Camp and climb in the world-famous climbing destination of Squamish, British Columbia. Known for having 5-star routes for all skill levels (grades 5.6–5.14), Squamish is an amazing places to learn to rock climb or to further develop your climbing skills. The location provides easy access to some of the word's best granite and boasts stunning views of Howe Sound and the snowy peaks of the Tantalus Range. This course is an incredible opportunity to build your foundation as a climber while learning from and with other women.
Photo credit: Rachel Dranoff
Your course begins with learning basic camping skills: base camp set-up and maintenance, Leave No Trace camping techniques, cooking, and stove use. You’ll also start with beginning rock climbing skills, such as belaying, tying knots, rope handling, communication, top-rope climbing, and rappelling. You will then delve into some more advanced topics, such as protection placement, anchor building, and “mock” lead climbing. There will also be opportunities to learn about the NOLS leadership curriculum, the natural environment, and the human history of this unique area. This course sets you up to develop a solid understanding of the fundamentals of technical rock climbing through experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment.
Photo credit: Rachel Dranoff
On this course you will be base camping, which means camping in one location for the duration of the trip. You will be driving in NOLS vehicles and/or hiking to the climbing areas each day. Base camping allows for extra luxuries that are not as realistic on a typical backcountry camping trip, such as extra sets of clothes, books, and camp chairs. We will send your group out with coolers of fresh vegetables and extra camping items, like lanterns and two-burner propane stoves, that will help make your base camp a comfortable place to spend time in.
Photo credit: Rachel Dranoff