Leavenworth Rock Climbing Clinics
We offer a variety of clinics, courses, and private guided days in this world-class setting.
Climbing by day and grabbing a bratwurst and local brew in the evening in the Bavarian themed town of Leavenworth make for a relaxing, yet rewarding adventure. There are excellent hotel lodging, camping, and restaurant options nearby. Detailed information for Leavenworth can be found at www.leavenworth.org.
Get out for your first experience on rock, or take it to the next level if you already climb! Call our office to arrange a logical progression to advance your skills; our clinics are designed with a set-by-step plan, building on each clinic you attend.
Just want to grab a guide and go climb? Check out our guided climbs page HERE
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Gym to Crag
Do you want to take your climbing gym skills to the next level – the great outdoors? Our AMGA trained guides will take you to a local crag and show you the ropes – no prior experience or gear is required! Dates coincide with day one of our Leavenworth Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing Course.
Skills covered:
- Equipment use – harness, helmet, carabiners, belay devices, climbing shoes
- Top-rope belaying
- Anchoring the belayer
- Belay commands
- Tying into a harness
- Lowering
- Rappelling (optional)
- Climbing movement techniques
- Using a guidebook
- Outdoor crag hazards & crag etiquette
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Intro to Outdoor Bouldering
Gather your friends and get outside to enjoy Leavenworth’s world-class bouldering. Our guides will show you the best spots and teach you how to take your climbing gym skills outside, or introduce you to the sport for the first time. No prior experience or gear is required.
Skills covered:
- Guidebook use
- Spotting
- Downclimbing
- Use of crash pads
- Climbing movement
- Outdoor climbing etiquette
See also — Climbers of Color Bouldering Days
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Anchors & Cleaning
If you’ve tried climbing outside or in the gym and you’re looking to gain more technical skills and independence, this is the class for you. We’ll teach you everything you need to know to set up your own toprope climbs and how to clean routes outside. Dates coincide with day two of our Leavenworth Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing Course. Some experience climbing outside, such as the Gym to Crag Clinic, is required for this clinic.
Skills covered:
- Equipment selection, care, and use
- anchor building
- setting up topropes
- toprope belaying
- belay commands
- lowering systems
- rappelling techniques & friction hitches
- removing protection
- personal tethers
- using a guidebook
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Intro to Sport Leading
Ready to jump on the sharp end? We’ll teach you how to select and rack gear, read a route, properly clip bolts, build anchors, clean routes and give lead belays – all in a beautiful outdoor setting. Prior outdoor climbing experience, such as the Gym to Crag clinic, and the Anchors & Cleaning Clinic (or equivalent experience) are prerequisites for this course.
Skills covered:
- equipment selection and maintenance
- racking quickdraws and other gear
- rope management
- lead belaying
- clipping bolts safely and efficiently
- reading a route and resting
- taking and catching lead falls
- movement and mental strategies
- cleaning gear
- personal tethers
- anchor building recap
- anchor cleaning recap
- using a guidebook
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Intro to Trad (2 days)
Traditional Rock climbing can open the doors to a whole new world of climbing in the mountains. This course covers all the basics – how to place and remove traditional protection, build anchors, and lead traditional routes – with plenty of time for you to practice mock leading. The Anchors & Cleaning clinic and the Intro to Sport Lead Clinic (or equivalent experience) are prerequisites for this clinic.
Skills covered:
- selection, use, and care of traditional gear
- strategies for racking gear
- gear placement and removal – active and passive
- traditional anchor building
- leading techniques & mock leading
- rappelling techniques
- rope management
- using a guidebook
- intro to crack climbing techniques
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Intro to Multipitch
You want to get high off the ground — whether it’s sport or traditional rock climbing, this class will give you the skills to take your climbing to the next level. We’ll cover belaying from above, belay transitions, advanced rappelling techniques, rope management, and efficient transitions. We focus on ground-school education and simulated multi-pitches to focus on skills rather than climbing. We highly recommend adding a second day of guided multipitch climbing to see your new skills in action! Taking our Anchors & Rappelling clinic and our Intro to Sport climbing or Intro to Trad clinic (or equivalent experience) is highly recommended prior to this course.
Skills covered:
- lead belaying recap
- anchor building recap
- belaying from above
- rope management strategies
- personal tethers
- belay station management & transitions
- advanced rappelling techniques
- reading a topo
- cleaning gear
- reading guidebooks
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Crack Climbing
If you’re interested in traditional rock climbing or being able to climb the “splitters” of Indian Creek or Yosemite Valley, then this is the course for you. We’ll cover all the crack climbing techniques from pinky jams to chimneys, and everything in between, with plenty of time to practice.
