Intro to Rock Climbing
Season:
Spring, Summer, Fall
Difficulty:
Duration:
Good For:
Individuals, Groups, Families
Take your first steps on rock with professional climbing instruction in Summit County. Our introduction to rock climbing courses provide a safe, supportive environment to experience this incredible sport. In just one day, you'll learn basic climbing movement, belaying, and safety systems while climbing real rock near Breckenridge—no prior experience required.
Rocky Mountain Guides has been introducing people to rock climbing since 1992. Our AMGA-certified instructors bring patience, expertise, and a progression-based approach that builds confidence from your very first climb. We make rock climbing accessible and fun for everyone—individuals, couples, families, and groups.
Trips Depart Daily from: Breckenridge, Keystone, Frisco, Dillon
Have Questions?
Get in touch with us.
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.
Introduction to Rock Climbing Rates*
| 1 Person | $500 |
| 2 People | $300 |
| 3 People | $250 |
| 4-6 People | $200 |
*Pricing Transparency: This is the full price of the trip, unlike other outfitters, we don’t charge any additional fees!
Call for larger groups
What's Included
All introduction courses include AMGA-certified professional instruction, all technical equipment (harness, helmet, belay device, ropes, carabiners), and access to quality climbing areas near Summit County. You just need athletic clothing, approach shoes or sneakers, water, and sunscreen.
Are you ready to start climbing?
Ready to try rock climbing with expert instruction? Our intro courses run regularly throughout Summit County's climbing season. Private instruction and custom group courses available. Perfect for first-timers wanting a safe, fun introduction to this incredible sport.
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Equipment
- Helmet, harness, ropes, and other belaying equipment will be provided by RMG
- Sturdy shoes for the approach (closed toe shoes, please no flip flops or sandals)
- Climbing shoes (to rent climbing shoes please select during checkout)
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunblock
- Clothing: athletic shirt, athletic shorts or pants, wind/rain jacket
- Plenty of water
- Snacks and/or lunch
I have used Rocky Mountain Guides for Avalanche Level 1 certification, Ski Mountaineering Descents of Mt. Buffaloe's "Silver Couloir" and many rock climbing ascents on Mt Royal, Ten Mile Canyon and Montezuma area. Peter and David do an amazing job. On Buffalo, we (3 men between 47 and 55) left an HOUR before a group of 4 young men in their 20's. We got to the Summit over 30 minutes before them, then after a world class 3000 ft descent, we made it back to our car's and while drinking a beer, saw the 3 same guys wearily walking back 30 minutes after we had already been done!. They told us they got lost, cliffed out, and were so scared they almost called search and rescue. The money we spent was very well spent . Rocky Mountain Guides is the ONLY authorized provider of Ski Mountaineering Guiding in Summit County and for a good reason, they are experts in the terrain and have the skills to get you there and back AND have a great time along the way