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| The art of rock climbing is a mentally and physically challenging activity that is accessible to anyone with a sense of adventure. The only commitment needed during these courses is reaching for the next hold; the rest is stress free and fun. We designed our program so you can start at any level, first time beginners, and gym climbers transitioning to the outdoors, as well as those training for more difficult alpine rock routes or ascents of big walls. Participants have an option to car camp, stay in hotels, cook over a stove, or enjoy local restaurants. Locations vary according to weather and type of course, but include Leavenworth, Mount Erie, Washington Pass (all in Washington State), world famous Smith Rocks in Oregon, and Nevada’s Red Rocks. |
INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING
 This class is designed to accommodate first time climbers as well as those with some indoor rock climbing experience. We begin with friction climbing to develop your balance, and then incorporate both face and crack climbing techniques before progressing to more challenging climbs. You will learn safe climbing protocols under the guidance of experienced and supportive instructors. It is our intent to educate, encourage and enlighten you in the rewards and pure fun of rock climbing. Equipment, belays, anchors, knots, rappelling and lowering are all thoroughly covered. An additional objective of this class is for students to be able to safely evaluate and set up their own top ropes.
2007 Course Dates:
May 12-13
June 2-3
July 30-July 1
August 4-5
September 1-2 & 29-30
Cost: $225.00
Guide to Client Ratio: 5:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
Download Equipment List
COST INCLUDES: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.
NOT INCLUDED: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.
Course curriculum:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top-rope, lead climbing and rappel anchors
- Development of face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
LOCATION: Leavenworth, Washington is located east of Seattle via US 2 (Stevens Pass Hwy.). Driving time from Seattle is approximately 2 1/2 hours. Classes meet at 9:00 a.m. at O'Grady's Pantry, Sleeping Lady. To get there turn south off Hwy 2 onto Icicle Rd. at the western edge Leavenworth. Travel ~2.5 miles on Icicle Rd., past the Leavenworth National Fish Hatchery and Homefires Bakery. Turn left into Sleeping Lady. Do not follow the major curve to the right that leads into Icicle Canyon.
LODGING/CAMPING: On Saturday evening climbers are welcome to stay at the Johnny Creek Forest Service Campground located on Icicle Creek Road, up stream from the Snow Creek Parking Lot. Camping spots are available on a first come-first served basis. However, there are numerous motels, bed and breakfasts, inns, etc. available in and around Leavenworth.
EQUIPMENT: You must bring your own rock shoes, climbing harness, and climbing helmet. All ropes, slings, and hardware will be provided. Because there are a wide variety of belay/friction devices available, students are encouraged to bring their own belay/friction device or any other equipment they wish to learn more about. Be prepared for both hot and cool weather. Bring sunglasses, sun hat, sun screen, shorts, a pair of long pants or tights, a wind shirt and a light sweater for cooler weather, hiking shoes (sneakers are fine), a small day pack, lunch, and a couple of quarts of water.
- FITTING ROCK SHOES: How tight? We recommend that students begin with a more comfortable fit. While it is true that tight shoes equal improved performance, comfort is a primary concern while learning to climb. Try a few pairs of shoes on and apply weight to the toe area. The toes should touch the end of the shoe without curling under. Many climbers eventually own two pairs: a tight pair for short hard climbs and a more comfortable pair for longer climbs.
- FITTING HARNESSES: The harness should be fit above the hips at the waist. At the waist, the harness should fit snugly without being tight. Leg loops fit can be a little looser, and should not restrict leg movement. A full body style harness is recommended for smaller climbers, usually for ages 5-13.
- RENTAL INFORMATION: Mountain Madness rents climbing harnesses for the two-day class. Call for rates and information on other rentals. We do not rent rock shoes. In addition to Mountain Madness, rental equipment is available at the following locations in the Seattle area:
-Vertical World, Seattle: 206-283-4497 Marmot, Bellevue: 425-453-1515
-Feathered Friends, Seattle: 206-292-2210 REI, Redmond: 425-882-1158
-REI, Seattle: 206-223-1944 Vertical World, Redmond: 425-881-8826
ITINERARY
Day 1: The day begins with an equipment review and a lesson on the essential knot skills required for the day’s climbing. You will also learn proper belaying techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once the basics are covered, you begin climbing. Communication signals and various friction climbing techniques will be covered. After a break, the group will move onto steeper terrain. Top rope set-up, rappelling, and rope management will round out the day’s activities. In the evening, Mountain Madness guides will often head into town for a relaxing meal or prepare their meals at the campground. You are welcome to join them to discuss the day’s lesson or to learn more about Mountain Madness and climbing.
