Climbing Programs

Our motto is: “Defined by Mountains, Fueled by Knowledge”. These courses are designed to teach you the skills to fuel your own adventures in the mountains.

Rock 101 - Beginning Climbing

young male climber rappels down mountain amidst green forest with Delap climbing guide looking on

Course Description:

Ready to get into rock climbing or move from the gym to the crag? This course provides the foundational skill set you need to go rock climbing outside. The 101 course sets the stage for future courses with Pisgah Climbing School.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • climbing movement
  • belay techniques
  • essential gear
  • intro to basic anchor building
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

2 days

Rock 201 - Anchor Building

warmly dressed climber beside water practices anchor building into rock while on the gravel ground

Course Description:

This course builds on rock 101 skills and teaches the basics of anchor building and focuses on gear placement. Students should be able to properly tie in and belay prior to the start of the course.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • anchor building - natural and artificial components
  • climbing equipment - what to buy for your first trad rack
  • cleaning anchors
  • belaying from the top anchor
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

2 days

Rock 301 - Single Pitch Lead Climbing

professional climber Karsten Delap in orange Petzl helmet climbs up cream colored rock crevice

Course Description:

This course focuses on single pitch lead climbing. Students should be able to top rope 5.7. This course is also available to climbing partners who learn to lead belay, without the climbing component.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • lead climbing
  • gear recommendations
  • interpreting guide books and online beta
  • lead belaying
  • partner communication
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

2 days

Rock 401 - Rock Climbing Self Rescue

two male Henderson County rescue climbers in red shirts and red helmets rappel during training

Course Description:

This course provides climbers with basic self rescue skills and is a great way to advance your climbing knowledge of systems and techniques.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • essential knots and hitches
  • escaping the belay and belay takeover
  • rescue raises and lowers
  • ascending the rope
  • pick-offs (counter-balanced descents)
  • crag etiquette and "Leave No Trace" skills
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

1 day

Rock 402 - Advanced Self Rescue

male Henderson County rescue climber adjusts equipment while standing on edge of Looking Glass rock

Course Description:

No one plans on getting hurt while climbing, but it is a priceless skill to be able to protect yourself and your partner in case of an emergency. Do you know how to escape a dangerous situation when you’re multiple pitches off the ground or miles away from the trailhead? Being prepared can help you avoid the dreaded epic!

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • emergency prevention
  • improvised rescue equipment
  • escaping the belay
  • releasing and lowering on various belay devices
  • knot pass techniques
  • rescue raises (2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 6:1) and lowers
  • risk management for avoiding the need for rescue
  • scenarios to practice your skills
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

1 day

Ice Climbing 101 - Learn to Ice Climb

female ice climber Anna Marie Alewine reaches with ice axe on icy mountain edge

Course Description:

Based in North Conway, NH, this course covers everything required to give you a solid foundation to become an ice climber. This course combines an orientation to the equipment, movement techniques, and lots of hands-on practice time.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • basic movement - accurate footwork and efficient swinging
  • gear selection and use
  • introduction to grading scales and identification of quality ice climbs
  • belay techniques and communication
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

2 days

Ice Climbing 201 - Learn to Lead

Karsten Delap wears orange Deuter backpack while alpine ice climbing with ice tools in Ouray, CO

Course Description:

Ready to jump-start your ice climbing career? This course is designed to give you the tools you need to take ice climbing into your own hands.

Curriculum or Topics Covered:

  • belaying fundamentals for ice
  • gear selection and use
  • ice screws and placement
  • anchors, V-threads and A-threads
  • rope management
  • leading ice practice
  • reading the ice and choosing a “line”
  • access to Pisgah Climbing School private forum and partner finder

Duration:

2 days