Skills Covered:
- taping techniques
- footwork
- reading the route
- hand techniques – finger locks, handjams, fist jams
- offwidth techniques
- chimneying
- lie-backing
- toprope practice
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Rock Rescue (1-3 days)
What do you do when things go wrong? This advanced course covers a variety of scenarios from single pitch climbs to complex multipitch scenarios and gives you the baseline skills necessary to handle the situation when things go awry. Prior outdoor climbing experience, knowledge of anchors, and leading experience required for this course.
Skills covered:
- rescue knots & hitches
- load transfers
- rope ascension
- lowering from above
- passing a knot
- haul systems
- anchor systems
- belay escapes
- advanced rappelling techniques
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Intro to Aid Climbing/Big Wall (1-3 Days)
If you’re a traditional climber dreaming of climbing the big walls of Yosemite Valley or Zion National Park, this customizable course covers a variety of skills to get you started. Note that you must have 2 – 3 years of experience multi-pitch trad climbing in order to take this course. We can tailor this course and create a sequence of trainings to help you meet your goals!
Skills covered:
- gear selection, care, and racking
- traditional gear placement & removal
- aid lead climbing sequence (up to C2)
- intro to piton placement and other “non-clean” aid gear
- evaluating fixed pieces
- hauling systems
- packing a haul bag
- ascending fixed lines
- pendulums / lower outs
- hanging belay management
- setting up a portaledge
- using guidebooks
Scheduled on a custom basis only
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Family Toprope Days
Want to get out with the family, without the stress of managing your kids and setting up ropes? Let us take care of it for you! We can set topropes and give belays, so all you and your family has to do is relax, have fun, and of course, climb!
Available as full for half-days. Scheduled on a custom basis only.
Have a Question? Contact Us!
Price
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1‑Day Clinics
from $210 – 1 Day
- 1:1 - $535 per person
- 2:1 - $320 per person
- 3-6:1 - $210 per person
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2‑Day Clinics
from $420 – 2 Days
- 1:1 - $1,025 per person
- 2:1 - $620 per person
- 3-6:1 - $420 per person
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3‑Day Clinics
from $620 – 3 Days
- 1:1 - $1,480 per person
- 2:1 - $870 per person
- 3-6:1 - $620 per person
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Price Includes
- Professional instruction
- Group climbing equipment — ropes, protection, anchor materials
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Price Does Not Include
- Transportation
- Lodging
- Meals
- Personal Climbing Gear — helmet, harness, belay device and carabiner, rock climbing shoes
- Guide gratuities
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Payment Schedule
- Full payment at time of registration by credit card, which includes $200 non-refundable registration fee
Dates
Courses Arranged on a Custom Basis — Contact Us
Policies
Cancellation / Refund Policy
- MMI strongly recommends trip cancellation/interruption and evacuation insurance for all trips. Our insurance partner, Ripcord, offers comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancellation, as well as rescue/evacuation policies and can assist in answering any questions. In addition, Participant is expected to have sufficient medical insurance as prescribed by their country of origin. Participant understands that MMI does not include any type of insurance with the cost of the trip.
- If you decide to cancel your trip or change your itinerary, MMI must be notified in writing. Your trip will be cancelled from the date written notice is received. If proper written cancellation notice is not received, amounts paid and reservations made will be forfeited.
- Non-refundable fees may apply for certain trips in order to secure permits and other services. MMI must strictly adhere to cancellation policies outside MMI’s control.
- Due to the personalized service we offer on our trips, MMI reserves the right to waive any fees. We will attempt to accommodate changes and cancellations, waiving certain fees when feasible.
- Circumstances outside the control of MMI and its partners, may require amended cancellation/refund policies. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to COVID-19, natural disasters, wildfires, terrorism and so forth.
Domestic Trips/Courses:
- Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee, will be provided 91 days or more before the departure date
- No refunds will be provided 90 days or less before the departure date
Trip Insurance
We strongly recommend the purchase of travel cancellation insurance to protect you from the unexpected. You aren’t likely to think of it now, but people do get ill, break a bone, have a family emergency or get assigned to a last-minute business trip. If you are in remote areas, please note that emergency rescue & evacuation can be very expensive.
We also strongly urge you to consider rescue and evacuation insurance if your own policy does not provide the coverage needed. Services available may include, but are not limited to, helicopter evacuation, medical care, etc.
If you choose not to purchase insurance, you assume full responsibility for any expenses incurred in the event of a medical emergency and/or evacuation, as well as for trip cancellation, interruption, lost luggage, etc. We are not the experts and therefore ask that you please consult our travel insurance partner directly with any specific questions.
To protect against losses due to illness, accident, or other unforeseen circumstances, Mountain Madness strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance as soon as possible after making a deposit. Mountain Madness has partnered with Redpoint Resolutions as our preferred travel insurance provider. Redpoint’s Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ is designed for adventurers.
