The Outdoor lead Lesson

TAKE YOUR ROCK CLIMBING FROM THE GYM TO THE MOUNTAIN CRAGS THIS SUMMER SEASON

 

The Outdoor Lead Lesson (Learn to Lead Rock Climbing Course) is our most popular entry level summer rock climbing course, hosted in Banff, Canmore, and Lake Louise. Organized in partnership with our friends at the Calgary Climbing Centre, this course is designed to help you to take your indoor climbing experience into the outdoors this summer, providing essential sport (rock) climbing skills for hundreds of students each summer season.

This program is the only of its kind available in the Calgary and Canmore area that provides a combination of indoor training at Calgary's best indoor climbing facilities and a full day of rock climbing outdoors. Join the Calgary Climbing Centre's ACMG Certified Climbing Gym Instructors for 3 hours of indoor training and preparation, followed by a full day's instruction outdoors with our Cloud Nine, IFMGA & ACMG Certified Mountain Guides to learn the skills in a comfortable progression for rock climbing safely outdoors on your own this summer season. Ages 14 and up are welcome, with the course being the perfect fit for families or you and your gym crew.

This 1.5 day course is offered every weekend from April through September, with two separate courses available each weekend and mid-week courses for available as private bookings.

This program is often exceptionally busy and typically books a month or more in advance. We suggest booking early to ensure availability, in particular if you're looking to join us with the family or your crew.

 


 
*NOTE ON BOOKING*
When booking this course via our website, your booking will be registered directly with The Calgary Climbing Centre. The Booking Terms and Conditions that apply to your registration will be those provided by The Calgary Climbing Centre alone and those provided by Cloud Nine Guides will not apply. Contact our Program Managers for more details.

 

  3 Hour indoor training session

LEARN AND REFINE CLIPPING, LEAD CLIMBING & LEAD BELAYING WITH A GRIGRI
 

  Full day outdoor training session

LEARN TO LEAD CLIMB, TOP ROPE, BUILD & CLEAN ANCHORS
+ MOVEMENT SKILLS COACHING
 

  EQUIPMENT INCLUDED IN YOUR BOOKING

HARNESS, HELMET & ALL TECHNICAL GEAR INCLUDED - OR BRING YOUR OWN
 

  INDOOR & OUTDOOR TRAINING

FOR A COMFORTABLE PROGRESSION AND TRANSITION IN YOUR TRAINING
 

  COURSES AVAILABLE EVERY SUMMER WEEKEND

FROM APRIL TO SEPTEMBER

 

 

 

ITINERARY

 

Day 1 

3-HOUR INDOOR TRAINING SESSION AT THE CALGARY CLIMBING CENTER - HANGAR LOCATION
 

In this 3hr session, you will cover the basics of lead climbing in the gym before hitting the rock outdoors. This session builds a solid foundation and helps to create a gentle transition into the outdoor climbing venue for the field day. You will learn different clipping techniques and understand how to belay with a GRIGRI, as well as take part in a mock lead, live lead, and a series of practice falls.
 

You'll learn the following during the indoor training session: 
 
  • Finger and Thumb clipping
  • Demonstrate the Clipping zone
  • Identify incorrect clipping & how to correct them
  • How to clip anchors
  • Best practices for lead belaying
  • Stacking rope and identifying potential damage to your cord
  • Confidently and efficiently lead climb a route indoors 
  • Demonstrate a live lead and practice lead falls
  • Learn techniques for catching a live lead fall

 

Day 2 

FULL DAY OF OUTDOOR TRAINING - KANANASKIS, CANMORE, BANFF, OR LAKE LOUISE
 

During the Outdoor Training day, we'll be at a local crag in the Bow Valley, no more than an hours' drive from the town of Canmore. We begin with a discussion on learning how to recognize hazards present at the crags and dive into a gear and equipment discussion, then continuing onto building IDEAL multipoint anchors, mock leads, anchor cleaning, and then live leads for those ready to give it a roll. Generally, there is plenty of time to repeat the entire process of selecting a route, leading, cleaning, rinse, and repeat to help engrain the new skill sets before the day wraps up. 

 

What you will learn in the outdoor training session:
 
  • Learn to ID specific hazards associated with outdoor sport climbing and tactics to mitigate the risk associated with them
  • Discussion on the strengths and limitations of all equipment used, and it's correct application
  • Learn to build IDEAL multi-point anchors (ground training)
  • Learn to clean (retrieve) your IDEAL anchors (ground training)
  • Learn to build quickdraw (low-use) anchors (ground training)
  • Learn best practices for lead belaying a climber outdoors using a GRIGRI
  • Learn to correctly place quickdraws
  • Plenty of "mock-lead" practice before the main event
  • Build your first anchors live and at height
  • Clean your first anchors live and at height
  • Learn to put the complete skill set together, select and lead your first pitches of outdoor sport climbing

 

Logistics

Logistics to consider ahead of your Outdoor Lead Lesson Course:

  • ACCOMMODATION:

    Most students find it best to drive out to join us the morning of the Outdoor Training day. However, if you're looking to get a little closer to our field day location beforehand, we would suggest the following accommodation options in Canmore, Banff & Lake Louise.
     

  • TRIP FOOD & MEAL PROGRAMS:
    • Students are responsible for their own meals during both the indoor and outdoor components of the Outdoor Lead Lesson.
       
  • TRANSPORTATION: 
    • Students are responsible for their own transportation on the course.
       
  • NATIONAL PARK ENTRY PASSES: 
    • Students are responsible for obtaining a National Park entry pass for their field days if required (Banff National Park) or to have their vehicle registered for a Kananaskis Conservation Pass.

 

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

The following is a Gear, Clothing and Equipment list. You will be required to arrive with these items on course.

