We offer a variety of courses for climbers of a range of skill levels. For details about times and dates offered and to register for courses, visit the UM Sport and Recreation Registration Portal.
Note: Many of the courses can be offered upon request if there is not a scheduled time available that works for you. For more details, don't hesitate to contact the climbing coordinator, Mario Ferreira.
Fundamentals of Top Rope Belaying
Whether you are a new climber wanting to learn how to belay or need a refresher, this course will teach you how to top-rope climb safely and independently with a partner. The primary focus is on the fundamentals of top rope climbing, such as basic climbing knots, belay techniques, use of equipment, safety and communication.
Participants required: min 2; max 2
Intro to Sport Climbing
This intermediate-level climbing course will teach you everything you need to know to start sport climbing on artificial climbing walls. Consisting of two three-hour sessions, Intro to Sport Climbing will guide you through how to operate the equipment used for sport climbing properly, belay a lead climber effectively, and fall safely while lead climbing.
Participants required: min 4; max 8
Outdoor Climbing Skills Workshop
This advanced-level climbing course will cover various core outdoor climbing skills to prepare you for top rope and sports climbing in single-pitch terrain. This four-hour session in the gym introduces participants to the principles of anchor construction, anchor cleaning, and the materials used in outdoor climbing. This course, led by instructors with significant outdoor climbing experience, introduces gym climbers to the skills required to climb single-pitch routes outdoors.
Participants required: min 2; max 4
Advanced Outdoor Climbing Skills Workshop – Multipitch Climbing
Ready to take your outdoor climbing to the next level? The multi-pitch climbing workshop introduces participants to the skills required to climb bolted routes of two or more pitches. This course covers anchors in a multi-pitch context, belaying from above, making multi-stage rappels, and much more. This session is led in the gym by instructors with extensive multi-pitch climbing experience. Completion of the Outdoor Climbing Skills Workshop, or equivalent experience, is required to register for this course.
Participants required: min 2; max 4