On this course you will learn fundamental alpine rock climbing skills and then apply them on scenic, multipitch routes in the Cascade Mountains. The instruction is designed for rock climbers of all abilities who are seeking to gain experience on complex, high mountain terrain.
Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing • 3 Day Course
For many people, alpine rock climbing is the epitome of the climbing experience. In “the alpine,” climbers must know how to build their own anchors and place their own protection. They must be prepared for long, strenuous days, and they must know how to efficiently ascend and descend through varied terrain. They are rewarded with spectacular views, solitude and adventurous, enjoyable climbing.
On Day 1 of our Alpine Rock Climbing Course, we practice fundamental technical and movement skills on the diorite cliffs of Mount Erie, high above the scenic Puget Sound. Instruction includes belaying, rappelling, lowering, placing protection, building anchors and more. We spend day 2 and 3 on Vesper Peak, in the North Cascades, where we continue to refine our skills as enjoyable, multipitch alpine routes in a spectacular backcountry setting.
As an alternate location, we may climb in the Snoqualmie Pass area, just 45 minutes east of Seattle on Interstate 90. On Day One, we practice skills at the popular Exit 38 climbing area. On days 2 and 3, we take our pick from a variety of classic, multipitch routes on The Tooth, Chair Peak and Snoqualmie Mountain.
Accessed via a roughly 3-mile hike from Washington’s scenic Mountain Loop Highway, Vesper Peak is home to a variety of routes that are ideal for anyone taking their first steps into alpine rock climbing. We can choose between Ragged Edge (5.7), True Grit (5.8), the North Face (5.7) or, for more skilled rock climbers, Fish and Whistle (5.10-). Each of these routes offer a half dozen pitches of high-quality climbing in a spectacular setting, with dramatic views of Sperry Peak, Wolf Peak, Morning Star Prak and other surrounding mountains.
Located about 1.5 hours north of Seattle on Fidalgo Island near the charming city of Anacortes, Mount Erie is home to an excellent range of single- and multipitch routes. It’s solid, diorite cliffs offer excellent sport and traditional climbing with wonderful views of the islands and forests of the Puget Sound.
After two days of training at Mount Erie, consider applying your skills on a one-day extension to climb the Tooth above Snoqualmie Pass just east of Seattle. A short early morning hike into the Source Lake area near Alpental ski resort leads to a view of our objective, the steep and blocky Tooth towering hundreds of feet above the surrounding landscape in the central Cascade Range.
Depending on climber ability, we choose one of several routes to the top of the pinnacle. We enjoy panoramic views from the summit, then descend safely with a mix of rappelling and hiking. We pack our gear and retrace our steps to the trailhead, generally arriving back at our cars by late-afternoon.
Twin Sisters Mountain • 7,004 feet
Twin Sisters Mountain is an outlier from the main spine of the Cascades located just south of Mount Baker on the edge of the Puget Sound. Composed of ancient olivine rock, “the Twins” offer a unique climbing experience. The reddish orange olivine is solid and extremely textured, making for excellent moderate, alpine rock climbing. Most climbers choose to ascend the popular west ridge of South Twin, the higher of the two summits. North Twin may also be climbed via moderate terrain on its west ridge, and more experienced climbers can link the two summits via the scenic and sometimes exposed North Twin to South Twin Traverse.
Depending on climber ability, we choose one of several routes to the top of the pinnacle. We enjoy panoramic views from the summit, then descend safely with a mix of rappelling and hiking. We pack our gear and retrace our steps to the trailhead, generally arriving back at our cars by late-afternoon.
Intro to Alpine Rock Climbing Curriculum
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