Sheer enjoyment results from the vertical adventures that rock climbing provides year after year. Train with us and learn how to climb safely and enjoy this exciting sport. The following courses are all held on site, ranging from Broughton's Bluff to Horsethief Butte in the historic Columbia River Gorge to Smith Rocks in central Oregon, one of the most picturesque and premier climbing locations in the country. The student to instructor ratio is kept low to provide you with quality, personal instruction.


Standard Rock Climbing: 1 day - 8am-5pm
This is an excellent refresher course for those with previous experience or a great basic course for those just starting out.
Content of training:
Basic climbing techniques: stemming, smearing, and jamming.
Knot tying.
An introduction to belaying others.
How to rappel.
Equipment types and how to care for your gear
Prerequisite - None.

Intermediate Rock Climbing : 2 days/1 night – 8am-5pm each day
Content of training:
Review of the skills taught in the Standard Rock Climbing
How to evaluate safe anchor sites.
Anchor types and placement.
Knots (continued).
Setting rappel, belay, and top-rope systems.
Rope management.
Intermediate climbing techniques.
An introduction to climbing multi-pitch routes.
Prerequisite - Standard Rock Climbing.

Advanced Rock Climbing : 2 days/1 night – 8am-5pm each day
Content of training:
Review of the skills taught in the Intermediate Rock Climbing.
Placement of protection: cams, nuts, etc.
Lead climbing techniques: sport and traditional climbing.
Anchor systems review.
Clean aid techniques.
Piton placement.
Use of jumars and etriers.
Fixing ropes.
Prerequisite - Intermediate Rock Climbing.

Comprehensive Rock Climbing : 5 days/4 nights
Plan on an unforgettable week of rock climbing as you learn new techniques and refine your climbing skills. Days will be filled with countless hours of training and climbing.
Content of training:
The same as the Standard – Advanced Rock Climbing Courses. Benefits of this format – two additional nights in the field.
Prerequisite - None.

Instructor Certification Training : 6 days/5 nights
Consider this course a vital prerequisite for a career that involves any type of rock climbing. The training covers the content of the Comprehensive Rock Climbing, yet also provides a format for every participant to instruct others in the group on a rotating basis. Strengths of this event – extensive hands-on training, instructional experience and virtually nonstop learning experiences. Participants become certified in this specialty only after successfully completing and teaching all aspects of the training, as well as written and oral exams
Prerequisite - Comprehensive Rock Climbing or equivalent from NWSOS.