Day 2: The second day will include more climbing and a review of the previous day’s lessons. As the group moves on to steeper and more challenging terrain, you will learn anchor evaluation as well as face and crack climbing techniques. We generally wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match students with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb or mountain for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: Due to its location on the east side of the Cascades, the area around Leavenworth receives considerably less rain than Seattle and western Washington. It is usually warmer than Seattle in the summer, and colder in the winter by 10-15 degrees F. The rock-climbing season in the Leavenworth area usually begins in late March or early April and continues until late October.
QUALIFICATIONS: Previous climbing experience is not required. This class is designed to accommodate first time climbers as well as those with some indoor experience. A high degree of strength is not a requirement; with proper guidance almost anyone can enjoy rock climbing on their first outing.
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INTERMEDIATE ROCK/LEAD CLIMBING
In this course, you will learn techniques of multi-pitch climbing, placement of artificial protection, lead climbing, and route finding on longer climbs. After reviewing basic climbing protocols, you will be instructed on the practice and application of lead climbing on both sport and traditionally led climbs. Placing your own protection and belay anchors while under the watchful instruction and belay of expert instructors will give you the confidence and experience required to navigate, travel, and lead in the vertical world. Finally, you will have the opportunity to lead and route find on multi-pitch rock faces.
Guide to Client Ratio:4:1
Climbing Grade: Advanced Beginner
2007 COURSE DATES
May 19-20
June 9-10
July 7-8
August 11-12
September 8-9
Cost: $275.00
Download Equipment List
Course curriculum includes:
- Selection and use of passive and active protection
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead & rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Leading, route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
COST INCLUDES: All group climbing equipment and instruction.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.
ITINERARY:
DAY 1: We begin this course with a review of basic climbing protocols including essential knots, equipment use, belay technique and signals, climbing technique and style, rappelling, top rope anchoring systems, and rope management skills. We will then practice the fundamental skills of traditional climbing. Other areas to be covered are anchoring systems, equalization techniques, and multi-pitch climbing.
DAY 2: Today students get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a toprope. Students have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies. We usually wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.
EQUIPMENT:
You must bring your own rock shoes and climbing harness. All ropes, slings, and hardware will be provided by Mountain Madness. Because there are a wide variety of belay/friction devices available, students are encouraged to bring their own belay/friction device or any other equipment they wish to learn more about. Be prepared for both hot and cool weather. Bring sunglasses, a sun hat, sun screen, shorts, a pair of long pants or tights, a wind shirt and a light sweater for cooler weather, hiking shoes (sneakers are OK), a small day pack, lunch, and a couple of quarts of water.
RENTAL INFORMATION: Mountain Madness rents climbing harnesses for the two day class. Call for rates and information on other rentals. We do not rent rock shoes. In addition to Mountain Madness, rental equipment is available at the following locations in the Seattle area:
- Vertical World, Seattle: 206-283-4497
- Feathered Friends, Seattle: 206-292-2210
- Marmot, Bellevue: 425-453-1515
- REI, Redmond: 425-882-1158
- REI, Seattle: 206-223-1944
- Vertical World, Redmond: 425-881-8826
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match students with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb or mountain for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: Because of its location on the east side of the Cascades, the area around Leavenworth receives considerably less rain than Seattle and Western Washington. It is usually warmer than Seattle in the summer, and colder in the winter by 10-15 degrees Fahrenheit. The rock climbing season in the Leavenworth area begins in late March or early April and continues until late October.
QUALIFICATIONS: Previous climbing experience up to 5.8.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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ALPINE ROCK SEMINAR/MATTERHORN TRAINING
 Have you ever dreamed of climbing classic rock routes in an incredible alpine mountain environment and standing on the summit of a monolithic granite spire? If so, join Mountain Madness for this course consisting of two days of instruction in the basics of multi-pitch rock climbing. Then put all you’ve learned to use on full-day alpine rock climbs near Washington Pass. This course gives students a solid skill base in all aspects of alpine rock climbing and is an excellent way to prepare for climbs like the Matterhorn in the Swiss Alps and Carstensz Pyramid in Irian Jaya.
Guide to Client Ratio: 3:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
2007 COURSE DATES
May 26-29
June 16-19
July 7-8
August 11-12
September 15-18
Or, pick your own!
Cost: $550
Download Equipment List
Course curriculum includes:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top-rope, lead climbing and rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
COST INCLUDES: Guiding and instruction, group climbing equipment.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation*, lodging/camping, food*, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.
