Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing

As low as:

$245.00 / person

(at 4:1 ratio)
  • STRENUOUSNESS
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  • TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY
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Add-ons

Comox Valley Climbs Guidebook - 2024 Edition $25.00

Newly Released 2024 Edition! Covering over 300 climbs in the Comox Valley area, including local winter ice and illustrated with lots of coloured photos.

IAG Cancellation Coverage $12.00

As per our Cancellation Policy, your trip or course is 100% non-refundable as of 30 days prior to the trip/course start date. Purchasing this add-on will allow you to cancel your trip/course within that 30 day time period for reasons of injury, illness or family emergency, and will provide you with a credit for the full value of your trip/course fee which can be used on any Island Alpine Guides or Hike Vancouver Island trip or course for up to one year from the start date of the trip/course originally booked. If needed, credits can be transferred to another person of your choice. We charge a $25 admin fee in these cases.

About


Learning to multi pitch climb opens up a huge world to the rock climber allowing us to climb everything from multi pitch routes at the crag to big walls in the alpine. Your ACMG certified instructor will cover all the basics needed to start multi-pitch climbing on your own;

Curriculum:
  • Building anchors appropriate to multi-pitching
  • Pros and cons of the various options for belaying seconds and leaders including fixed point belays, "guide mode" belays, Italian hitches and redirected device belays
  • Belay station management
  • Various rope systems, their pros and cons and rope management
  • Multi pitch rappelling considerations

Included in the price

  • 1 day of instruction with an ACMG guide
  • Group technical gear

Not included in the price

  • Personal technical gear (harness, helmet, carabiners, belay devices, climbing shoes – available for rent)
  • Transportation to and from meeting point
  • Food
  • Accommodation

Location


  • Comox Lake Crags (Cumberland)
 
Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one week before your course.

Itinerary


A typical day starts at 09:00 and ends around 17:00. 

Curriculum delivery will depend on the students, the instructor and other factors such as weather and conditions, but below is a general idea of what to expect:

Day 1 

09:00 – Meet at the location specified in your pre-trip email. The instructor will facilitate introductions and hand out any rental items that were purchased as add-ons. You will then sign waivers (please note that anyone under 19 needs to have their waiver ("Informed Consent") signed by a parent or guardian and sent in prior to the course).

The crags are usually a short hike from the parking lot. You will set up here for the day, progressing through the curriculum at a pace that works for your group. At the end of the day we’ll debrief and return any rental equipment, aiming to finish before 17:00.

Exact meeting details will be provided in a pre-trip email sent one-week prior to your course.

Questions? Check out our FAQ page for details, or send us an email. 

Requirements


This is an intermediate-level course, meaning we recommend that you have some previous outdoor climbing experience to get the most out of this course. To take this course, we ask that you: 

  • Have some lead climbing experience (sport or trad).
  • Have basic anchor construction skills.
  • Be prepared to spend a full day (approximately 9am - 5pm) outside in variable conditions.

Gear List 


Your instructor will provide all group gear (or “the rack” -- ropes, slings, carabiners, etc.). Please bring the following, and reach out if you have any questions:
 
Technical Gear

  • Harness 
  • Helmet 
  • Belay tube with 'guide mode' (i.e. ATC Guide or Petzl Reverso) + a carabiner 
  • Climbing shoes 

If you require any of the items on the technical gear list, please email us to request it (along with any sizing requirements such as shoe size). 

Clothing

  • T-shirt or long-sleeve (ideally loose-fitting)
  • Pants (ideally loose-fitting, tapered at the ankle) 
  • Rain gear (jacket and pants) 
  • Mid-weight insulating jacket 
  • Approach shoes (or something that will provide some support on trails to the climb)
  • Toque and/or sun hat 

Other

  • Lunch (pre-prepared) and snacks 
  • Water bottle
  • Notebook and pencil (Rite in the Rain recommended) 
  • Belay gloves (optional but recommended)
  • Chalk bag (optional)
  • Sunglasses that block 100% UV 
  • Sunscreen 
  • SPF lip balm 
  • 30L backpack (or large enough to fit all your gear + possibly some of the group gear)

If you own any additional equipment, you are encouraged to bring it along so that you can learn more about the gear you already own.

Questions? Send us an email or read our blog for advice on choosing appropriate gear. 

Testimonials

Dane was great at explaining concepts, and having us put techniques into practice with lots of repetition which was very useful. I learned everything I was hoping to and more. Taylor, Intro to Multi Pitch Climbing