An extended alpine climbing course with in-depth mountaineering training in all aspects of alpine climbing including rock, snow and ice climbing. This comprehensive climbing course covers it all.

We begin with rock climbing at some front country crags in the Bridgeport area close to the trailhead for the Sawtooths. Rock climbing instruction includes:

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

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 Range 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. 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 5th class rock route with a snow couloir decent involving the use of the ice axe. Other nearby routes on other Sawtooth peaks may also be attempted.

Along the way we strive to ensure personal attention, great food and lots of fun!

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 want a complete introduction into the world of alpine climbing and mountaineering.

View the Itinerary for this course.

"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

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.

Dates 2008: May 11-18, Jun 30-Jul 6th, Aug 26-Sep 1st

Cost: $1250
Guide to guest ratio is a low 1:3

Includes:

• Professional mountaineering instruction with a low alpine guide to client ratio of 1:3.
• 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)