Aid climbing is the key to unlock access to climbs that are too difficult for our free-climbing abilities. Gaining this skill set will enable participants to begin to tackle a myriad of objectives from single pitch aid climbing; long free climbs guarded by just one or two aid pitches, to the massive aid climbs in Yosemite. Our Aid-Climbing course will cover all the skills needed to lead a basic aid pitch as we focus on:

  • Equipment selections, needs, and use.
  • Advanced “clean” aid placements, traditional placements: pitons, copperheads, and hooks. Placement testing.
  • Aid lead-climbing systems: fifi hooks, daisy chains, easy aiders, and etriers, leap-frogging.
  • Fixing ropes and tag lines
  • Following/cleaning systems: jumars and other devices, cleaning pitons, jugging a fixed line, traverses and lowering out.
  • Hauling systems
  • Retreat options and rappelling with a haul bag

Previous traditional lead climbing experience is required to take this course.

What our clients say about us

“We had a great time climbing Gallatin Tower in the Gallatin River Valley. Our group ranged in age from 8 to 43. Our guides, Genevieve and Kyle, were able to find routes to accommodate all of us. They really did a fantastic job.”

“Had the best time climbing with Montana Alpine Guides. Sam is a fantastic guide that I would recommend to anyone visiting Montana and the surrounding areas.”

Course Duration

1-2 Days