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"The events of the past day have proven to me that I am wholly alive, and that no matter what transpires from here on in, I have truly lived."
— Anonymous climber

Start climbing bigger rocks!
There are few feelings that move your soul as standing on top of a 500 foot rock face! Your lips are chapped, your body is bruised and battered but none of that matters. Your excitment and adrenaline have washed all cares away. You have just completed a challenge that few can even dream. You have a view of your surroundings that can be gained by only one method, it must be climbed!

This course is for the intermediate to advanced climber who enjoys getting high the natural way, but needs more training in negotiating the specific risks of multi-pitch climbing. You will learn techniques such as route finding, belay station and rope management, self rescue and descent strategies, all while climbing in a beautiful and secluded area.

The Multi-Pitch Climbing Course gives you the ability to go beyond single-pitch climbs and closer to seemingly distant summits or tall rock faces. The course is designed for climbers who want to expand their mental, physical and spiritual experience with rock climbing. The added level of commitment requires sessions to be held over one or two full days.

All participants are required to have completed our Beginner I and Beginner II or Intermediate climbing courses or have equivalent knowledge and skill. All climbing gear is provided by us.

After this course you will be able to:
.....• Locate a suitable yet challenging route
.....• Choose gear and supplies for the approach and climb
.....• Use systematic safety checks
.....• Effectively communicate between climbers
.....• Belay a lead and following climber
.....• Remove climbing protection and clean climbing anchors
.....• Evaluate hazards such as rock fall, pedulums, or leader falls
.....• Recognize safe and secure belay locations
.....• Enjoy lots of quality multi-pitch climbing
.....• Assess route finding and climbing strategies
.....• Use multi-pitch belay techniques
.....• Manage the rope while belaying
.....• Rappel or descend safely from the climb


This is the classic way to climb! Our Multi-Pitch Climbing Course is held in a variety of locals in the Southwest.


Below: Mark Bratlie, Multi-Pitch Climbing Instructor


....l.

..Cost

..$255 per person 1-Day Condensed Course
..$375 per person 2-Day Complete Course with camp out
..Dates ..See Schedule Below
..Class Size ..Maximum 2 per Instructor
..Discounts ..Bring-A-Friend (BAF) Discount - $20 off per person
..Ages ..18 and Up
..Equipment ..Included (rock shoes, harness, etc.) except daypack
..Location ..Superstition Wilderness
..Times ..8:30 am - Fall /Winter/Spring Only
..Prerequisites ..Intermediate Climbing Level
..Test ..Yes
..Hotel Pickup ..$60 (1 to 2 persons) within Maricopa County*
..Rating
..Course Info ..Pre-Course Info & Testing Materials will be emailed
..to participant upon course sign-up

...recommended reading for the course above:
..Traditional Lead Climbing by Heidi Pesterfield




To sign up for the Multi-Pitch Climbing Course call or email us to check availability. If a course is open click on the On-line Application Form or go to our application and map (meeting point) site, print out both the Application (PDF), Map and Waiver. Fill out the application and fax or mail it to us (don't fax the waiver, just bring it the day of your course).

Note: *October thru April, Multi-Pitch Climbing courses start at 8:30 at the Superstition Wilderness designated pick-up point. Call us the day before your course starts to verify start time. Bring your own snacks, lunch, water, sunblock and wear appropriate clothing. Camera (disposable), writing pad and pen are recommended.




Hello Michelle!
I took a private climbing class from Mark Bratlie last Tuesday (November 27, 2007) at McDowell Mountain Park and it was AWESOME. I was completely wore out at the end of the day and bleeding from most of my fingertips so I filled the critique sheet out quickly and didn't take time to write comments, but I wanted to make sure you got my feedback.

