Classes and Programs

Rock Climbing Classes and Programs

If you are interested in climbing or want to learn skills, browse the various classes offered by both the indoor climbing gyms and climbing organizations. Vertical World and Stone Gardens each offer their own selection of classes and programs. The Mountaineers club and Boealps, both local alpine clubs, also offer rock climbing classes.

Vertical World

Classes

Go to the specific gym's web page to find schedules and pricing for the following classes:

Intro to Indoor Climbing

Movement and Technique Training

  • Learn to fit the harness, tie the figure 8 knot, and proper belay techniques
  • 2 hour class
  • Includes 2 week gym membership
  • Skills and training techniques to advance climbing level

Lead Climbing

Preparing for Outdoor Climbing

  • Fundamentals of lead climbing including clipping techniques, how to fall properly, and lead belay skills with an emphasis on how to provide a soft catch
  • Basics for sport anchors, how to setup a top rope, how to clean a route, and how to rappel

Programs

  • Youth Programs
    • Rockin' Tots (Ages 3 - 5)
    • Little Rockers (Ages 6 - 9)
    • Junior Program (Ages 10 - 16)
    • VW Climbing Team (Ages 8 - 17)
  • Adult Programs
    • X-Team (Seattle only)
    • Women's Climbing Program
    • Experience Climbing Package (Bremerton only)
    • Belay Session: 1 hour session, rental gear included, 1 - 4 climbers
    • Open climb (Bremerton only)
  • Outdoor Programs
    • VW Outdoor Club
    • Private Guiding and Instruction

Stone Gardens

Classes

Private classes include:

  • Intro to Aid Climbing
  • Crack Climbing
  • Intermediate Technique
  • Advanced Bouldering
  • Multi-Pitch Technique
  • Private Instruction

Climbing 101

Beginning Technique

  • Skills to climb safely in the gym using top ropes - covers equipment, tying in, climbing commands, belaying, and safety
  • One 2.5 hour class
  • $50.00/student - includes 2 week membership and 15% gear discount
  • Offered:
    • Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 7:00 - 9:30 PM
    • Saturday, Sunday from 3:00 - 5:30 PM
  • Focuses on basic footwork and proper hip shifting while exploring creative and efficient movement
  • Four 1.5 hour classes
  • $125.00 - includes 1 month gym membership
  • $105.00 for members
  • Check website for schedule

Bouldering Technique

Dry Tool Climbing

  • Focuses on techniques for spotting, hand usage, advanced footwork, breathing, body movements, and more
  • Four 1.5 hour classes
  • Intended for beginner to intermediate levels of bouldering
  • $125.00 - includes 1 month gym membership
  • $105.00 for members
  • Check website for schedule
  • Climbing with ice climbing tools and rock shoes
  • One 1.5 hour class
  • $20 for non-members, $15 for members
  • Check website for schedule

Gym Lead Climbing

Rappelling and Sport Anchors

  • Learn to lead climb and belay in the gym
  • One 2.5 hour class
  • $80.00 - includes 2 week gym membership
  • $65.00 for members
  • Call to schedule
  • Learn to set up and clean sport anchors and rappelling
  • One 2.5 hour class
  • $80.00 - includes 2 week gym membership
  • $65.00 for members
  • Call to schedule

Youth Programs

Mountaineers Club

There are mountaineers clubs in several areas and each offers classes:

Here are the Seattle specific rock climbing classes offered through the Mountaineers club:

  • Learn the basics of top-rope outdoor climbing including basic climbing knots, belaying skills, climbing technique, and rappelling
  • $150
  • Four classes
  • No prior experience required
    • Covers aspects of single-pitch routes at outdoor sport climbing areas
    • No cost, only $10 entry to Stone Gardens
    • Seven classes
    • Prerequisite: Ability to lead 5.9 or above on outdoor sports route
  • Gain the skills, knowledge, and techniques to lead traditional routes on outdoor crags
  • $350 for Mountaineers members
  • $400 for non-members
  • Equipment costs range from $200 - $800
  • Seven classes
  • Some experience required, refer to website for prerequisites
  • $300/person
  • Check website for details on meetings and prerequisites

Boealps

Boealps offers a Basic Rock Class

  • Learn principles of technical rock and basic alpine climbing
  • Four classes throughout summer
  • $110 for Boealps members, $140 for non-members