IWLS Alaska Rock Climbing provides a unique opportunity to learn the craft of a rock climber. From placing a cam, to cleaning sport anchors, rappelling safely, to learning how to efficiently use your body- this course is ideal for taking the leap into outdoor climbing or upgrading your skills to a professional level.

Develop safe climbing habits Our instructors are highly professional experts- with proven safety records. Your instructors will use this experience to educate on how to make climbing as safe as possible. Additionally our program is accredited by the Association for Experiential Education. This accreditation means that our curriculum is audited independently and that IWLS is at the state of the art.

Next level So you know your figure 8 follow through and you can build an anchor like a boss. IWLS rock climbing is a great springboard to the next level of competency. You will learn high level rock guide skills like the MMO, escaping the belay, passing a knot, ascending fixed lines, route finding, and the decision making framework of a seasoned expedition leader. IWLS provides world class value when it comes to learning the advanced skills of a veteran rock climber.

Skagway, AK: Skagway AK is nestled in the soaring peaks of the Coast Range. This quaint seaside community offers great access to phenomenal rock, amidst the splendor of Alaskan mountain terrain, The Rock Climbing course will start here.

Alaska Boundary Range: This is the northernmost section of the Coast Range. Its dramatic relief and oceanic moisture have lead to much glaciation. These glaciers have carved dramatic valleys that contain a wide range of ideal climbing rock.

Our Instructors: IWLS instructors and guides are highly-trained professionals recognized as some of the best in their field. They have a wealth of experience from guiding throughout Alaska, Canada, and the world. They genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge of the outdoors in the wild places that they love. Their experiences and leadership help our students to have the best possible experience during their course. Students' safety, education, and enjoyment are their primary goals. The International Wilderness Leadership Schools’ educational model nurtures leadership development and creates an awareness of the guiding mentality that is essential for leading safe, fun adventures in the mountains. The combination of technical skills training, experiential education and practical leadership experience make the IWLS curriculum world-class.

Experience Level: No previous experience required. Some gym climbing prior to the course is recommended.

Certifications: Upon completion of the course, participants may qualify for the following certifications:

Rock Climbing Guide Training Certificate of Completion

Course Itinerary (printable PDF)

Day 0: We will meet at your lodging in Skagway AK for a meet and greet with your fellow students and instructors. Please bring your personal gear and clothing for a gear check. We will discuss course goals and expectations.

Day 1: After final gear and food preparation we will head into the mountains for the extent of the climbing during the course.

Day 2 – 6: We will cover a wide spectrum of rock climbing skills including but not limited to: top-rope site selection, belaying, rock climbing technique (face/crack/etc…), rock assessment, and rock anchors

Days 7 - 11: Rock climbing. We will continue to delve into more advanced rock climbing techniques including but not limited to: mock leading, emergency protocols, rappelling, rescuing a fallen leader and more. The course will culminate with some more advance climbing routes and multi-pitch ascents.

Day 12: Return to Skagway. In the last few days of the course we will have final evaluations. Students will be evaluated, by their instructors, on their understanding and completion of the IWLS curriculum in addition to a self-assessment.

The IWLS General Curriculum outlines the essential components for effective outdoor leadership. Here are a few points that your course will focus on:

• Leadership: We not only exemplify leadership – we teach it and implement it. Students will have opportunities to lead the group through a variety of activities, objectives, and responsibilities.
• Safety and Risk Management: Safety is always our #1 consideration. As the course progresses, students will develop an awareness to appropriately assess risk and make safe decisions in and out of the field.
• Expedition Behavior and Group Dynamics: Because this course is a true wilderness expedition, interactions between group members need to be supportive and contribute to the efficacy of the group. The daily dynamics of the group, combined with guided instruction, will teach students not only how to be a member of a cohesive team, but how to influence and lead an expedition.
• Environmental Ethics: As adventurers in some of the most pristine environments on the planet, it is our duty to respect the natural world. All of our courses practice and teach Leave No Trace® principles.
• Communication Skills: Speaking in public, managing a personal conflict, or leading a group in the wilderness - all of these situations require effective communication. Students will gain confidence in their communication abilities while developing personal leadership styles during this course.

The IWLS Rock Climbing Curriculum is built from countless expeditions around the world. You’ll learn how to be a competent and proficient canyoneer in a variety of different environments. Below are some topics we’ll cover:

• Knots:Learn the appropriate applications for the figure 8, water knot, double fishermen, bowline, and other essential climbing knots
• Rappelling & Ascending: Learn the principles of safe rappelling in a canyon environment for dropping into slot canyons or over big sandstone cliffs. The ability to escape canyons by ascending a rope is an important canyoneering skill. You’ll learn different ascending techniques and how to do them safely. .
• Climbing Technique:Whether stemming an inside corner, jamming an off-width, or friction climbing on a blank slab, you’ll learn the techniques to climb on a variety of different features.
• Belaying:Should we use a fixed belay or a running belay? Our team will learn and practice the finer points of different belay techniques such as the fixed belay, running belay, hip belay or munter hitch.
• Rock Protection: Pitons, nuts, cams, hexes… learn the nuances of quality placements. You’ll have the opportunity to place protection in a variety of settings and rock quality
• Anchors: Anchor building is a fun, yet intricate subject. We’ll examine single double, triple and complex anchors, and their different applications.
• Route Selection: Where to set up the fixed belay? How to avoid objective hazards? How to select the most appropriate route from far below? You’ll learn the answer to these questions and more as we climb a variety of established routes in addition to possible first ascents./li>
• High Angle Rescue: What happens when things go bad? We’ll practice escaping the belay and getting to the aid of an injured climber./li>
• Multi-pitch Climbing: Towards the end of the course, you’ll put your technical skills
  to the test on multi-pitch climbs, refining skills such as belay site selection, rope management and route finding./li>

Course Documents:

• Course Overview- Printable detailed course overview & itinerary.
• Equipment List - Overview of personal clothing and equipment that you'll need for this course.
• Rental Gear List - List of avalanche gear and personal items available for rent
• Registration Form - Form that gives us relevant info.
• Health Form - This form enables our guides to have accurate health information in the event of an emergency.
• Land Based Activity Waiver - One required per participant. Guests under the age of 18 may go on one form.
• Travel Info Logistical Info

What is included in the course price:
• Camping gear - group camping equipment, tents, stoves, etc...
• Expedition food - all food while out in the field.
• Transportation during trip - travel to the trailhead, and back to Haines after.
• Professional guides - Our guides have extensive knowledge of the area and a passion for backpacking in wild places.

 
Students are responsible for the following:

• Personal clothing & Equipment - Review the equipment list included under "Documents."
• Food & Lodging outside of the course - Students are responsible for food and lodging before and after the course.
• Travel insurance - We highly recommend travel insurance for all of our programs.
• Airfare - Review the "Travel Information" under "Documents" for more details.
• Reviewing course policies - Please reference our policies page for policies regarding payment, cancellations, refunds and student responsibilities.
• Gratuities.

 
To Book your adventure, follow the steps below:

• Please call to confirm availability at 1-800-766-3396 or fill out an online form to request more information: Request More Info
• Place a deposit of $500 or 25% of trip cost (whichever is less) to reserve your spot: this can be place over the phone by credit card, check in the mail, or through our payment gateway.
• Once you've reserved your spot, you'll receive a welcome packet with all the necessary registration forms and trip information.
• Be sure to submit all trip registration documents at least 45 days prior to your course. This includes information on your arrival/departure, lodging, dietary, and medical information.

Feel free to call or email anytime if you have questions about your upcoming trip. Our team is excited to help you prepare for your adventure!