Aid & Big Wall Climbing Course

*COVID-19 UPDATE: THIS COURSE IS CURRENTLY SUSPENDED DUE TO CORONAVIRUS/COVID-19. THE COURSE IS NOT CURRENTLY CANCELED. WE WILL ATTEMPT TO RESCHEDULE REMAINING COURSE ACTIVITIES. STUDENTS WHO ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND RESCHEDULED ACTIVITIES OR SIMPLY DO NOT WANT TO CONTINUE WITH THE COURSE WILL HAVE THE OPTION TO DROP THE COURSE AND RECEIVE A 50% REFUND. PLEASE INQUIRE WITH THE COURSE LEADER FOR FURTHER UPDATES.*

The Aid & Big Wall Course is the instructional program of the Mountaineers Aid & Big Wall Community, a group of climbers that meet regularly in the spring to advance our knowledge and skill of aid & big wall climbing.  Each year we accept up to eight new members.

The Course covers techniques required for modern aid climbing, including gear, leading, placing clean & fixed protection, cleaning, ascending (jugging) & descending fixed ropes, traverses, pendulums, hauling, aid & big wall specific rigging, training, swinging leads, and solo aid techniques.  The emphasis is on clean aid, and the "traditional Yosemite technique."  The instructional phase of the Course runs from mid-January through May, and consists of 4-6 instruction & practice sessions at the Mountaineers Seattle Program Center, a weekend field trip to Vantage, and two field trips to Index.  Aid climb outings usually take place during the summer, typically followed by a weeklong, self-organized climbing trip to Yosemite Valley in mid-to-end of September.

The goal for participants 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.

We encourage participants to come back during subsequent years to refine skills, climb more, and help teach the next group of new members.

Prerequisites:

1. Significant rock climbing experience at the Intermediate or Crag level.  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 such as the North Ridge of Mt. Stuart, or Royal Arches, or similar.
2. Membership in The Mountaineers
3. Payment of the Aid & Big Wall Course fee.

Graduation Requirements:

1. Attend instruction & practice sessions, demonstrate proficiency at aid climbing techniques, and successfully complete field trips.
2. Swing leads and complete a grade IV multipitch aid climb.

Recognition beyond Graduation:

1. Lost Arrow Awards go the those successfully climbing Lost Arrow Spire Tip in Yosemite.
2. Wall Climber Awards will go to everyone successfully completing a Grade V Wall.
3. Wall Rat Awards will go to everyone successfully completing a Grade VI Wall.

To apply, send a climbing resume to Ed Mancebo at edmancebo@gmail.com