Level 1 Outdoor Rock Climbing

About this experience

Yamnuska’s Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing course is the perfect way to take your first step onto real rock. Designed for beginners and gym climbers looking to transition outdoors, this hands-on course teaches the essential skills, risk management, and movement techniques needed to confidently climb at outdoor top rope venues in the Canadian Rockies. Under the expert guidance of our certified ACMG instructors, you’ll learn how to manage hazards at the crag, belay effectively in an outdoor environment, and develop efficient climbing movement on natural rock. You’ll also be introduced to the foundational skills for seconding multi-pitch routes-so you can join more experienced partners on bigger climbs right away. By building strong fundamentals from the start, you’ll progress faster, climb more confidently, and get the most out of every day on the rock. Our proven instruction and personalized coaching will help you develop good habits, solid technique, and the passion to keep exploring new climbing challenges for years to come.

What to expect

1. Day 1: 7:00 am at the Yamnuska Classroom and Local Climbing Area Welcome, introduction, goals, agenda, and issue gear Introduction to hazard evaluation and risk management at the crag Introduction to climbing equipment (proper fit and strengths) Learn and practice the basics of movement on rock (bouldering) Introduction to ‘Top Rope’ rock climbing Practice the ‘Top Rope’ belay and lowering system - establish proper techniques and habits Introduction to anchor construction (bolts and trees) Learn climbing communication calls Instruction on and practice rappelling Introduction to ‘Lead’ belaying Introduction to the ‘multi-pitch’ system Debrief and instruction for further progressions for rock climbing
2. Rock Climbing Locations We use a variety of locations on this program. These include the Yamnuska “Practice Cliffs”, Zygote Buttress near Exshaw, Wasootch Creek in Kananaskis Country, Rundle Rock at Banff or, one of our favorites,” Back of the Lake” at Lake Louise. They are all great beginner rock climbing areas in beautiful mountain locations.