3-day Level II alpine climbing camp in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains
This 3-day Level II alpine climbing camp in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains is led by the certified guides from SWS Mountain Guides, who will teach you more advanced mountaineering skills and techniques against the backdrop of a stunning and peaceful part of California.
Group
Sierra Nevada (California)
3 Days
Jun - Sep
High
Intermediate
Highlights
- Improve your mountaineering skills and confidence in Sierra Nevada!
- Learn intermediate to advanced mountaineering techniques
- Admire the truly epic and awesome views out over the California scenery
Description
Mountaineering around the Sierra Nevada mountains in California is a truly special and enjoyable experience, and I will guide you over 3 days on this Level II alpine climbing camp, as we navigate these majestic mountains while teaching you the skills and techniques needed to improve your mountaineering confidence and form, all while taking in the sublime Californian countryside around us.
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.
Initially we will go over some basic mountaineering techniques in order to refresh your memory and get warmed up, and then during the subsequent 3 days we will go over more intermediate and advanced skills, including protection placement, route finding, alpine rock climbing and multi-pitch climbing.
We will of course build up gradually to these advanced techniques, and towards the end we will put these in to practice on some of the wonderful and glorious mountains that surround us.
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 3 days we finish the course and say our goodbyes, hopefully having exponentially increased your mountaineering confidence and made you want to return and explore more of the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada.
Take your mountaineering to the next level in a superb and idyllic setting – book now to experience!
For those after a slightly less challenging course, try our 3-day alpine climbing camp for beginners in California’s Sierra Nevada mountains, here!
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: Alpine II advanced rock course consist of three consecutive rock 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 on day 1 in Lee Vining, climb all day every day, finish on day 3.
Details
More info
Experience Level: Intermediate to Advanced. Previous basic mountaineering experience including basic belays, knots. Or completion of our Alpine Rock Mountaineering Course.
Meeting point
FAQs
What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?
Intermediate to Advanced Previous basic mountaineering experience including basic belays, knots. Or completion of our Alpine Rock Mountaineering Course. 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?
We recommend trip cancellation insurance.
What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?
1:2 Guide to Client Ratio
What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?
June through September
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.
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