EQUIPMENT
  • Water Bottle or Collapsible Water Bladder (1L)
  • Rock Shoes
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (min. SPF 50+)
  • Camera, batteries, memory cards & accessories
  • Daypack (at minimum, 1 x 35-40L backpack. In addition, a 30L option may be appropriate for some days)
CLOTHING
  • Jacket
  • Gore-Tex Jacket (for wet weather days only)
  • Gore-Tex Pant (for wet weather days only)
  • Buff Style Neck Tube / Headband
  • Sunhat (ball cap or full brim bucket style)
  • Thin Insulated Gloves (multiple pairs [3 min] for rope work)
OTHER
  • Lunch 
  • Water

OPTIONAL

  • Camp chair

 

TRIP CANCELLATION & INTERRUPTION INSURANCE

The best method to protect your investment with us should unforeseen arise requiring you cancel your booking, is to purchase a Trip Cancellation & Interruption Insurance Policy. 

Lifestyle Insurance has covered many of Cloud Nine Guests on trips all over the world, and we have first hand experience seeing these policies activated by our Guests. 

Safeguard your trip costs and investment with us. Request a Quote from Lifestyle Financial.

Is this coverage required?

  • For Canadian Residents, coverage is suggested by not required to register.
  • For Non-Canadian Citizens, coverage is suggested but not required. It is strongly suggested that your policy includes Emergency Medical Coverage, unless you carry alternative policy which will respond in the event of medical emergency.

 

WAIVER - Release of Liability & Indemnity Agreement

All participants, or their legal guardians wishing to participate on any Cloud Nine Programs, must acknowledge that they have been presented this document in advance of programming, have read it in its entirety, and understand the agreement being entered into by signing. While there is no obligation to enter into this agreement with either Cloud Nine Guides or The Calgary Climbing Centre, it is a condition of our service provision. 

NOTE:  Both of the following Waiver of Liability documents will be required to be reviewed before booking, and completed in advance of your attendance on the Outdoor Lead Lesson program.

   CLOUD NINE GUIDES - WAIVER OF LIABILITY
   CALGARY CLIMBING CENTRE OUTDOORS - WAIVER OF LIABILITY

 

 

Booking Terms & Conditions
 

 IMPORTANT:

When you book this program, you are booking directly with The Calgary Climbing Centre. Any booking on the Outdoor Rock Climbing Series Programs will be governed only by the Booking Terms & Conditions in place at The Calgary Climbing Centre. The Cloud Nine Guides standard Booking Terms & Conditions will not apply. Any rebooking of programs, cancellations, refunds or request for credit must be made with The Calgary Climbing Centre directly. 

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THE CALGARY CLIMBING CENTRE OUTDOORS - TERMS & CONDITIONS:

This is an ADULT Lesson.

You must be 18 years or older to attend. If you are not 18 years or older, please contact the Calgary Climbing Centre Hanger at 587-230-0189 for alternatives.

The Calgary Climbing Centre Outdoors (CCCO) is committed to offering you a great outdoor experience in the Rocky Mountains. We understand that weather and mountain conditions can be (at best) unpredictable, but we always strive to offer a great experience and opportunity for learning, regardless of the conditions.

Regardless of conditions, on the day of your course, participants must be at the climbing venue on time to discuss the options available. Often there are several weather systems between the city and the venue, and although (for example) it may be snowing in Calgary, it might also be warm and dry at the venue. In the event of extreme weather conditions that may affect the instructors’ ability to offer a safe course, we reserve the right to cancel a course at any time.

Advance Cancellations: We will contact you by phone and process a full refund immediately to cancel a course prior to the date of the course (no later than 9pm the day before). 

Day of Cancellations: If the course was to be cancelled at the venue due to weather, the participants present would receive a full refund. On your course day, If you choose not to be present at the venue, we will not issue a credit or refund.

Participant Rescheduling: We will accept rescheduling requests and cancellations of course registration up to 7 days before the course start time. You will be charged a $50 administration fee if you cancel or reschedule a course.

 

 

Book A PRIVATE GROUP Outdoor Lead Lesson

For those who prefer our smallest and most focused learning environments. Private Groups can book on course dates that suit you and your crew best, and one of our ACMG / IFMGA Mountain Guides will join you on your terms. You pick the Group Size, along with a Field Day venue and date outside those listed on the calendar.

How Do We Book It?

Please contact The Calgary Climbing Centre - Hangar Location directly. Please reference that you have been directed to them by our team at Cloud Nine Guides, and request details for private programming. 

The Calgary Climbing Centre - Hangar Location:
Phone: +1-587-230-0189

THE Outdoor rock Climbing Series Courses:

Learn to Lead Rock Climbing Course

L1 - Outdoor Lead Lesson

Level 1 - Take your climbing from the Gym to the Crags. This Learn to Rock Climb Series Course is provided with our partners at the Calgary Climbing Center for $225/student.

Cloud Nine Guides - Aftonroe Intro to Multipitch Course

L2 - Multi Pitch Systems Course

Level 2 - Learn essential skills to Climb Multi Pitch Sport Routes on this 2 Day Course with our Partners at The Calgary Climbing Center. $475.00 / student.

Cloud Nine Guides - Trad Rock Systems - Learn to Trad Climb

L4 - Trad Rock Systems Course

Level 4 - Learn to place high integrity traditional and natural protection. Lead your first traditional protected pitch with our Guides beside you all the way up for $475/student.

ORTOVOX - Proud Supporting Partner of the Outdoor Rock Climbing Series Courses
Cloud Nine Mountain Guides are Internationally IFMGA Certified
Black Diamond Equipment is an Affiliate Supporting Partner of Cloud Nine Guides