Intro to Rock Climbing

What You'll Learn

Basic Climbing Movement: Discover how to move efficiently on rock. Learn to use your legs (not just arms), find handholds and footholds, maintain balance, and climb smoothly rather than muscling your way up. Good technique beats raw strength every time.

Belaying Fundamentals: Learn to belay—the system that keeps climbers safe. We teach proper belay device use, communication, rope management, and how to catch a falling climber. Belaying is a critical skill that requires practice and attention.

Safety Systems: Understand harnesses, knots, carabiners, and how everything connects. We explain why climbing systems work and what makes them safe. Knowledge builds confidence.

Climbing Etiquette: Learn crag behavior, how to share routes, and basic climbing culture. These unwritten rules help everyone enjoy the experience.

Course Format

Introduction courses run 4-5 hours at climbing areas near Breckenridge and Summit County. We start with ground school—harness fitting, knot tying, and belay practice. Once comfortable with basics, we move to the rock for top-rope climbing (your rope is already at the top of the route—you just climb up).

Your instructor sets up routes of varying difficulty. Everyone climbs multiple times, progressing from easy terrain to more challenging climbs as confidence builds. Small group sizes (typically 2-4 students per instructor) ensure personalized attention and plenty of climbing time.

Who Should Take This Course?

Complete Beginners: Never climbed? This course is designed for you.

Gym Climbers Going Outdoors: Indoor climbing experience helps, but outdoor climbing requires different skills. This course bridges the gap.

Families: Kids ages 8+ welcome. Climbing is an excellent family activity.

Corporate Groups: Team building through shared challenges and partner belaying.

Anyone Curious: If you've wondered about climbing, try it with professional instruction rather than figuring it out yourself.