Itinerary
Aid Climbing and Big Wall Techniques Itinerary
Please keep in mind that this is a standard, yet loose, itinerary. It is subject to change depending on conditions, weather, group dynamics, pace, and summit strategies.
Program Details
Aid and Big Wall is a 4-day course designed for climbers looking to expand beyond free climbing and into the world of multi day wall ascents. Learn the systems, techniques, and efficiency required for aid climbing, hauling, ascending fixed lines, anchor management, and living comfortably on the wall. Whether your goals include Yosemite big walls or more committing alpine objectives, this course builds the foundation for tackling larger and more complex climbs with confidence and competence.
Itinerary
Day 1
Rendezvous in Index, Begin the First Day of Aid Climbing
You will rendezvous with your instructor(s) in Index, WA at 11:30am at the Index Store (unless an alternate time is given). Once introduced, your instructor(s) will go over equipment and the itinerary for the next several days, as well as handle any questions you may have. Then, your instructor(s) will demonstrate lead climbing on aid and gear cleaning techniques. Students will demonstrate an understanding of these principles that evening.
Day 2
Aid Climbing Techniques
We will continue the study of aid climbing techniques. Topics to be covered include developing an understanding of steep aid technique with the use of hooks and leeper cams and developing an understanding of the use of fixed lines. We will also introduce the basic principles of using a haul bag.
Day 3
Aid Climbing and Port-A-Ledge Bivy
Students will continue to practice aid climbing, applying all of the techniques that they have learned up to this point. Additionally, we will begin to work with the concepts of combined aid and free climbing, pendulums, and port-a-ledge bivies. Tonight we will be sleeping on a port-a-ledge if conditions allow.
Day 4
Summit Day
The final day of aid climbing will culminate in a small ascent of a multi-pitch line. We will have an early start this morning, and your start will depend on if you car camped or slept on a port-a-ledge the night before. Every principle of both aid and free climbing will come into play in order to complete the ascent. We will then descend, debrief, and you can depart. This will be roughly around 4pm, but it could vary based on how long your ascent is.