Rock Climbing Three Day School:

Our popular three day climbing school takes a serious look at the sport of climbing. Unlike other schools that meet at the end of the first day, we get started first thing in the morning and teach throughout the full three days. Our instructors are highly motivated and exceptionally skilled at teaching the sport of climbing. We will begin our course working on proper placements and equalization of rock climbing protection including: placing passive and active protection (spring loaded camming devices, stoppers, tri-cams, hexcentrics, etc.), route selection, top rope anchor site selections, & assessing and backing up fixed anchors. Additional topics covered during the three days include complex anchor placements - both natural and artificial, complex anchor equalizations, complex master point extensions, and climber directionals. We will also cover advanced belay skills, including top belays, bottom redirected belays, climber raising/lower out techniques, and self-rescue skillsets.

Day 1:
You'll meet your instructor at a group meeting spot where final paperwork is signed and gear is checked out. We'll carpool from here to our climbing area for the day. Typically, our climbing areas are a short hike (5-15 minutes) from our vehicles. We begin our day by refreshing on basic equipment for climbing, common climbing language and techniques, and knots and hitches. Once everyone is up to speed, we jump right into anchor systems. Much of the day will be spent at the ground level, building and evaluating anchor systems. Participants will have a chance to place nuts, hexes, tri-cams, and traditional cam's throughout the day. Eventually we will make our way cliffside to build anchors, rappel down, and spend the final hours of the day climbing on our work.

Day 2:
We start our day examining complex anchor problems, including directionals and extensions. Each person will have an opportunity to build their own systems at the ground level after each lesson. As the day progresses, we will take time to look at bolts and discuss ways to evaluate bolts at a climbing area. After lunch, we will make our way to the cliff for practice on building complex anchors. If there is time left in the day, we will climb on what we have built. That evening we will have a fireside demo of antique gear.

Day 3:
After we pack up our campsites first thing, we will head directly to the cliffs to continue our training. Time today is spent on self-rescue, advanced belay techniques, belaying from the top, rappel backups, and ascending techniques. We will finish up just before sundown to give people time to get to the airport and on their way back home.

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.