3 Day Intro to Rock Climbing Planning
Washington8:00AM at Course Location
Meet at 8:00 a.m. at the course location for a thorough gear check, introductions, and an overview of the day. You guide will reach out with an exact meeting location prior to the course.
A valid parking pass may be required to park at the trailhead, depending on location(s). Relevant passes could include: Discover Pass, Northwest Forest Pass, or a National Parks Pass. Please reach out to the Gear Department at [email protected] if you have questions on which pass is required for your trip.
Please review the Gear List and come prepared. Climbers who do not arrive equipped for the day will not be able to proceed with the course.
Lodging not provided by Alpine Ascents
Book lodging wherever you prefer near the course venue, or return home if you live locally. Below are some suggestions based on the venue of your course. We also recommend third party options, like Airbnb.
Leavenworth
Leavenworth is about 2 hours and 30 minutes from Seattle. It’s a faux Bavarian village (really!) and has numerous hotels at all different price points. A couple of our favorites are below. Alternatively, there are many options on AirBNB. Last but definitely not least, there are several excellent campgrounds along Icicle River Road and a KOA in Leavenworth proper.
Loge Leavenworth
(509) 209-8958
Website
Enzian Inn
(800) 223-8511
Website
Little Si & Exit 38 (North Bend)
The climbing areas of Little Si and Exit 38 are about 35 miles east of Seattle. It is a very reasonable drive from Seattle which has many lodging options at all price points. Alternatively, there are numerous camping options on the I-90 corridor.
Vantage, WA
Frenchman Coulee, the main climbing area of Vantage, has pretty good dispersed camping that is popular with climbers. There are vault toilets but no running water or picnic tables. If you’d rather not rough it, there are a few nice options on AirBNB in the general vicinity.
Food
Students need to bring their own lunches for the three field training days. These are long days, so please plan to bring about 1,000 calories of food. Here’s a sample lunch pack:
• Cold pizza, fresh sandwich, or burrito
• Piece of fresh fruit
• Trail mix
• A bakery cookie
• Small bag of chips or similar salty snack
• Cold drink mix for your water (at least 2 liters)
Leave No Trace
Alpine Ascents International practices Leave No Trace principles on all expeditions. As guides, we spend time teaching the environmentally appropriate Leave No Trace principles and practices. There is nothing more rewarding than working hard to get high into the mountains, reaching a pristine campsite, witnessing incredible views, and having the feeling that no one has been there before. Please read the seven LNT principles, and call the office if you have any questions about what you can do to plan ahead.
Tipping
Guides are permitted to accept and greatly appreciate tips. Your guide team is composed of four guides. They will pool all tips received. An average tip for the full guide team is $75-125.
Please be aware that we are unable to process tips by card. You are welcome to tip your guides with cash or via mobile payment such as Venmo or PayPal.