*Available at additional cost
COURSE ITINERARY:
Day 1: Meet Mountain Madness Guides at ~9:00 am (exact location will be dependent on climbing location). After an orientation and equipment check, you’ll begin the day with a review of essential knot tying skills and proper use of equipment. You will also review proper belay commands and techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once these basics are covered, you begin climbing! Communication signals and various friction, face, and crack climbing techniques will be covered. Top rope set-up, anchors, belaying a lead climber, cleaning protection, rappelling, and rope management will round out the day’s activities. In the evening we camp at a nearby campground.
Day 2: You’ll get an early start and review any skills you feel you need to work on from Day 1, and then you’ll spend the rest of the day putting your skills to work climbing, including doing a multi-pitch climb which will give you a taste of what is to come. In the evening we’ll drive to Washington Pass and set up camp there.
Day 3: After an early rise, we drive to the Blue Lake trailhead and begin the 2 mile approach up to the base of the Early Winter Spires. Our first route in this impressive complex of massive spires and granite faces is up the South Arête of the South Spire. This is a great introductory multi-pitch alpine rock climb with a spectacular summit! This 600-foot climb follows a blocky arête where climbers stem, chimney, friction, and hand jam their way to the summit. Exposed down-climbing and a series of short and long rappels bring us down from the summit. After our descent to the trailhead we head back to our campground, eat, and prepare for the next day’s climb.
Day 4: We head back up to Washington Pass for some more classic ‘alpine cragging’! This day’s objective will be Cutthroat Peak, an 8,050 foot granite peak, or the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell Mountain, a 7,720 foot spire which captivates the imagination of every climber who looks up at its granite faces.
- Liberty Bell Mountain: The route Fred Beckey scouted in 1946, and the route we ascend, follows a series of chimneys, crack systems and slabs for 400 feet up the Southwest face.
- Cutthroat Peak: An exciting and long route that has some great exposure and several interesting pitches of rock climbing on a ridge, then moving onto the Southwest face to reach the summit.
From the summit of either peak we can look across to the summits of the Early Winter Spires, the Wine Spires, Kangaroo Ridge, and distant snow covered volcanoes.
There is a fair amount of flexibility regarding which peaks you can climb at Washington Pass. The peaks you’ll climb will depend on your skills and interests.
After this final descent, we’ll hike back to the trailhead and drive to Seattle, likely arriving late in the evening.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match student with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb or mountain for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: The weather in the Cascades is unpredictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over this weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes needed to save the trip from being completely cancelled. However, sometimes waiting for the weather to pass is the best plan of action and it is not unusual to sit in the rain for a few days. It is also possible that the rain may not clear up and traveling to the east side of the mountains to go rock climbing is the best plan.
 QUALIFICATIONS: All that is required is that students have some basic rock climbing and movement skills. If you have never rock climbed, it is very easy to gain this experience at a local climbing gym in an evening seminar. Previous mountaineering experience is not required. However, this trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of proper physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the high mountain environment.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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WASHINGTON PASS WEEKEND
  Have you ever dreamed of climbing classic rock routes in an incredible alpine mountain environment and standing on the summit of a monolithic granite spire? If so, join Mountain Madness for this course consisting of 2 days of instruction in the basics of multi-pitch rock climbing and then put all you’ve learned to use on full-day alpine rock climbs near Washington Pass.
Guide to Client Ratio: 3:1
Climbing Grade: Advanced Beginner
2007 COURSE DATES
July 21-22
August 25-26
or pick your own!
Cost: $375 (2 or more climbers)
Download Equipment List
Curriculum includes:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques in an alpine environment
- Hazard assessment including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
COST INCLUDES: Guiding and instruction, group climbing equipment
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation*, lodging/camping, food*, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.*Available at additional cost
ITINERARY:
Day 1 After an early rise, we drive to the Blue Lake trailhead and begin the 2 mile approach up to the base of the Early Winter Spires. Our first route in this impressive complex of massive spires and granite faces is up the South Arête of the South Spire. This is a great introductory multi-pitch alpine rock climb with a spectacular summit! This 600-foot climb follows a blocky arête where climbers stem, chimney, friction, and hand jam their way to the summit. Exposed down-climbing and a series of short and long rappels bring us down from the summit. After our descent to the trailhead we head back to our campground, eat, and prepare for the next day’s climb.
Day 2 We head back up to Washington Pass for some more classic ‘alpine cragging’! Today’s objective will be the Beckey Route on Liberty Bell Mountain, a 7,720 foot spire which captivates the imagination of every climber who looks up at its granite faces. The route Fred Beckey scouted in 1946, and the route we ascend, follows a series of chimneys, crack systems and slabs for 400 feet up the Southwest face. After the descent, we ’ll hike back to the trailhead and drive to Seattle, likely arriving late in the evening.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match students with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb or mountain for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: The weather in the Cascades is unpredictable and can roll in at any time limiting the productivity of your trip. Mountain Madness has no control over this weather and therefore last minute decisions are sometimes needed to save the trip from being completely cancelled. However, sometimes waiting for the weather to pass is the best plan of action and it is not unusual to sit in the rain for a few days. It is also possible that the rain may not clear up and traveling to the east side of the mountains to go rock climbing is the best plan.