For a quote, or to purchase travel insurance, please click this link Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ or call +1 – 415-481‑0600. Pricing varies based on age, trip cost, trip length, and level of coverage.
Critical benefits of Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance include:
- A completely integrated program with a single point of contact for emergency services, travel assistance, and insurance claims
- Evacuation and rescue services from your point of injury or illness to your hospital of choice
- Comprehensive travel insurance for trip cancellation/interruption, primary medical expense coverage, baggage loss or delay, emergency accident and emergency sickness medical expense, emergency dental, accidental death and dismemberment, and more
- Optional security evacuation coverage in case of an unplanned natural disaster or other security events
- Waiver for pre-existing conditions (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
- Optional “Cancel for Any Reason” coverage (must be purchased within 14 days of tour deposit)
Itinerary
Note on Itinerary: Although we do our very best to follow the schedule listed, this itinerary is subject to change due to inclement weather, unsafe route conditions, or other reasons beyond our control and in the guide’s best judgement.
Equipment for Leavenworth Rock Climbing Clinics
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Carrying Gear
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Backpack (25-35L)
day pack size (25-35L)
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Climbing Gear
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Rock climbing harness
comfortable and padded
Examples:
Petzl Adjama, Black Diamond Momentum
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Climbing helmet
Lightweight
Examples:
Black Diamond Half Dome, Petzl Elios
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Locking carabiners (2)
Two large, pear-shaped carabiners are best
Examples:
Black Diamond Rock Lock, Petzl William, Petzl Attache
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Non-locking carabiners (2)
2 non-locking carabiners. wired straight-gates are recommended
Examples:
Black Diamond HotWire
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Belay device (plaquette)
Tube style
Examples:
Black Diamond ATC Guide, Petzl Reverso
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Double length nylon runner (48" or 120cm)
be sure to get nylon not dyneema (18mm width)
Examples:
Black Diamond Nylon Slings
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30’ of perlon accessory cord (7mm)
30 feet of 6mm cord
Examples:
Sterling
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Chalk bag (optional)
optional but nice for rock climbs when the temps are warm
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Head and Face
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Shade hat or baseball cap
A visor hat with a good brim is essential for protection from the sun
Examples:
Mountain Madness trucker hat
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Sunglasses
Essential eye protection whether in the tropics or by the water. Look for 100% UVA/UVB protection. Consider bringing a spare pair
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Feet
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Light hiking boots or trail shoes
For acclimatization hikes
Examples:
Salomon X-Ultra 3 Mid, Merrell Moab, La Sportiva Boulder Ex
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Rock Shoes
comfortable enough for all-day use
Examples:
La Sportiva Mythos, Scarpa Helix
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Upper Body
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Synthetic t-shirts
Two synthetic or merino wool t-shirts. No cotton!
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Sports bras
Two, synthetic, no cotton!
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Long-sleeved Base Layer (single)
lightweight to mediumweight, pull-over is best
Examples:
Patagonia Capilene
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Light weight synthetic jacket
light weight synthetic puffy or fleece
Examples:
Patagonia Nano Puff jacket
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Rain jacket
basic rain jacket with a hood in case of any inclement weather
Examples:
Marmot pricip, or Gore-Tex type jacket
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Sun hoody
This piece with a high SPF rating and lightweight fabric offers protection from high altitude sun
Examples:
Outdoor Research
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Lower Body
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Softshell pants
Softshell pants are water resistant, yet highly breathable and durable. Great for colder conditions over a pair of long underwear or tights higher on the mountain or summit day
Examples:
Outdoor Research Voodoo, Mountain Hardwear Touren, Patagonia Guide
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Nylon shorts (optional)
Quick-drying type for July-Sept trips
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Miscellaneous
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Lip balm
Must have SPF rating of 20 or more. Bring two just in case!
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Sunscreen
Bring plenty of sun block with SPF of 40 or more. It's easy to underestimate the amount necessary for your trip!
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Water bottles
two 1 liter wide-mouth water bottles
Examples:
Nalgene
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Hydration bladder (optional)
hydration bladder or water bag with drinking tube (must also have 1 Nalgene Bottle or equivalent)
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Snacks (general)
Bring your favorite snacks and power/energy bars or if there is something else you particularly like to eat while hiking and climbing
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Camera (optional)
or any sort of device that takes pictures
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Book Course
1‑Day Clinics
from $210
1 Day
- 1:1 - $535 per person
- 2:1 - $320 per person
- 3-6:1 - $210 per person
-
Book Course
2‑Day Clinics
from $420
2 Days
- 1:1 - $1,025 per person
- 2:1 - $620 per person
- 3-6:1 - $420 per person
-
Book Course
3‑Day Clinics
from $620
3 Days
- 1:1 - $1,480 per person
- 2:1 - $870 per person
- 3-6:1 - $620 per person
Student to Instructor Ratio
Max Ratio 6:1
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