Anyways, I would definitely recommend your course to others, and specifically Mark as an instructor. I've taken numerous outdoors related courses and in comparison to others, you guys had first rate customer service (very important in my book), were very professional, had quality equipment, and a more than qualified instructor. I am determined to be an independent lead climber, and Mark was very cautious and thorough in teaching me techniques, how to use the equipment, and he took extra time to make an equipment list, a recommended reading list, and practice techniques for me to reach my goal. I was very impressed and when I visit the Phoenix area again I will definitely book another lesson through you and will request Mark as my instructor. Thanks again for a great day!!
Cheers,
Jennifer





Depending on the season and the course, in Spring and Summer you need only bring shorts, t-shirt (backup sweatshirt), cap, daypack, running shoes and or light hiking boots, fastener if you wear glasses, sunblock, disposable camera and personal items. For Fall and Winter you need to bring loose fitting pants or lycra tights, daypack, polartec type jacket, cap, and windbreaker. Bring your lunch, snacks, plenty of water, and a daypack (we can also rent you a daypack for $5 per person per day) to keep items together. If you have your own gear (shoes, harness, atc, etc.) - bring them. There are no restroom facilities at the climbing site.



Articles and news stories featuring the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School have appeared in The Arizona Republic newspaper, Alaska Airlines Magazine, Frontdoors magazine, National Geographic Adventure magazine, and AAA Highroads magazine. FOX network television (Channel 10 - Phoenix) and CBS KPHO television (Channel 5 - Phoenix).



The activities described on this web site carry a significant risk of personal injury or death. Rock climbing is inherently dangerous. The owners and staff of the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School do not recommend that anyone participate in these activities unless they seek qualified professional instruction and/or guidance, are knowledgeable about the risks involved, and are willing to personally assume all responsibility associated with those risks.




Please call us if the dates below do not work with your schedule

july
2008

..multi-pitch – not available
..multi-pitch condensed –
n/a

january
2009

..multi-pitch – 19-20
..multi-pitch condensed –
26

august
2008

..multi-pitch – not available
..multi-pitch condensed – n/a

february
2009

..multi-pitch – 9-10
..multi-pitch condensed – 23

september
2008

..multi-pitch – not available
..multi-pitch condensed –
n/a

march
2009

..multi-pitch – 8-9
..multi-pitch condensed –
22

october
2008

..multi-pitch – 20-21
..multi-pitch condensed – 27

april
2009

..multi-pitch – 12-13
..multi-pitch condensed – 26

november
2008

..multi-pitch – 10-11
..multi-pitch condensed –
24

may
2009

..multi-pitch – 3-4
..multi-pitch condensed –
10

december
2008

..multi-pitch – 1-2
..multi-pitch condensed – 8

june
2009

..multi-pitch – not available
..multi-pitch condensed – n/a





Our instructors are all active climbers, kayakers and backpackers.
Our staff are among the best in the Southwest.
They become full instructors after one year of rigorous training, testing and field work during which they learn ACAS's safety procedures, curriculum, process, technical standards, interpersonal/educational methods, and low impact backcountry techniques.

The majority are former instructors or graduates of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), American Mountain Guides Association (AMGA) and/or Outward Bound School! Their years of climbing and teaching have made them unequalled in safety and experience. Climbing and wilderness adventures are more than our business, it's our way of life!





course cancellations
While it is unlikely, if the Arizona Climbing and Adventure School cancels a course due to insufficient reservations or conditions beyond our control (weather, etc.); alternate dates or refunds will be given as preferred. If you cancel within 14 days prior to your session, rescheduling your course can be expected. There are no refunds on gift certificates. If you fail to show at the designated meeting place at the appointed time you will be charged for the course - there are no exceptions. If you would like to reschedule within 48-hours of the course's starting date, you may do so. To receive a full monetary refund (minus a 20% handling fee), 14 days notice is required (expect a refund within 2 billing cycles or 60-days of your course date). You may also want to purchase travel insurance due to cancellations – click here for more information.

liability
Although we spare no effort to assure a safe program, we can assume no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment. In a sport of this nature an element of risk is inherent and beyond human control. A signed release (waiver) will be required of all participants. A parent or guardian release is required for students under the age of 18. These can be obtained in advance by contacting our office or downloading from our website.