QUALIFICATIONS: All that is required is that students have some basic rock climbing and movement skills. If you have never rock climbed, it is very easy to gain this experience at a local climbing gym in an evening seminar. Previous mountaineering experience is not required. However, this trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of proper physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the high mountain environment.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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SMITH ROCK ULTIMATE ROCK SEMINAR
Join Mountain Madness at the Northwest’s best desert rock-climbing area! Smith Rocks, located minutes from glitzy Bend, Oregon, offers something for every climber, from challenging sport routes to, classic multi-pitch traditional climbs like the 3 pitch, 5.7 Spiderman or the 4 pitch, 5.9 Zebra/Zion. Few climbing locations offer as much sun and varied climbing as the beautiful canyons found in the Smith Rocks State Park.
This course goes one step further than most beginner-intermediate climbing courses. In addition to learning the basics- belaying, rappelling and knots, participants will also have some hands-on experience with placing protection, building anchors, and lead climbing. With a 3:1 client to guide ratio, you’ll receive the personalized instruction needed to prepare you for a grand finale, a multi-pitch route! This course gives students a solid skill base in all aspects of alpine rock climbing and is an excellent way to prepare for alpine climbs in the North Cascades, the Matterhorn, and Carstensz Pyramid.
Guide to Client Ratio: 3:1
Climbing Grade: Beginner
2007COURSE DATES (7 days)
TBD
Cost: $750 (minimum two climbers)
Download Equipment List
Course curriculum includes:
- Selection and use of ropes, knots & harnesses
- Anchor construction, equalization, and evaluation of top rope, lead & rappel anchors
- Development of more advanced face, slab and crack climbing techniques
- Belaying a lead climber, lowering, and rappelling techniques
- Route selection, rope management and route finding
- Multi pitch climbing techniques
- Hazard assessment; including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
COST INCLUDES: Guiding, instruction, and group climbing equipment.
COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation (available at additional cost), lodging/camping, food, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.
COURSE ITINERARY
Day 1: Meet Mountain Madness guide at 8:00 am at the Parking lot of Smith Rocks State Park. After an orientation and equipment check, you’ll begin the day with a review of essential knot tying skills and proper use of equipment. You will also review proper belay commands and techniques that will prepare you for actual climbing. Once these basics are covered, you begin climbing! Communication signals and various friction, face, and crack climbing techniques will be covered. Top rope set-up, anchors, belaying a lead climber, cleaning protection, rappelling, and rope management will round out the day’s activities. In the evening we camp at a nearby campground.
Day 2: You’ll get an early start and review any skills you feel you need to work on from Day 1, and then you’ll spend the rest of the day putting your skills to work climbing, including doing a multi-pitch climb which will give you a taste of what is to come. In the evening you have the option to enjoy Bend’s excellent eateries and nightlife.
Day 3: We take it to the next level and climb one of the great moderate multi-pitch climbs that Smith Rocks is famous for. We will get an early start to beat the crowds and the heat and ascend the Spiederman.
Day 4: We will practice the fundamental skills of traditional climbing, with an extra emphasis put on lead climbing above gear. Other areas covered are anchoring systems, and equalization techniques. Students will get opportunities to practice lead climbing under the protection of a top-rope. Students will have a chance to have their gear placements evaluated and anchors critiqued. In the afternoon, we will continue to apply the skills we have learned throughout the course in the multi-pitch climbing arena. As a beginning lead climber, you will also follow your instructor up increasingly difficult and complex leads to gain an understanding of lead climbing techniques and strategies.
Day 5: We get an early start for the last big route of the trip. This route will be the climber’s choice.
There is a fair amount of flexibility regarding which routes you can climb in Smith Rocks. The routes you’ll climb will depend on your skills and interests.
NOTE ON ITINERARY: In this course, the guides use their experience and knowledge of the area to match student with routes that will appropriately challenge and reward. Guides may select an alternate climb for these reasons. Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to weather, route conditions, and other reasons beyond our control.
WEATHER: Warm days and cold nights are the norm for Smith Rocks in spring and fall.
QUALIFICATIONS: No previous experience required, however this trip is rated as strenuous and we cannot overemphasize the importance of proper physical conditioning. By getting your heart, lungs, and legs in top physical condition, you can focus on learning while enjoying the beautiful routes of Smith Rocks.
Contact Us / Download an Application
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