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.
Please see our Rock Climbing Equipment List for the required equipment for this trip. Technical equipment (rock climbing shoes, helmet, and harness) may be rented from MAG for the day for $10/person. This must be coordinated in advance (especially shoe sizes!)
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.”