Leavenworth Rock Guides: Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Course 

Multi-pitch rock climbing is essentially what traditional rock climbing is all about. This program builds on what is covered in our lead climbing course. On this course we cover topics such as route finding, belay station management, strategies for belaying the second, (i.e. belaying off the anchor, redirecting the belay, and belaying off the harness), preventing factor 2 falls, on-route communication, and descending after the climb. While not all multi-pitch climbs require speed, we like to focus this course on teaching people to become efficient enough at transitions to be able to climb at a rate of 1 or 2 pitches per hour.

Ever wonder how to stack your rope at a hanging belay? Ever find yourself with a twisted rope as you prepare to leave the belay station? Should you do one long pitch or two short pitches? Our multi pitch climbing course trains you to manage all aspects of your climb so that you can focus on movement and not a tangled rope. We will also discuss single leader and lead swapping strategies.

This course is taught as a ground school to maximize time for learning/practicing skills with the direct oversight of the guide. We would recommend following up this course by booking a day, or half day, of multi-pitch climbing so you can see and experience the application of these skills by a highly trained guide and continue to glean useful information that can be applied to your own multi-pitch endeavors.

Skills Covered during Multi-Pitch Climbing Program 

• Keeping an organized rope stack
• Hanging belays
• Belay station management
• What to carry on route
• Efficient racking and gear exchange
• Appropriate rope selction
• Use of a tag line
• Belaying from the anchor vs. harness
• Retreating safely
• Descent following the route

Examples of great routes that can be booked as a follow-up to the multi-pitch course:  

• Midway Direct (5.6 3P)
• R & D Route (5.6 - 5P)
• Tree Route (5.6 - 3P)
• Groundhog Day (5.7 - 3P)
• Givler's Crack (5.8 - 3P)
• Catapult (5.8 - 3P)
• Canary (5.8 - 3P)
• Yard Art (5.9 - 4P)
• Heart of Gold (5.10a - 4P)
• Condorphamine Addiction (5.10b - 7P)

Itinerary 

This course takes place in Leavenworth and runs for 8 hours. This is offered as a set date course or can be scheduled as a custom based on availability.

Qualifications 

Participants should be familiar with belaying & basic climbing knots. This course is designed for climbers who have experience with single pitch outdoor rock climbing (leading or following) and are looking to expand into multi-pitch routes.

If registering for a follow-up, guided multi-pitch climb, participants must be able to efficiently clean climbing equipment when seconding. Previous rappelling experience is not necessary. Difficulty of climbing for guided multi-pitch days usually range between 5.6 and 5.10 depending on the group ability.

Registration 

To register for this course you should complete our domestic climbing application and return it to the Northwest Mountain School office. You can complete our online registration here. Once you have completed your application you can make your deposit or full payment here. It is best to call our office at 509-548-5823 to make sure that space is available on your selected program. Space is allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This program takes place on US Forest Service lands under a commercial-outfitter and guide permit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs & activities and is an equal opportunity provider and employer.