Lead Climbing Weekend:

This is a full-on lead climbing two day course. The purpose of this course is to educate and instruct a climber on how to safely step into the world of lead climbing. Topics covered include route finding and climbing topo map reading, rope management, gear selection and racking methods, how to protect a climb, proper placement techniques, establishing a belay stance, proper belay techniques, and how to follow and clean a leader. This class is taught with very few students (2-4) in order to encourage as much learning as possible.

Prior rock climbing experience is required.

Hours: Typically 9AM - 5PM meeting at the course location

To-Bring List:
°Comfortable Shoes
°Lightweight pants or shorts, comfortable and easy to move in
°Lightweight shirt, synthetic if possible
°Fleece pants or sweats for warmth
°Fleece top for warmth
°Beanie
°Backpack
°Meals
°2-3 liters of water
°Overnight Item: Personal prescriptions or medications
°Overnight Item: Headlamp
°Overnight Item: Basic rain gear
°Overnight Item: Tent *
°Overnight Item: Sleeping Bag *
°Overnight Item: Sleeping Pad *
°Camera (optional)
°Spare contact lenses or glasses (optional)

Note on Itinerary:
This course is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control, including weather and climbing area conditions.

Important Information about Air Travel:
Contact ATS prior to purchasing your airline tickets to confirm the trip has the minimum number of participants required to operate.

Price Includes:
Professional instruction and technical climbing equipment, camping gear provided upon request

Not Included:
Transportation from your hometown to the group meeting point; lodging or campsites at any of the course locaitons, insurance of any kind; all meals, gratuities and items of a personal nature. Note: alcoholic beverages are not allowed at the course.

Closest Airport(s):
Palm Springs Airport (PSP) - Palm Springs, California (Joshua Tree and Idyllwild) Phoenix Airport (PHX) - Phoenix, Arizona Fresno Airport (FAT) - Fresno, California (Sequoia)

Transfers:
If you require a transfer from the closest airport, just let us know and we'll arrange transportation for a small surcharge (typically $50-$100).

Qualifications:
Participants must be prepared to hike 1-2 miles over uneven terrain while wearing a backpack. Students should be comfortable with heights and have prior outdoor climbing experience (for the three day school only). Students must complete pre-course homework by learning a list of required knots and hitches.

Weather:
Temperatures can range from 50 - 80° F during the day to 40 - 60° F at night depending on course location and time of year. Upon registration, a seasonal and location specific gear recommendation list will be sent electronically. Course participants should arrive prepared for all possibilities by following the gear recommendations. This is a base version of our to-bring list. Items may be added depending on the course level and location.