Climbing Lessons

Here at the Yale Climbing School we provide several levels of climbing instruction, all tailored to your individual strengths, interests and comfort levels. You can start your lessons on small one and two pitch climbs and move up to larger routes. We cover everything from working with hand and footholds to working with ice axes. Lessons are always under the watchful and encouraging eye of an experienced instructor. Special instruction is also available for those with special physical needs or requirements.

NOTE: Students may be removed from the courses for safety reasons at any time based on the discretion of the instructor. Partial refunds available for any uncompleted courses.

Introduction to Rock Climbing I

This course covers the basics of rock climbing and climbing equipment. You'll learn about:

• Harnesses, ropes and safety rules
• Basic hand and foot holds
• Types of climbing equipment and their uses
• First aid techniques
• Climbing ethics

Time: half day
Prerequisites: None
Rating: 5.5 - 5.6

Introduction to Rock Climbing II

This course continues the instruction from Rocking Climbing I. The course covers:

• One and two pitch climbs
• Rappelling
• Placing and removing climbing equipment
• Intermediate hand and foot holds
• First aid techniques

Time: 1 day
Prerequisites: Basic climbing experience or Introduction to Rock Climbing I
Rating: 5.6 - 5.7

Intermediate to Advanced Climbing

This course covers techniques for mid to large scale climbs. Prospective students need to display significant climbing proficiency and knowledge. Techniques taught include:

• Leading a climb
• Working with multipitch climbs
• First aid techniques

Time: 2 days
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor after climbing evaluation
Rating: 5.8-5.9

Aid Climbing

This course covers the technique of aid climbing. Climbing proficiency is required. Course topics:

• Basics of aid climbing
• Tools of aid climbing
• Working with ice axes and crampons

Time: 2 days
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor after climbing evaluation
Rating: A1-A3

Ice Climbing

This course covers the technique of ice climbing. Some climbing experience is required. Note that this course is only offered from December to January, and only when weather and ice conditions permit. Course topics:

• Ice climbing tools and techniques
• Ice climbing hazards
• First aid

Time: 1 day
Prerequisites: Consent of instructor after climbing evaluation