3-day alpine climbing camp for beginners in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains
The certified guides from SWS Mountain Guides take you on this awesome 3-day alpine climbing camp for beginners in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, a spectacular locale where you will learn the basic skills, techniques and confidence needed to indulge in mountain climbing.
Group
Sierra Nevada (California)
3 Days
Jun - Sep
Intermediate
Beginner
Highlights
- Learn the skills and techniques needed to mountain climb in Sierra Nevada!
- Increase your confidence in a wide range of basic capabilities
- Ascend the mighty Crystal Crag on day 3!
- Admire the epic and lovely scenery of the surrounding area
Description
Join me on this 3-day alpine climbing camp for beginners, and together we will go through the essential skills and techniques needed to tackle the addictive and enjoyable activity of mountain climbing, as we navigate the sublime region of the Sierra Nevada mountains in California, an idyllic setting featuring the perfect conditions for introductory mountain climbing.
The Sierra Nevada is a mountain range that mainly lies in California, stretching 640km North to South and 110km East to West. The areas around the mountain range are often sparsely populated, meaning the surrounding landscape and terrain remains pristine, with few effects from the modern world.
We will meet and depart from Lee Vining, California, where all relevant safety and general information will be run through.
Over the course of the 3 days we will constantly be educating you and teaching you about all the possible skills, techniques and capabilities needed to take on Summer alpine mountain climbing.
The aim will be to start with easy skills, such as the basics of snow travel, and then build your confidence up and until we have a go at ascending the majestic and magnificent Crystal Crag.
During the course there will be ample time to admire and take in the epic scenery and views around us, with the lush green alpine forests, gorgeous rock formations and tranquil lakes all spreading out beneath us.
After the 3 days you should have the confidence to undertake alpine mountain climbing in plenty of different locations and settings, and hopefully will have fallen in love with this peaceful and beautiful part of California.
Learn how to mountain climb in an absolutely spectacular location – book now to experience!
Price includes
- Guiding fee
- Permit and entrance fees
- Rope
- Harness
- Helmet
Price details
- Professional guide(s)/instructors, group climbing equipment including: technical rock
- climbing equipment, ropes, helmets and permits fees.
- Note: course consist of three consecutive day trips, no overnight backcountry equipment is required. Each evening you're free to explore town and natural setting at whatever accommodation you
- choose: Forest Service campgrounds, motels, and lodges (reservations required), are located only minutes away from daily meeting points, so choose your own style of sleeping quarters.
Itinerary
Day 1 to 3: Meet, Climb, Finish
Meet each morning and mountaineer all day. Finish each afternoon and head back to accommodation.
Details
More info
Experience Level: Previous hiking and backpacking experience required. No previous mountaineering experience is needed.
Meeting point
Equipment you will need to bring
Water bottle
Backpack
Sunglasses
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Beginning to intermediate rock climbing skills are taught. Guests should be able to hike 2-3 miles with a light pack at a moderate speed.
How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?
1-2 months prior to the course departure date.
Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?
We provide helmets, harness, ropes, technical rock climbing, and rock climbing shoes are available for rent.
Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?
None
How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?
Note: Course consist of three consecutive day trips, no overnight backcountry equipment is
required. Each evening you're free to explore town and natural setting at whatever accommodation you
choose: Forest Service campgrounds, motels, and lodges (reservations required), are located only
minutes away from daily meeting points, so choose your own style of sleeping quarters.
What happens in the event of bad weather?
Weather Credits and Rescheduled Climbs & Courses:
SWS Mountain Guides aka Sierra Wilderness Seminars Inc. reserves the right to reschedule seminars and courses due to severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances which make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Weather Credit or Weather Partial Credit will be given for courses or climbs during or within 24 hrs of the course start dates if severe weather conditions or other uncontrollable circumstances make the course or climb unsafe to continue. Our decision will be at the discretion of the climb leader and the Director(s) of SWS Mountain Guides.
Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?
None
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
Guide to client ratio is 1:3
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
June through September
Can I join a group?
Yes, group dates are available.
About the guide
SWS
4.8
(28)
Mountain Guide
Since 1981, we have been California's leader in guided mountaineering. From the Eastern Sierra to Mt. Shasta, we guide all of California 14ners and internationally.
Languages
English
Certificates
IFMGA | AMGA
What people are saying about SWS
Such a difficult, but the most amazing experience! Something you will never forget!
Had an amazing experience! What memories but must be honest, we were in over our head. Feel we were physically up to it but we went from sea level to 10,000 feet in 30 hours and it was a challenge to keep up. Some time to acclimate would have made a big difference. The guides were careful and supportive. We were outside our comfort zone for sure but also realize that made it so memorable!
Life changing experience!!
Excellent experience with my guide Ben and SWS. Was able to summit Mt Whitney via the mountaineer’s route thanks to Ben’s understanding of the mountain and assessment of my capabilities. Great experience that exceeded my expectations.
The hike was great and I got exactly I wanted.
You may also like
Join our newsletter!
Stay up-to-date on the best adventures.