This year we are offering two types of introductory trad climbing courses-- a 1 day course and a 2 day course.  The 1 day course is unique to BCMC and is geared towards strong climbers that already have leading experience looking to transition into Trad climbing.  The 2 day course is the standard Canada West course, but with 4 participants per guide instead of 2.  This course offering is the 1 day Intro to Trad Climbing.  Both courses are hosted by The Canada West Mountain School (link at the bottom of the cours page)

The 1 Day course is $155 per person. 

I. Experience Requirements
This course is geared towards climbers with lead climbing experience, ideally outdoors.  Anchor-building abilities are also required.  Must be able to lead-belay.

II. Required Gear

Ropes and gear will be supplied by the instructor; however, it's recommended to bring your own Trad gear so you can have experience placing it.  Required gear is as follows:

• Harness
• Helmet
• Rock shoes
• Belay device
• One 5mx7mm cordelette
• One 1.5mx7mm cordelette
• Chalk bag
• 2L of water
• Lunch
• Backpack
• Sun/rain gear depending on the day

Optional:

• Nut tool
• Double length sling
• Extra carabiners (locking and nonlocking)
• Any of your own trad gear to gain experience

III. Registration
Once registration opens, participants will be screened to ensure basic safety levels are met.  If you are moved to the "wait" list, please pay online to secure your spot in the course.  The payment deadline will be May 14, 2015.  If we are unable to get 4 interested climbers by May 7 we will have to cancel or reschedule the course.

IV. Travel Itinerary
The plan will be to meet at St. Davids Church at 7:00AM, and depart no later than 7:10AM.  We will then meet the guide at the Squamish Adventure Centre at 8:00AM.  If you will be coming from either Squamish or Whistler, feel free to meet in Squamish

On-line Registration process: your name will be placed on the "Waiting List" until payment has been received either by cheque or PayPal/Credit Card (more info below).  After payment, the organizer will move your name to the "Confirmed List" upon which an automatic confirmation email will be sent to you.  The "Confirmed List" order is based on when payment was received and, since most club courses fill up, it's important that you pay the course fee ASAP. 

Payment: PayPal/Credit Card payment is preferred and can be made through the BCMC website (click on the "Pay Now" button on the course description page). Alternatively, cheques should be made payable to British Columbia Mountaineering Club and mailed to PO Box 2674, Vancouver, BC V6B 3W8; Important Note: you MUST make arrangements with the organizer to keep a seat open for you while your cheque is in transit or your seat may be taken by someone else. 

Schedule Changes and Cancellations: if the course is rescheduled to another weekend that does not fit into your personal schedule then a full refund will be issued.  IMPORTANT: cancellation fees may apply in case of a cancellation by a participant; please review the BCMC Course Refund Policy for detailed information. 

More Information: you can look-up more info for the standard CWMS course curriculum here:  http://themountainschool.com/info/first-aid-intro.html

Should you have any questions or concerns in the meantime, please don't hesitate to contact me at rsimzer at gmail dot com.

Rob