The goal is to make our students self-sufficient in single-pitch climbing on bolted sport climbing routes. Starting from basic equipment and top-rope belaying techniques, up to leading and the subsequent abseiling procedure. We will cover basic movement techniques on slab and vertical terrain.

The course is structured as follows:

• 1 evening introducing the course and covering equipment, held at the Globalwall climbing gym.
• 4 outdoor sessions (approximately 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
• 1 evening of climbing technique training at the Globalwall climbing gym.

This course is a prerequisite for attending a Basic Mountaineering Course.

Who is it for

Welcome to the Vertical World: Your Basic Climbing Course!

This course is the ideal gateway for anyone who wants to take their first steps into the exciting discipline of climbing, potentially opening the door to the broader and more adventurous world of mountaineering. Whether rock faces are an untouched canvas for you, or you come from a traditional mountain world where climbing with boots is a necessity, this course is designed to welcome and guide you with expertise and safety.

If you've never experienced the thrill of defying gravity, feeling the rock beneath your fingers, and conquering vertical meters, this is the perfect place to start. We'll provide you with the fundamentals to understand the equipment, learn the essential movements, and acquire the essential safety rules for climbing with awareness.

Likewise, if you're a hiker or mountaineer accustomed to moving in the mountains but want to explore the dynamic world of sport climbing, this course will give you the tools to make this transition effectively. You'll learn specific climbing techniques with climbing shoes, proper rope management at the crag, and belaying maneuvers specific to this context, opening up new perspectives for your vertical adventures.

Our goal is to provide you with a solid foundation of technical and safety skills while creating a stimulating and fun learning environment. Get ready to discover a new way to experience the mountains, one step at a time, hold after hold!

Program

TEACHING CONTENTS OF THE BASIC CLIMBING COURSE: The Foundations for Safe Climbing

Our basic climbing course is designed to provide you with a solid theoretical and practical foundation to move on rock faces with competence and, above all, in complete safety. The training program is based on two fundamental pillars: basic safety techniques and basic movement techniques.

I. BASIC SECURITY TECHNIQUES: Your Top Priority

This section is dedicated to learning the essential procedures and knowledge to ensure your safety and that of your climbing partners.

• Introduction to the World of Equipment: We will explore in detail the specific materials for climbing, understanding their function, main characteristics and the correct methods of use:

  • Harnesses: how to wear them correctly and the different types.
  • Ropes: the different types, their maintenance, and correct handling.
  • Carabiners: locking and non-locking types, their uses, and safety systems.
  • Quickdraws: their components and use for protecting your ascent.
  • Belay devices (or assisted-braking devices): the different models and how they work to arrest a fall.

• Knot language: basic knots and tying techniques: you will learn and practice the essential knots for climbing:

  • Figure-eight knot: the essential knot for attaching the rope to the harness.
  • Water knot (threaded overhand): a safe and reliable alternative for belaying.

• Effective belaying: using belay devices (assisted-braking devices): you will learn the correct techniques for using different types of belay devices (such as the ATC-style device, the Petzl GRIGRI, etc.) in order to safely arrest your partner’s fall when climbing as a second.

II. BASIC MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES: First Movements Toward the Summit

This section focuses on learning the basic movements and strategies to progress on rock efficiently and in balance.

• Fundamentals of movement: progression on slab terrain: we will begin exploring the basic principles of movement, focusing on correct body positioning, effective use of hand and footholds, and maintaining balance on moderately inclined terrain.

• Steeper terrain: advancing technique on vertical walls: we will progressively move on to steeper terrain, refining movement technique, learning to make the most of handholds, and developing greater body awareness and sensitivity in contact with the rock.

• Introduction to leading and advanced rope techniques in sport climbing areas: we will provide a first theoretical and practical introduction to climbing as a “lead climber”, including the associated risks and responsibilities. We will also briefly introduce some more advanced rope techniques, which will be covered in greater depth in future courses, providing an overview of possible progressions in sport climbing.

Our teaching approach is practical and progressive, ensuring that each participant acquires the necessary skills to begin sport climbing safely and enjoyably.

Necessary materials

Minimum Material:

• Harness
• Helmet
• 1 HMS wide-gate carabiner
• Chalk bag
• Climbing shoes (rental available)

Optional material:

• Assisted-braking belay device (Petzl GRIGRI, Wild Country Revo, Black Diamond Pilot, etc.)
• Single 70 m climbing rope
• Quickdraws

Useful information

IMPORTANT NOTICES (WHATSAPP GROUPS)

• Primary Communication Channel: All course-related communications, including logistical updates, outing details, and last-minute information, will be sent via dedicated WhatsApp groups for participants. It is essential to be active and check these groups regularly to stay up-to-date.

LOGISTICAL DETAILS (MEETING TIME AND PLACE)

• Weather-dependent Updates: The exact meeting time and location for each outing will be communicated by the guides 1 or 2 days before the scheduled date. This timing is necessary to be able to accurately evaluate the weather forecast and choose the most suitable and safe location for the activity.

LUNCH AND HYDRATION (INDEPENDENCE)

• Individual Responsibility: Lunch is a packed lunch, so each participant is responsible for bringing enough food for the entire day in the mountains. Likewise, it is crucial to ensure you have an adequate supply of water or other beverages to stay hydrated during physical activity. Guides can provide advice on this, but individual preparation is essential.

LOCATION OF OUTINGS (MARITIME ALPS AND POSSIBLE VARIATIONS)

• Main Geographic Area: The course's practical outings will preferably take place in the splendid Maritime Alps.
• Possible Transfers: However, in order to optimize environmental conditions (weather, crowding, specific terrain) and ensure the best possible training experience, it is possible that some trips may be organized in Liguria (Finalese area), renowned for its cliffs and coastal environment, or in the Monviso area, an iconic mountain with unique mountaineering characteristics. Any changes in location will be communicated promptly via WhatsApp groups.