Class Details

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Trad Climbing Classes

Great Falls, VA | Top rope belaying and climbing experience required

New for 2026—our comprehensive trad climbing series combines our foundational and beyond-the-basics traditional climbing classes for two packed days that prepare you sharp end—keys skill for climbers looking for unique physical and technical challenge and big adventure.

Our signature Trad I: Foundations class offers both high-level theory and hands-on practice with the gear, systems, and ethics of traditional lead climbing protected by removable active and passive protection (e.g., cams and stoppers) instead of bolts.

Trad II: Beyond the Basics builds on the introductory class with focused time practicing placing gear on mock lead, experimenting with complex anchors, and belaying from the top. These classes focus primarily on single-pitch settings; to climb higher add Multipitch Fundamentals for the basics and beyond of smooth, efficient multipitch climbing.

Trad climbing is a lifetime journey toward freedom and adventure in the alpine, the desert, and in crags around the world—take the first step with the most experienced AMGA-certified pros in the region.

View individual classes or book separately:

Book Trad I: Foundations

Book Trad II: Beyond the Basics

Buy a class bundle with both for $50 off!

2026 Dates

  • Trad I

    • 3/14

    • 3/29

    • 4/19

    • 5/16

    • NEW 6/13

    • NEW 7/12

    • NEW 8/15

  • Trad II

    • 4/11

    • 5/17

    • NEW 7/18

    • NEW 8/29

  • You’ll learn:

    Trad I:

    - To place, assess, and test both passive (stoppers) and active (cams) protection

    - To build bomber multi-point anchors in unique situations using natural protection and gear

    - Hands-on practice placing gear on mock lead with instructor feedback

    - Principles and concepts of safe, successful trad lead climbing

    Trad II:

    - To build on foundational knowledge about placing, assess, and test both passive (stoppers) and active (cams) protection

    - To place, assess, and test specialty gear for small and large cracks

    - To build more complex anchors using gear and natural protection in real-world setting

    - Hands-on practice placing gear on mock lead with instructor feedback

    - Principles and concepts of safe, successful trad lead climbing

  • What’s included:

    • Any personal gear you need (harness, helmet, shoes, etc.)

    • All class gear, including trad racks

    • Take-home handouts and quick reference guides

    • Instruction by AMGA-certified instructros

    • Group first aid kit