Intro to Climbing outside
Full 2.5 Day Course
May 17th, 18th, 19th 2024
Has it been awhile since you’ve climbed outside? Do you want a refresher on safe top roping techniques? Are you a gym regular who dreams of learning the ropes? This series is for you! We will go over basic rock climbing gear, rope work, and techniques that will allow you to take your climbing safely outside. Broken into 2 gym sessions and 1 day outside on Mount Helena, you will learn the hardgoods and “softgoods” of gear, how to set up a top rope route, and how to safely clean and descend a route.
Dates and TImes
Friday from 6pm - 9pm, at Stonetree
Saturday from 8am - 3pm, at Stonetree
Sunday at 8am -4pm, OUTSIDE at Mount Helena
WHAT YOU NEED
Harness
Shoes
Helmet
Belay Device
If you need help with gear, or do not have a piece of gear, please let us know and we might be able to loan something to you. However, we recommend that you have your own gear and learn how to use your own equipment. Please bring all equipment to every session.
Cost
$200 for EFT and Prepaid Monthly members
$250 for non-members
Join today and confirm your membership status before enrolling.
We require a minimum of 4 participants to hold this class.
Participants must be at least 14 years old.
These are not registered or certification level courses, and are offered as a way to grow your knowledge and safety when climbing outside. When you sign up, you are signing up for all 3 days. This course is a great way to tie together skills you may have learned from our monthly tech tips, or to become more comfortable climbing outdoors through in person instruction.
Intro to Climbing outside Series
Level 101 - June 1st
Level 201 - June 29th
Level 301 - July 20th
Based on our popular Intro to Outside 2.5 day class, this series breaks up the knowledge of the full class into 2 bite size chunks - Level 101 & 201, but adds an introductory lead climbing skills to Level 301! By the end of a given class, you should feel confident and safe to go out and practice your new knowledge. See the individual course descriptions below.
*All 2024 Sessions meet at the Mt. Helena Trailhead at 8:30am. The hike from the trailhead to the crag is approximately 45 min. Please be prepared with the proper gear and fitness.
-
Prerequisites: none!
As the opening course in our series, we will take you through the basics of equipment like harnesses and safety checks, tying the figure 8 knot, using the GriGri and ATC, belaying techniques, and basic outdoor climbing tips such as following a climbing route, identifying good and not-so-good rock, mastering smearing, using your feet effectively, and straightening your arms. We do ask that you bring your own shoes, harness, belay device and helmet, although we can lend you some of it if you ask ahead of time. Whether you're brand new to climbing or looking to brush up on your skills, this Level 101 part of our series is perfect for anyone ready to take their climbing outdoors!
Looking for more? Checkout our Level 201 or Level 301 classes.
-
Prerequisites: all knowledge from Intro to Outside 101, specifically: tying a figure 8, using a Gri-gri and an ATC, belaying techniques, use of harnesses and other safety equipment, proper belaying technique and communication.
Ready to take your outdoor climbing skills to the next level? Our Level 201 course builds upon the fundamentals learned in Level 101, focusing on advanced techniques such as building anchors, cleaning anchors, and rappelling. This one-day course is perfect for climbers who have mastered the basics and are eager to expand their outdoor climbing repertoire. Join us for an exhilarating day of learning and adventure!
Looking for more of the basics or is this your first time outdoor rock climbing? Check out our Level 101 class. Or, is it more you’re after? Maybe leading or how to lead belay, take a look at Level 301.
-
Prerequisites: All information from Level 101 and 201, specifically proficiency in belay techniques & pitfalls, building and anchors, rappelling, and clear climbing communication.
Ready to take the lead? Our Level 301 course introduces you to the exciting world of lead climbing, lead belaying, and the mental engagement required on the 'sharp end.' On an important note - WE DO NOT LEAD CLIMB in this course, but include mock-leading to prepare you for the real deal, empowering you to practice safely and confidently on your own.
This course does not cover Level 101 or 201 material, nor does it include traditional climbing practices and gear.
These are not registered or certification level courses, and are offered as a way to grow your knowledge and safety when climbing outside. Please bring your own gear to all classes: harness, belay device, helmet, and shoes. If you do not have a piece of equipment, please let the front desk at Stonetree know before your class begins, and we may be able to loan you gear.
These classes require a minimum of 4 participants. If there are less than 4 participants 5 days before the start of class, we will have to cancel with a full refund to participants. Alternatively, if you and 3 friends are interested in a special session of ANY of these courses, we’d be happy to build a custom course for you based on the availability of our instructors. If you have to cancel your booking, please see our Cancellation Policy. Any other questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
WHAT YOU NEED
Harness
Shoes
Helmet
Belay Device
If you need help with gear, or do not have a piece of gear, please let us know and we might be able to loan something to you. However, we recommend that you have your own gear and learn how to use your own equipment. Please bring all equipment to every session.
Cost
$125 for current EFT/Prepaid Stonetree members
$150 for non-members
Join today and confirm your membership status before enrolling.
We require a minimum of 4 participants to hold this class.
Participants must be at least 14 years old
SELF RESCUE CLASS
This class is for climbers who want to increase their confidence and safety while climbing outside. Topics will include how to set up a haul systems, how to safely escape a belay, how to transfer a load, and how to set up a counter balance lowering system. This class will take place over 3 sessions. When you register, you are registering to attend all 3 days. We ask that participants already know how to:
belay
tie in
use basic climbing knots
set up typical top rope anchors
climb outdoors
Dates and TImes
2024 - TBD
Interested? Contact us below for a custom time & date*
WHAT YOU NEED
Harness
Shoes
Helmet
Belay Device
Anchor Making Material
If you need help with gear, or do not have a piece of gear, please let us know and we might be able to loan something to you. However, we recommend that you have your own gear and learn how to use your own equipment. Please bring all equipment to every session.
Cost
$225 for EFT and Prepaid Monthly members
$275 for non-members
Join today and confirm your membership status before enrolling.
We require a minimum of 4 participants to hold this class.
Participants must be at least 14 years old
instructors
Haven Hoffman
A Helena-valley local and an American Mountain Guide Association certified Single Pitch Instructor with 10+ years of climbing experience. Before becoming a bona fide trad dad, he spent nearly a decade working as a shipboard maritime engineer where the only thing to climb was heavy equipment and Abrams tanks. With experience climbing around North America, from grain silos in Indiana to multi-pitch ice in the South Fork of the Shoshone, he’ll be glad to share his knowledge with you, and we're psyched to have him as a part of Stonetree.
Haven on the Bear’s Tooth, 5.8 - Montana.