An extended alpine climbing course for beginner or intermediate climbers with in-depth mountaineering training in all aspects of alpine climbing including rock, snow and ice climbing. This comprehensive climbing course covers all aspects of mountaineering and is for those aspiring climbers that are serious about learning the craft of alpine climbing.

We begin with rock climbing instruction at front country crags in the Mammoth Lakes area of the Eastern Sierra. Rock climbing instruction includes:

• Movement on rock (including face and crack climbing)
• Belaying and all knots
• Rapelling
• Rock anchors and protection placement

We then move on to multi-pitch rock climbing techniques with an ascent on a classic rock climb in the Sierra East Side. The first two days of this course are front-country car camping based.

We then climb into the heart of the spectacular Sawtooth Ridge on the Northern border of Yosemite National Park where we establish a comfortable camp around 10,000 ft. where will will base ourselves for the alpine climbing section of the course. The Sawtooth Ridge area is one of California's most spectacular alpine climbing arenas. Mountaineering instruction includes:

• Ice Axe and Crampon use
• Alpine Ice Climbing
• Snow & ice anchors
• Glacier travel & crevasse rescue
• Roped team travel
• Alpine-style rock climbing

This course culminates with a climb of Matterhorn Peak via the technical North Arete route, a 6-pitch 5.7 class rock route with a snow couloir descent involving the use of the ice axe. Other nearby routes on other Sawtooth Ridge peaks may also be attempted.

Along the way we strive to ensure personal attention with a low guide to guest ratio.

Perfect mountaineering training for those who have goals that include the classic alpine climbing arena's of the world such as the European alps and other big peaks, and want a complete introduction into the world of alpine climbing and mountaineering.

"Wanted to let you know we had an amazing time during the Sierra climbing course.
It was probably the coolest experience we've had in the mountains so far."
Rich & Deanna Graziano

View the Itinerary for this course.

View a Slide Show of this course

For more California alpine climbing & mountaineering courses check out our main Alpine Climbing / Mountaineering page.

Location: The Sawtooth Range, Eastern Sierra Nevada

For area information view our Bridgeport Travel Page.

Food: At California Alpine Guides we strive to provide healthy and delicious gourmet backcountry meals. Breakfast and dinner are provided by your guide / backcountry chef while in the field. Special diets can be accommodated.

Prerequisites: No previous climbing experience required. Very good physical shape.

Dates 2015: Jul 15-20, Aug 19-24

Cost: $1150
Guide to guest ratio is a low 1:4 and 1:2 for the multi-pitch rock climbing & Matterhorn Peak ascent

Includes:

• Professional mountaineering instruction with AMGA certified guides.
• Breakfast & dinner while in the backcountry.
• Group camping equipment such as tents and cooking equipment.
• All technical climbing equipment including ice axes and tools, crampons, helmets and harnesses (except footwear)