Rock Climbing Anchor Building Course

Take your climbing skills to the next level with our anchor building course in Tahoe. You'll learn the essential techniques and equipment necessary to build strong and secure anchors while climbing. Our program is designed for climbers with some experience who want to expand their knowledge and climb more efficiently.
Overview
Itinerary
Prerequisites
Inclusions
Gear

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Objectives - This course is geared toward building rock climbing anchors and the gear you will need in order to do so! This course will teach you the most efficient and appropriate techniques given the type of gear you have and where you'd like to build your anchor.
  • Skills
    • Traditional Anchors
    • Sport Anchors
    • Tree/Rock Anchors (Natural)
    • Gear placement

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 to build rock climbing anchors

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

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

  • 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 - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.

  • Rock Climbing Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

Here's what's included with your course:

  • Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
  • Ropes and gear for training
  • Group safety gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag bags for human waste disposal - in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Climbing Harness
  • Guide Gratuities

Rock Climbing Gear

  • Helmet, UIAA/CE approved for climbing
  • Harness with belay loop
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Approach Shoes (optional, bring if you have them)
  • Nut Tool, for removing nuts/stoppers (optional)
  • Non-locking Carabiners, 5 carabiners
  • Locking Carabiners, 5 carabiners
  • Belay Device
  • Assisted Braking Device
  • 1 Prusik loop, fixed 4’ loop of 6mm nylon cord or purpose built loop like Sterling “Hollow Block”
  • 1 Cordelette, 20’, 7mm nylon cord or 5.9mm
  • Sterling PowerCord
  • Double Length Sewn Runner


Know Before you go

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

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

Blackbird Mountain Guides offers both scheduled group programs and private programs.

Private programs are simply above and beyond what Blackbird Mountain Guides currently has scheduled. Scheduled courses are not always less expensive. Before booking a trip with Blackbird Mountain Guides, clients are encouraged to review the differences between these types of programs, and to decide what works best for them.

SCHEDULED PROGRAMS

Scheduled Programs have fixed dates, itineraries, objectives, curriculum, and costs. They typically appeal to solo individuals or small groups or who are looking to share the cost of their program with a larger group. Correspondingly, scheduled programs are less expensive for smaller groups (1-2), and they provide the opportunity to meet others with similar interests. If you have a large group (3+), Scheduled programs will often be more expensive. They can fill up quickly, and scheduling flexibility is obviously limited.

Scheduled programs will have advertised dates. All scheduled programs can be run as private programs with private dates/rates as well.

PRIVATE PROGRAMS

Private programs have scheduling freedom. They typically appeal to those who would like some flexibility in planning their own trip or course. In this regard, Itineraries and objectives can be tailored to suit current conditions as well as client goals. Private programs are normally less expensive for larger groups (3+). If you have a small group (1-2) private programs will be more expensive.

Contact us
Full Itinerary
Meet around 8AM and spend a full day learning to build rock climbing anchors!

We'll cover the following topics and skills:

  • Objectives - This course is geared toward building rock climbing anchors and the gear you will need in order to do so! This course will teach you the most efficient and appropriate techniques given the type of gear you have and where you'd like to build your anchor.
  • Skills
    • Traditional Anchors
    • Sport Anchors
    • Tree/Rock Anchors (Natural)
    • Gear placement

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 to build rock climbing anchors

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

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

  • 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 - Able to spend an active day outside, moving uphill at 1,000’ per hour for durations of roughly 1 hour between breaks. Participants should be able to hike 3-5 miles and climb 1,000-1,500 vertical feet throughout the course of the day.

  • Rock Climbing Gear - Come prepared with your own gear or rent from us
Shop Recommended Gear OR Visit our Rentals Page

Here's what's included with your course:

  • Experienced AMGA Trained Guide
  • Ropes and gear for training
  • Group safety gear - your guide will be equipped with snow science tools and a first aid kit
  • Wag bags for human waste disposal - in with compliance 'Leave No Trace' principles
Not Included
  • Climbing Harness
  • Guide Gratuities

Rock Climbing Gear

  • Helmet, UIAA/CE approved for climbing
  • Harness with belay loop
  • Climbing Shoes
  • Approach Shoes (optional, bring if you have them)
  • Nut Tool, for removing nuts/stoppers (optional)
  • Non-locking Carabiners, 5 carabiners
  • Locking Carabiners, 5 carabiners
  • Belay Device
  • Assisted Braking Device
  • 1 Prusik loop, fixed 4’ loop of 6mm nylon cord or purpose built loop like Sterling “Hollow Block”
  • 1 Cordelette, 20’, 7mm nylon cord or 5.9mm
  • Sterling PowerCord
  • Double Length Sewn Runner

Book Now
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Participants:

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epic reviews from adventurers

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Awesome Experience

Steve, California

“Taking this course with Zeb was the best decision! He was extremely friendly, relaxed and knowledgeable and answered all our questions with great patience.

An Exceptional Course

Ellen, New York

“I took an AIARE 1 with Blackbird and couldn't recommend it more. The knowledge gained was well-worth every penny, and then some."

Too Good For Words

Andrew, Washington

Just took the "lift-assisted" Avalanche Rescue course, and it was a fantastic opportunity to act out more realistic rescue scenarios. It was a great refresher and learning experience. Our instructor Evan was knowledgeable and a lot of fun. Highly recommended!

An Incredible Weekend!

Jenna, California

Completed AIARE 1 w/ Blackbird. Instructors were very knowledgeable, experienced, patient, attentive, and down-to-earth in relating to clients across a wide spectrum of ability. Highly recommended. Great group of people!

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!