbing course near Calgary
Outdoor rock climbing class in Canmore

Agenda

Taking into account the groups skill levels & daily weather, the guide will strive to make the course as useful and enjoyable as possible for all participants. We usually visit a different climbing area each day so that everyone can experience a variety of rock types and styles. The small group size allows for great flexibility and the exact agenda will vary. However, the following sample outline will give you a reasonable idea of what to expect throughout the course.

Day 1 – As we enjoy a full day of climbing we will practice a variety of climbing movement & ropework skills such as anchor building, setting up topropes, knots, etc.

Day 2 – After a few warmup climbs on toprope, we will begin learning the skills for leading bolt protected sport climbs. Everyone will have the chance to lead some climbs within their skill & comfort level while learning how to build good anchors, remove anchors, retreat from climbs and deal with unexpected situations. For those who already have some sport climbing experience there will be the chance to learn & practice a variety of other skills as well.

Day 3 – We will continue to work on improving your climbing ability and leading skills as well as introduce the basics of multipitch climbing, gear climbing, and partner rescue. As with the previous days we will of course do tons of climbing!

Optional Day 4 – Multipitch Ascent: Course participants can add on a day of guided multipitch climbing in groups of 1 or 2 people for the chance to climb a longer & more challenging route. On the day after the course, this is offered at the discounted rate of $500 for 1 person or $275 each for 2 people. Please request this option in advance. See the rock page for more information on guided ascents.

Gear List

Use of all climbing gear is provided free of charge. However, if you have any of your own gear feel free to use it!  If you have any questions about purchasing your own gear please email us at info@cdnalpine.com anytime for suggestions.

  • Small Pack – available for loan
  • Harness – provided
  • Helmet – provided
  • Rock shoes – provided
  • Belay device – provided
  • Warm sweater or jacket
  • Wind/rain Jacket
  • Water Bottle
  • Lunch
Learning sport climbing with a guide