Leavenworth Rock Guides: Multi-Pitch Rock Climbing Course 

Multi-pitch rock climbing is essentially what traditional rock climbing is all about. This program builds on what is covered in our lead climbing course. On this course we cover topics such as route finding, belay station management, strategies for belaying the second, (i.e. belaying off the anchor, redirecting the belay, and belaying off the harness), preventing factor 2 falls, on-route communication, and descending after the climb. While not all multi-pitch climbs require speed, we like to focus this course on teaching people to become efficient enough at transitions to be able to climb at a rate of 1 or 2 pitches per hour.

Ever wonder how to stack your rope at a hanging belay? Ever find yourself with a twisted rope as you prepare to leave the belay station? Should you do one long pitch or two short pitches? Our multi pitch climbing course trains you to manage all aspects of your climb so that you can focus on movement and not a tangled rope. We will also discuss single leader and lead swapping strategies.

This course can be taught at either a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio. We can't go more than 2:1 as it would prevent us from actually climbing a multi-pitch route, In this course we do some groundwork, but most of the lessons take place while climbing 3 to 5 pitch routes.

Examples of routes we use include:  

• Midway Direct (5.6 3P)
• R & D Route (5.6 - 5P)
• Tree Route (5.6 - 3P)
• Groundhog Day (5.7 - 3P)
• Givler's Crack (5.8 - 3P)
• Catapult (5.8 - 3P)
• Canary (5.8 - 3P)
• Yard Art (5.9 - 4P)
• Heart of Gold (5.10a - 4P)
• Condorphamine Addiction (5.10b - 7P)

Skills Covered during Multi-Pitch Climbing Program 

• Keeping an organized rope stack
• Hanging belays
• Belay station management
• What to carry on route
• Efficient racking and gear exchange
• Appropriate rope selction
• Use of a tag line
• Belaying from the anchor vs. harness
• Retreating safely
• Descent following the route

Itinerary 

If run at a 1:1 ratio this program takes about 5 hours, and if run at a 2:1 or greater ratio the course takes 8 hours. Courses are scheduled on demand.

Qualifications 

Participants should be familiar with belaying, basic climbing knots, and must be able to efficiently clean climbing equipment when seconding and must have rappelled previously. You need to be able to climb between 5.6 and 5.10 depending on the route chosen for the course.

Registration 

To register for this course you should complete our domestic climbing application and return it to the Northwest Mountain School office. You can complete our online registration here. Once you have completed your application you can make your deposit or full payment here. It is best to call our office at 509-548-5823 to make sure that space is available on your selected program. Space is allotted on a first-come, first-serve basis.

This program takes place on US Forest Service lands under a commercial-outfitter and guide permit. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs & activities and is an equal opportunity provider and employer.