INTRODUCTION TO ROCK CLIMBING

2 Day Cost: $295

3 Day Cost: $390 (minimum two people)

Guide to Client Ratio: 5:1

Climbing Grade: Beginner

Included in Cost: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.

Not Included in Cost: 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.

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.

Course 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.

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.

INTRODUCTION TO ROCK - IMMERSION COURSE (3 Days):

This class is a one-day extension to the basic rock course described above. The additional objective of this class is for students to be able to safely evaluate and set up their own top ropes as described above, but also to impart basic knowledge of leading climbing.

2009 Course Dates: add one day to the above

Cost: $390

Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

Additional Course Curriculum Includes:

• 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
• Leading route selection, rope management and route finding
• Multi pitch climbing technique
• Hazard assessment; including a discussion of objective vs. subjective hazards
• Selection and use of protection passive and active protection

Day 1-2: Same as Inroduction to Rock outlined above.

Day 3: Today 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. We usually wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.

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INTERMEDIATE ROCK:

LEAD CLIMBING & 1 DAY ROCK RESCUE

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

2009 Course Dates (add one day for rock rescue)

• May 30-31
• June 20-21
• July 18-19
• August 8-9
• Spetember 5-6 (Labor Day weekend)
• September 12-13

Cost: $295/ $395 with rock rescue extension minimum two people)

Course Ccurriculum 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.

Course 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.

Rock Rescue Extension:

Day 3 (Rescue Immersion):We begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.

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.

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ALPINE ROCK SEMINAR & LIBERTY BELL MOUNTAIN ASCENT

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 for those with future objectives in mind, it 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: 4:1

Climbing Grade: Beginner

2009 Course Dates:

• June 27-30
• July 4-7
• August 1-4
• September 12-15
• September 19-22

Call our office to arrange custom dates.

Cost: $675 (minimum two climbers)

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.

Qualifications: Previous rock climbing and mountaineering experience is not required.

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MATTERHORN & CARSTENSZ PYRAMID TRAINING COURSE

For those aspiring to climb the Matterhorn or the Seven Summit climb of Carstensz Pyramid, we have designed a program to properly prepare you for these challenging climbs. Skills taught will be specific to the demands of each ascent. Over two-four days you will practice ascending fixed ropes, polish your rappelling techniques, climb on rock while wearing crampons, and do a whole lot of climbing.

Optional ascents include;

• Forbidden Peak in the North Cascades National Park
• The monolithic Mount Stuart & Ingalls Peak in Washington's Alpine Lake Wilderness
• Colorado’s classic Mount Wilson and El Diente Traverse.

This trip is arranged on a custom basis. Please call our office more suggestions.

Custom Guiding & Instruction
Maximize your learning, pick your own route, or custom design an itinerary for yourself or a small group of friends or family. Please see belwo for details.

Course Curriculum May Include:

• Use of mechanical ascenders for application on fixed ropes
• Rappelling techniques
• Climbing with crampons on rock
• Belaying and lowering a lead climber
• 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

Sample 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! Today would also include rappelling and lowering. In the evening we camp at a near by 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. Topics could also include ascending fixed ropes and climbing rock with crampons on. Campground.

Day 3-4: These days will be reserved for getting a lot of climbing in to prepare for the endurance test faced on both Carstensz Pyramid and the Matterhorn. Ideally one day will include an ascent of a route in excess of 2,000 elevation gain on technical terrain. Expect one day to also be between 10-12 hours long. See above for possible objectives.

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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. Objective include the famous Beckey route on Liberty Bell Mountain, the airy South Arete on South Early Winter Spire, or many others available in the area.


Guide to Client Ratio: 4:1

Climbing Grade: Advanced Beginner

2009 Course Dates:
Call our office to arrange custom dates- see below for pricing.

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

Course 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.


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What the heck are birdbeaks, rurps, fifi hooks, copperheads and all that funky aid climbing stuff? Learn the esoteric science of aid climbing - from air voyagers to z-pitons. During your seminar you will learn about highly specialized equipment, hauling systems, butt bags, cleaning and leading aid pitches. With your new skills you’ll be ready to hang it out on the steep 5.9 A2 Town Crier route on the Index Town Wall or the classic Liberty Crack or Thin Red Line on Liberty Bell high in the North Cascades. Call for details.

