Big Wall and Aid Climbing Instruction

If you are an experienced free climber but haven’t ventured beyond, this course opens the door to some of the most incredible climbs in destinations like Zion, Yosemite, and Patagonia. Participants will learn how to ascend sections of rock that exceed their free climbing ability using a variety of clean aid techniques, manage fixed lines and haul equipment on big walls, and employ efficiency strategies to tackle longer climbs in a day or multi-day terrain. The curriculum also covers managing the extensive gear required for aid climbing and ascending large walls more effectively, giving climbers the confidence to start straightforward aid climbs and tackle smaller big walls after completing the course.

This program is designed for climbers with solid experience, as aid climbing and big walls are advanced skills. Participants should be comfortable placing traditional protection, proficient in building secure anchors across various terrain, and confident in belaying, following, and rappelling with multiple devices. A free climbing ability of around 5.8 is recommended, although some venues may allow for slightly lower grades. Climbers who do not meet these prerequisites may be advised to book additional training days to ensure the best learning experience and safety during the course.