Seminar Description
The Aid & Big Wall Seminar is a group of climbers that meet regularly in the spring to advance our knowledge
and skill of aid and big wall climbing. Each January we accept up to six new members. The first year new members
practice techniques required for modern aid climbing, including gear, leading, cleaning, jugging, traverses,
pendulums, hauling, training, hammering pitons and heads and swinging leads. The emphasis is on clean aid, and
the "traditional Yosemite technique." The seminar consists of one meeting
for continuing participants, five meetings for first year participants, and four weekends of practice on the
Mountaineers North Wall, at Vantage and Index. All occur during February through early May. We then take a weeklong
climbing trip to Yosemite Valley in mid-September.
The goal for first year members is to swing leads on moderate (C2), multipitch aid climbs. Additional practice and
proficiency is a must before being ready to attempt big wall routes such as those in Yosemite.
The goal for continuing members is to improve speed and efficiency, become proficient at solo aid, develop "good
form," learn basic rescue techniques, wall bivies and practice solving other wall problems.
Prerequisites
1. Significant rock climbing experience at the Intermediate or Crag level,
2. Membership in The Mountaineers, and
3. Paying the Aid & Big Wall Seminar fee.
Applicants are expected to have swung leads on at least five multipitch routes of 5.6 or higher. At least two should
have been 5.7 or higher, and at least one a long route like the North Ridge of Mt. Stuart or Royal Arches.
Advanced Status
Experienced aid and big wall climbers may be accepted into the Seminar and given advanced status. Prerequisites include:
1. Aid skills and wall experience equivalent to what new members achieve in the first year,
2. A sponsor on the Aid & Big Wall Subcommittee,
3. Pay half of the seminar fee to help share our facilities and gear investment, and
4. Commit to help at practice sessions, lectures and/or improve our facilities.
Contact the Aid & Big Wall Subcommittee (info below) if you are interested in Advanced Status.
Introduction to Aid
Late each Fall we sponsor an Introduction to Aid Seminar. It consists of a one evening chalk talk and one Saturday of
practice on the North Wall of the Mountaineers building. This Intro equips one to French Free a few moves on a free climb,
or do a free route having a bolt ladder, or just learn what aid climbing techniques are all about. It’s a way to prepare
for the full Aid & Big Wall Seminar or routes like Monkey Face at Smith Rock and Royal Arches in Yosemite.
Register for the Introduction to Aid Seminar here.
Schedule and Fees
See the online event details,
the GoGuide or call the clubhouse at (206) 284-6310 for the current schedule and fees.
How to Register
1. Register and pay the course fee online
or by calling the clubhouse at (206) 284-8484.
2. Complete an
ABW Resume and e-mail to Gene Yore, eey@yore.info.
Contact
Gene Yore, eey@yore.info or (206) 510-7663.