Custom Guiding & Instruction- see below

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HALF & ONE DAY INTRO TO ROCK COURSE

These classes offer an opportunity for first time climbers as well as those with some indoor rock climbing experience to try climbing outside. We begin with friction climbing to develop your balance, and then we 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 covered.

2009 Course Cost:

Half Day Cost: $120 Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1
Full Day Cost: $150 Student/Instructor Ratio: 5:1

Included in Cost: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.

Not Included in Cost: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.

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.

Location: North Bend, Washington is located east of Seattle via I-90. Driving time from Seattle is approximately 40 minutes. Classes meet at 9:00 a.m. at the Iron Goat Parking lot off Exit 38. To get to Mt Washington take the east bound Exit 38 from Interstate 90. At the bottom of the off ramp turn right, drive about 150 meters and take another right onto a dirt road to the parking area.

Course 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. (Half Day ends at 1pm) 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. We generally wrap up the course by about 4:00 p.m.

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.

Next Steps: After completion of this trip, you may want to build upon your new skills and participate in a more advanced expedition. The following opportunities are logical next steps that will help you advance your abilities, or at least provide you with another exciting recreational adventure.

• Washington Pass Weekend
  
• Intermediate Rock
  
• Red Rocks
  

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This class is designed to accommodate climbers with some rock climbing experience. We begin with belay escapes, and then we move into more complex raising and lowering systems. We cover rappelling and ascending to and with victims. Site management will also be a key topic covered. Participants will learn rescue protocols under the guidance of experienced and supportive instructors. It is our intent to educate you to safely execute high angle rescue. Equipment, belays, anchors, knots, rappelling and lowering are all thoroughly covered. The objective of this class is for students to be able to safely perform self rescue in a high angle rock environment.

2009 Course Information:

Dates: May 2-3, June 6-7, September 12-13

Cost: $295

Included in Cost: All group climbing equipment and professional instruction.

Not Included in Cost: Personal climbing equipment (rock shoes, climbing harness, large locking carabiner), transportation, gratuities for guides, meals, lodging, and personal items.

Qualifications: Previous climbing experience is required. This class is designed to accommodate climbers with some outdoor experience.

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.

Course Curriculum Includes:

• Anchors and belay systems
  
• Tools: knots, hitches and ratchets
  
• Ascending a fixed rope
  
• Belay escapes
  
• Transitions through all systems
  
• Improvised carries
  
• Leader rescue scenarios
  

• Raising
  
• Lowering
  
• Pre-rigged rappels
  
• Passing knots
  

• Raising
  
• Tandem rappelling
  
• Counterbalance rappelling
  
• Lowering with a rescuer
  

Course Itinerary

Day 1: We begin by reviewing the equipment necessary for self rescue, anchoring and proper knots. Next we begin the rescue overview with; belay escape using various systems, ascending ropes with friction hitches, long lowering with two ropes tied together passing a knot. We conclude the day with rappelling safety, passing knots in rappels, and descending with an injured person.

Day 2:
We go over haul systems and putting it all together in scenarios.

Equipment: You will be required to bring the following equipment:

• Climbing harness
  
• Climbing helmet
  
• Belay/rappel device
  
• 2 cordellettes (25 feet of 6 or 7mm perlon cord)
  
• Traditional rack (per two climbers)
  
• Pen and notebook
  
• Lunch
  
• Raingear and warm clothes
  
• 2-3 quarts of water to drink
  
• Personal first aid kit
  

• Mt. Stuart – North Ridge
  
• Forbidden Peak
  
• Mt. Triumph

PRIVATE/CUSTOM GUIDING AND INSTRUCTION
Maximize your learning, pick your own route, or custom design an itinerary for yourself or a small group of friends or family. Please call for suggestions.

Prices are determined by number of climbers and days. Rates are per person:
1 person - $350/day
2 people - $275/day
3 people - $225/day
4 people - $190/day

COST INCLUDES: Guiding and instruction and group climbing equipment.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Transportation*, lodging/camping fees, food, and all personal climbing and camping equipment.

*Available at additional cost