COURSES

At Vertical Pursuit our courses build on each other and are set up to be taken in order but if you have prior climbing experience you can contact us and arrange to jump in on a higher level course as long as you meet the prerequisites. We also can skip much of the technical portion, except the safety, and just go out for an enjoyable day of climbing.

Custom trips can include overnight backpacking trips, wildlife viewing and just about anything else you want to do outdoors.

The course outlines listed below are a general overview of what will be covered. The actual subjects or techniques we can learn and practice can and will vary upon your groups climbing experience and what you would like to do. Overall we are here to provide you with all the fun and knowledge you want so if there is something not listed you'd like to do just let us know.

I. Intro to Outdoor Climbing/Gym to Crag

Equipment selection & inspection
Basic climbing knots
Preclimb partner checks
Climbing communication
Climbing technique & movement
Belaying and lowering (Assisted Braking Device & Tube Style Devices)
Tope rope anchors and setup
ABC’s/ground anchor application
A fun day of climbing!

II. Sport Climbing/Intro to Lead Climbing

Gear selection
Lead Belaying (ABD & tube devices)
Clipping methods and common mistakes
Anchor set up & anchor cleaning
Seconding the route
Route cleaning
Lead climbing technique & movement
ABC’s/ground anchor application
A fun day of climbing!!

III. Trad Climbing/The Sharp End and Seconding

Gear selection/Building a rack
Gear inspection & maintenance
Analyzing objective hazards
Route selection
Belaying a leader (ATC & Munter hitch etc.)
Belaying the second (ATC Guide Mode & Munter hitch etc.)
Proper application of different types of protection
Placing pro/identifying solid placements
Trad gear anchors
Sling craft and Ropework
Seconding/Cleaning a pitch
Rappelling
Climber rescue
A fun day of beginning to lead on gear!!!

VI. Winter Climbing

A day of enjoyable climbing, instruction to improve your skills or a leader for your custom objectives!
Varied objectives to meet your goals
Learn to climb in winter
Many locations to choose, we feature some of the best climbs in Interior Alaska!
Awesome environments, views and places! Come see Alaska at full value!