Learn Trad Multi-Pitch!

Level 4 Trad will give you the skills to climb multipitch trad routes. Building on Level 2 and 3 Rock, your guide will teach you multipitch systems and efficiencies. Ever wondered how to top-belay direct off the anchor and swap leads? This course will teach you!

This is a 1 day course and also makes a great refresher to improve efficiencies. By shaving 6 minutes off belay transitions you could finish 60 minutes earlier on a 10 pitch route.

Don’t want to place gear? Please take a look at our Level 4 Sport course

Take Level 3 Accelerated together with Level 4 Rock and receive 10% off!

Itinerary

Courses are in Squamish from 8am - 4pm. Meet your Guide at Cloudburst Cafe in Squamish at 8am. Plan to be back at the cars by 4pm.

8am - 4pm

Pre-requisites

• Comfortable leading 5.6 cracks.

• Experience lead belaying.

• Level 3 Rock or equivalent.

Waiver

You are required to read the VMG Waiver and agree to it’s terms and conditions prior to paying or signing. Your guide needs to see the emailed waiver verification before participating.

Questions? 

Goals

• Safety systems and protocols, specific hazards in multi-pitching, mitigating risk.

• Equipment strength, multi-pitch forces, fall factor.

• Planning, route finding, reading a topo

• Multi-pitch theory: racking up, choosing what to bring, packs, rope(s), descent/retreat options.

• Review gear placements (cams and nuts)

• Learn to build bomber multi-directional belay anchors with gear. IDEALS acronym. Anchors in series and parallel.

• Top-belaying a second with an autoblock device

• Station management, belay transitions (lap coils, flipping the pile)

• Learn efficiencies: gear transfer, cleaning quick, breaking down the station

• Multi-pitch rappelling, tying 2 ropes together, PAS's, rap anchor integrity, back-up prussik

• Next steps: self-directed practice and Rescue 1 Rock

Note: Goals are flexible and can be tailored for individuals.

Ratio

1:4 (minimum 2)

guide : participants

Note: private courses can be organized for 1-2 participants, and groups.

Equipment

• Harness,

• Helmet (climbing)

• Belay device (ATC Guide)

• Chalk bag

• Rock shoes (required)

• 4 locking carabiners (pear shape)

• 2 carabiners (non-locking)

• 2 x double length sling (120cm)

• 1 x cordelette (5m x 7mm cord)

• 6 x quickdraws

• 2 x alpine Draws (60cm slings)

• Gear rack (set of nuts #4-10, single set cams 0.2 - 3”)

• 1 x Nut tool

• Rope 9.2-9.8mm x 60-70m

Note: VMG can supply all equipment except rock shoes (can rent from Climb On Squamish). Email us what you need.

Fee

$229 +GST (1 day)

Dates