Sawtooth Mountain Guides single and half-day climbing schools are a perfect introduction to the sport of rock climbing. Both programs operate near Redfish Lake, a popular summertime destination. The half-day school runs approximately three hours in the morning or afternoon. For the full-day Mountaincraft or Rockcraft course we take a boat ride across Redfish Lake and hike about one hour to the Super Slabs, a six hundred foot shield of granite ideal for teaching and learning. Either course is a great way to learn the basics of rock climbing, or to round out your vacation if you happen to be in the Ketchum/Sun Valley area. We operate custom tailored schools throughout the summer, or see our Summer Calendar for some pre-scheduled courses.

Sawtooth Mountain Guides Mountain and Rockcraft courses introduce rock climbing and mountaineering skills and build the foundations for traveling in the vertical world. Mountaincraft and Rockcraft operate throughout the summer as separate, day-long programs customized to meet the particular demands of the participant(s). If you or your group has never climbed before, or if you're interested in learning to lead climb, we can design a curriculum to meet your needs. Classes typically begin at Redfish at 8:30am and return around 5:00pm.

A perfect way to spend just part of a day climbing. Custom courses can be arranged for your group either as a rock climbing introduction for the novice, or a few hours of challenging crag climbing for the more experienced. Climbing techniques (conserving energy, arm & footwork), belay instruction and gear basics are also covered.

This is a foundation course for all mountaineering skills. It is a fun course designed for those wanting some general background in mountaineering, as well as for the serious beginning student of climbing. In a full-day, participants are exposed to the basics of scrambling and climbing, off-trail route selection, climbing calls, and the equipment utilized for technical climbing.

Continues where Mountaincraft ends. This class is designed to further develop skills in the sport of rockclimbing. Students becom familiar with various climbing techniques, proper use of holds, methods of descent, climbing calls, rope work, and procedures for multiple pitch climbing. The student is exposed to these skills while on actual climbs. Rockcraft provides the necessary skills to join us for other climbs throughout the Sawtooth range.

The Sawtooth Youth Mountaineering Camp focuses on experiential and group-centered learning. Kids work together to perform camp duties, prepare meals, and participate in activities. Unlike many other wilderness programs, the Sawtooth Youth Mountaineering Camp isn't rigidly institutionalized. Learning and growth are rooted directly in the individual and collective experience of the group, and in the guidance of the instructors who are experts at utilizing opportunities at hand to provide valuable learning situations. Though the camp is physically demanding, and participants must learn to cooperate and communicate to maintain a healthy and friendly group dynamic the emphasis is on maintaining a light- hearted spirit and having fun!

See our rates page for prices.

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