Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing in Tahoe

If you've been climbing in the gym for awhile but you're ready to take your rock climbing to the next level, this is the course for you! Learn the foundational skills you'll need to climb the famous granite rock of Donner Summit and beyond!
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Crag safety and etiquette
  • Climbing Communication: standard climber/belayer commands
  • Rock Climbing movement for outdoor sport and trad climbing, including Crack, Face and Slab climbing techniques
  • Basic Rope Systems including Belaying and Rappelling

  • Max climber to guide ratio: 4:1

    This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

    Here's the schedule for your course:

    • 8:00 am - Meet your guide at the trailhead

    • 8:30 am - We'll spend the full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    • 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
    • 3:00pm - Course ends

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

    • Basic Climbing Experience - In a gym and belaying.

    • Basic Rope Skills - It is recommended that you can create the following knots prior to the course:
      • Overhand on a bight
      • Figure 8 on a bight
      • Figure 8 follow through
      • Clove hitch
      • Double Fisherman

    • Basic Fitness - You should be able to spend an active day outside, climbing.

    • AMGA Trained Guide
    • Climbing Gear & Ropes
    • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
    • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

    • Not Included
      • Meals
      • Transportation
      • Climbing Harness, Shoes, Helmet
      • Guide Gratuities

    The gear list for your program depends on your level of skill, experience, and your goals for the day(s).

    For most programs, including Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, the Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide is perfectly suitable.


    Know Before you go

    SKILL LEVELBeginner
    ELEVATION7,000-8,000'
    LocationTahoe - Donner Summit

    Price/Person $250.00
    Private Programs
    Duration: 1 Day
    View Full Itinerary

    PRIVATE PROGRAMS

    • Custom Scheduling: Choose your dates and plan around your availability.
    • Tailored Experiences: Itineraries and objectives are adjusted to suit your goals, experience, and fitness.
    • Cost-Effective for Most Large Groups: Private programs are typically more cost-effective for groups of 3 or more.
    • Flexibility Comes at a Price: For groups of 1-2, private programs are generally more expensive.
    • AIARE Courses: AIARE course pricing is based on a group of 6. Running these as a private program with fewer than 6 participants will increase the per-person cost.

    SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

    • Fixed Dates & Costs: Scheduled programs have set dates, itineraries, objectives, and pricing.
    • Great for Solo or Small Groups: Ideal for individuals or small groups looking to share costs with others.
    • Affordable for 1-2 People: Scheduled programs are typically less expensive for groups of 1-2.
    • Less Flexibility: Dates fill quickly, and group programs require adapting to the skill level and pace of all participants
    • Group Atmosphere: Meet others with similar interests and make some new backcountry buddies!

    Note: Any scheduled program can also be run as a private program with customized dates and rates.

    Both options offer exceptional guiding and experiences. Choose what works best for you!

    Contact us
    Full Itinerary
    Meet at 8AM and spend a full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Crag safety and etiquette
  • Climbing Communication: standard climber/belayer commands
  • Rock Climbing movement for outdoor sport and trad climbing, including Crack, Face and Slab climbing techniques
  • Basic Rope Systems including Belaying and Rappelling

  • Max climber to guide ratio: 4:1

    This program requires at least 3 participants to run.

    Here's the schedule for your course:

    • 8:00 am - Meet your guide at the trailhead

    • 8:30 am - We'll spend the full day learning how to rock climb outside!

    • 12:00pm - Lunch on the go
    • 3:00pm - Course ends

    Here are the skills and fitness you'll need for your course:

    • Basic Climbing Experience - In a gym and belaying.

    • Basic Rope Skills - It is recommended that you can create the following knots prior to the course:
      • Overhand on a bight
      • Figure 8 on a bight
      • Figure 8 follow through
      • Clove hitch
      • Double Fisherman

    • Basic Fitness - You should be able to spend an active day outside, climbing.

    • AMGA Trained Guide
    • Climbing Gear & Ropes
    • Group Safety Gear: Guide will be equipped with a first aid kit
    • Leave No Trace Materials: wag bag

    • Not Included
      • Meals
      • Transportation
      • Climbing Harness, Shoes, Helmet
      • Guide Gratuities

    The gear list for your program depends on your level of skill, experience, and your goals for the day(s).

    For most programs, including Intro to Outdoor Rock Climbing, the Single Pitch Rock Climbing Gear Guide is perfectly suitable.

    the blackbird difference

    Innovative courses

    Professional Guides

    Positive Progression

    Community Focused

    ongoing support

    Got Questions?

    We’re here to help. Our FAQs or Gear Lists might have the information you’re seeking. But If you’re not finding the information you need, we’d be happy to help!