Intro to Big Wall

It’s okay, it’s totally normal to dream about climbing really big walls. And if you’re a solid trad climber, we have the perfect entry into the dark arts of big wall and aid climbing. Our four-day program is designed to take the competent outdoor lead climber and introduce the specific techniques needed to spend some real quality time in the vertical world. This course covers all of the basics of wall climbing like jugging and hauling, setting up a portaledge, and the progression of leading pitches of aid climbing.

Program Cost: $1100 - $2000

Here’s What To Expect

Itinerary

Day 1: Systems. We’ll meet at Mount Erie and get the grunt work out of the way up front. We’ll go through the process of jugging a fixed line, hauling bags, and setting up the ledge. Getting this foundation early on will set you up for success on the rest of the course.

Day 2: Gear and cleaning. We’ll head back at Mount Erie for another day of skills work. We’ll practice placing a variety of gear, both familiar to the experienced trad climber and likely a few new tricks as well. We’ll also go over more complex following scenarios like traverses, steep pitches and lower outs.

Day 3: Leading progression. We’ll head to Index, WA to practice our aid leading. This day will focus on mock-leading full pitches and cleaning while jugging. By the end of the day, you’ll be putting together the full progression of a big wall climb.

Day 4: Practice climb. We’ll select a multi pitch route to use as a practice big wall! We’ll go through the works here, transitioning between leaders, leading and cleaning pitches, and hauling the pig. We might even set up the ledge! At the end of the climb, we’ll take turns rappelling with the haul bag to round out the big wall skill set. We’ll close the course with feedback and suggestions for next steps that will help you continue to learn beyond the course.

Trip Details

Ratio: 1 - 2 Guests Per Guide

Season: May-October

Duration: 4 Days

Skill level: Advanced +

Gear List

Rock Climbing
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Program Cost Includes: Ropes, protection, anchors, aid and wall gear.
Program Cost Does NOT Include: Transportation.

Reviews

• Adrienne: “Climbing with CMA was a true reflection of mindful mountaineering. As a female mountain lover, I’m used to being the only lady in a group of dudes. Sometimes that doesn’t feel 100% comfortable... I will definitely be climbing with CMA again!“
• Chase: “They do the essentials really well: they’re professional, knowledgeable and competent... What sets them apart for me is that they do all that AND make it FUN.”
• Blake: “I hired this guide crew for technical education and then returned for their recreational guiding services.”
• Maggie: “Cascade Mountain Ascents is seriously raising the bar for avalanche education—Fun-loving, inclusive, knowledgeable, fantastic educators!”
• Adrian: “Zack and Cascade Mountain Ascents is the best choice for your adventure no matter your skill level.”
• BRENNAN: “I’ve taken courses with the guides at CMA... Each time I’ve come away more competent, more confident.”
• WOLFGANG: “Fifth time out there with Zack – and as always it was spectacular.”
• PATRICK: “I have skied with all of the guides at CMA and have had great experiences.”

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