Trad climbing course

Trad climbing offers you an incomparable sense of freedom and adventure, allowing you to visit areas where you will not find any fixed gear, such as bolts or bolted belays.

We offer you to learn the right skills and techniques needed to climb in places like Chamonix, Yosemite or Peak District, all three places where the use of cams and nuts is mandatory.

Together with practice and consistency, this course will teach you how to lead single and multi-pitch trad routes, place gear, build an anchor or rappel down safely.

Whether you are a sport climber willing to take on new adventures or a seasoned climber who just wants to go back to the basics, this course is for you.

We’ll spend 2 days in different climbing crags in the Sierra de Guadarrama National Park, near Madrid, learning and practising the arts and secrets of trad climbing, at your own pace and in a completely practical way.

  • 2 people: 250€ each
  • 3 people: 185€ each
  • 4 people: 150€ each
  • English speaking AEGM Certified Rock Climbing Guide.
  • Guiding fee.
  • Liability and accident insurance.
  • All climbing gear needed (ropes, harnesses, helmets, PAS, climbing rack, belay devices…), if needed.
  • Transportation. Let us know if you need help arrange transportation to/from Madrid!
  • Drinks and meals.
  • Accommodation.
  • Climbing shoes. While we highly recommend to bring your own shoes, we do have rental climbing shoes. Please ask for available sizes.
  • Personal equipment.
  • Anything not listed in the “Includes” section.
  • Normally 2 people per guide.
  • Ask conditions for 3-4 people.

COURSE DETAILS

CONTENTS

  • Reading topos.
  • Risks evaluation.
  • Trad climbing gear: cams, stoppers, pitons, slings, etc.
  • How to rack gear on your harness.
  • Placing gear.
  • Alternating pitches on long routes.
  • Party communication.
  • Managing and use of double ropes.2 and 3 climber parties.
  • Building a belay station. Types.
  • Alternating pitches on long routes.
  • Communication within the party.
  • Belaying techniques.
  • Logistics and strategies for the climb.
  • Descent: rappel and withdraw.
  • First-aid kit and basic self-rescue concepts.

  • 2 full days of 8 hours each.
  • Usually weekends, but can be arranged in week days at request. Ask for availability.
  • Depending on the weather or group assimilation of the contents, the guide can extend or shorten the day to favour learning.

  • Climbing crags around Madrid: Pedriza, Cabrera, Valdemanco, Peñalara, etc.
  • The exact location will be decided prior to the activity, depending on weather conditions and group level.
  • Check out our trad climbing course in Galayos if you prefer to take this course in a more alpine playground.

  • Good physical condition.
  • Previous climbing experience (leading french 5th grade in sport climbing).
  • Being used to hiking in mountain terrain.
  • Willingness to learn.

  • Technical clothing for the time of year (warm clothes, windbreaker, waterproofs, etc.). It is always good to have a light layer (or multiple layers), even in the summer.
  • Comfortable clothing (loose and not bulky).
  • Backpack (approx. 40-45 litres).
  • Approach or hiking shoes.
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre).
  • Snacks (bars, packed meals, some fruit).
  • Sun protection (sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, cap or hat).
  • Headtorch and batteries.
  • Camera or phone.
  • Notebook (recommended).
  • Trekking poles (recommended for long approaches).

  • Helmet.
  • Harness.
  • Climbing shoes.
  • Chalk bag.
  • PAS (Multichain) + locking biner.
  • 5 locking biner (2 HMS tye).
  • 1 reverso/ATC belaying device.
  • 1 60 m doublé rope.
  • Set of cams and stoppers.
  • 10 quickdraws.
  • 2×60 cm slings.
  • 1×120 cm sling.
  • 1×5 m cordelette (7 mm if polyamide, 5’5 if kevlar).

Let us know if you need any of the above gear. We can provide it to you or give you advice when buying it.

TECHNICAL DIFFICULTY

MEDIUM

PHYSICAL CONDITION

MEDIUM/HIGH

JOIN US IN THIS COURSE!

Fill in the form to book your trad climbing course in Madrid!