Curriculum

Students will demonstrate improvised rescue proficiency in a wide array of self-rescue and rock-rescue scenarios.

Students Will Learn:

  • Self-Rescue Hauling – 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 6:1
  • Pulley Systems
  • Load Transfers
  • Lowering Systems – with a munter-hitch, super-munter, tube-style device, and autoblocking device
  • Anchor Systems
  • Rope Climbing Techniques – with a friction-hitch system, with an autoblocking device, with an assisted breaking device
  • Belay Escapes – off an autoblocking device and off the body
  • Passing Knots
  • Multi-Pitch Descents with a Patient
  • Pick-Offs – patient pickoffs for self-rescue
  • Rappelling – classic rappel, extended rappel, tandem rappel, and counterbalance rappel techniques
  • Knots – figure-eight family, overhand, double-overhand-on-a-bite, bowline, double bowline, long-tail bowline, butterfly
  • Bends – double-fisherman’s, overhand flat bend, water bend
  • Hitches – prusik, kliemheist, autoblock, clove, munter, and garda
  • Load Releasable Hitches – munter-mule

 

Details

Prerequisites

  • Good physical fitness
  • Multi-pitch rock climbing experience

Inclusions and Exclusions​

Inclusions: Included with the tuition are instructors, group equipment, permit fees, and transportation to and from field program locations.  A live Zoom gear consult is also included.

Exclusions: Excluded are front-country lodging, personal climbing equipment, transportation to the meeting place, food, trip insurance, camping equipment, and guide gratuities.

 

Course Options

Rock Climbing Course Series

Our rock climbing course progression takes you from the basics to advanced skills in a clear, supportive way. Each course builds on the last, giving you hands-on practice and the confidence to take on bigger objectives. Whether your goal is to climb outside for the first time, lead trad routes, or tackle alpine rock, our step-by-step approach ensures you’re always learning, growing, and ready for the next challenge.

  1. Outdoor Rock Climbing Intensive Introduction
  2. Learn to Lead
  3. Technical Self-Rescue for Climbers
  4. Multi-Pitch Skills Course
  5. Aid and Big Wall Climbing course

This Self-Rescue course is also just one step of our Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive as well.  American Alpine Institute offers multiple ways to build your skills and customize your training path:

  • Technical Rope Rescue 1 -Operations introduces the fundamentals of high-angle rescue, including anchor systems, belays, and simple patient movement.
  • Technical Rope Rescue 2 – Technician builds on that foundation with more complex scenarios, multi-pitch evacuations, and team-based rope operations.
  • Self-Rescue for Climbers focuses on independent problem-solving in the backcountry, teaching climbers how to handle emergencies when help is not immediately available.
  • Advanced Mountain Rescue integrates all previous skills in realistic, high-stakes simulations, emphasizing dynamic decision-making and full-scale rescue operations.

For the most complete and cost-effective experience, consider enrolling in the Technical Rope Rescue Comprehensive, which combines all four courses into a single 14-day program. This option gives you the best value and ensures you graduate with the full skillset needed to handle everything from simple operations-level rescues to the most advanced technical scenarios.

​Locations

We offer our Self-Rescue course year-round in two different locations.

Winter (October – April) locations include:

  • Red Rock Canyon, NV – located just minutes outside the city of Las Vegas.

​Summer (April – September) locations include:

  • Mt. Erie, WA – Just outside of Anacortes, WA with sweeping views of the Puget Sound.

 

A private Self-Rescue course can be arranged with the location, length, and dates of your choice. Though the group course is generally preferable for learning, a customized course can be superior for some climbers. The cost for a private course is determined by the private rate for the location.

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