Fear Management, Soft Catches & Redpoint Tactics
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
1 day clinic
Fear of falling is one of the biggest barriers to progression in sport climbing. This clinic is designed to help climbers move past that fear by building confidence in falling, developing effective soft-catch belaying skills, and learning practical redpoint tactics to climb closer to their physical limit.
Through structured drills, real climbing scenarios, and expert coaching, you’ll learn how to manage risk, trust your systems, and climb more decisively on lead.
What you’ll learn
• Falling fundamentals: when and where it’s safe to fall, proper falling posture, and progressive fall practice to build confidence
• Soft catch belaying: dynamic belay techniques, managing slack, stance, and brake hand position, and adapting belay style to terrain and bolt spacing
• Belayer awareness & communication: building trust between climber and belayer and maintaining focus during lead attempts
• Fear management & mental skills: distinguishing real risk from perceived risk, staying relaxed above bolts, and reducing hesitation
• Sport climbing & redpoint tactics: clipping strategy, rest management, working routes efficiently, and planning effective redpoint burns
Why this clinic is for you
• Expert instruction from guides with deep experience in sport climbing and performance coaching
• Small 4:1 ratio for targeted, personalized feedback
• A structured, supportive environment to safely push comfort zones
• Immediate, transferable skills you can apply to both gym and outdoor climbing
Prerequisites
This clinic is designed for climbers who are already leading and want to improve performance.
Participants should:
• Be comfortable lead climbing and lead belaying
• Confidently climb 5.9 or harder on toprope (indoors or outdoors)
• Have an understanding of basic sport climbing systems
If you’re unsure whether this clinic is appropriate for you, please contact us and we’ll help guide you.
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We’ll meet at Beamer’s Coffee in Canmore at 7:30 a.m.
Climb and learn: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venues will vary depending on weather, conditions, and participant experience to ensure the best learning environment.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical climbing equipment, including ropes, quickdraws, harnesses, and helmets, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Warm jacket
Wind or waterproof shell
Approach shoes
Day pack
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this course to run.
Featured Climbing Courses
Ice and rock climbing courses in Canmore, Alberta taught by ACMG certified guides.
Essential Self-Rescue Skills for Rock Climbers
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
1 day clinic
Unexpected situations happen in climbing. This Rock Rescue Clinic is designed to teach climbers practical, efficient self-rescue skills so they can manage common problems encountered while sport or multi-pitch climbing.
The focus is on realistic scenarios, simple systems, and sound decision-making. You’ll learn how to solve problems calmly, conserve energy, and get yourself or your partner out of trouble without unnecessary complexity.
What you’ll learn
• Knots & hitches for rescue: essential knots, load-releasing hitches, and when to use them
• Ascending the rope: efficient techniques for ascending fixed ropes with and without mechanical devices
• Passing knots & transitions: managing knots, anchors, and rope transitions during ascents or rappels
• Hauling systems: basic hauling techniques for assisting a stuck or incapacitated climber
• Belay escapes: safely escaping the belay while maintaining control of the load
• Lowering & rappel problem solving: dealing with common issues during descents
Why this clinic is for you
• Expert instruction from guides with real-world rescue and guiding experience
• Small groups for hands-on practice and individualized coaching
• Emphasis on simple, repeatable systems that actually work under stress
• Skills applicable to sport climbing, multi-pitch routes, and alpine objectives
Prerequisites
Participants should:
• Be familiar with rope systems such as belaying and rappelling
• Have prior experience climbing outdoors
• Possess a basic understanding of anchor systems
This clinic is not designed for complete beginners.
Format & Teaching Style
• Scenario-based learning grounded in realistic climbing situations
• Step-by-step system breakdowns with repetition
• Focus on efficiency, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Plenty of hands-on practice with instructor feedback
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We’ll meet at Beamer’s Coffee in Canmore at 7:30 a.m.
Clinic runs: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venue will vary depending on weather and conditions.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical rescue equipment, including ropes and specialized hardware, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Harness
Helmet
2x 5 meter 7mm cordalette
1x 1.5 meter 7mm cordalette OR Hollow Block
4x Locking carabiners
2x Non-locking carabiners
Guide style belay device
Weather-appropriate layers
Day pack
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to assist.
A minimum of 2 participants is required for this clinic to run.
Learn the Foundations in this Women’s+ Intro to Trad Climbing Course
4:1 Guide/Participant Ratio
2 day clinic
Step beyond the bolts and learn the fundamentals of traditional rock climbing in the Canadian Rockies. Whether you’ve top-roped or sport climbed before, this intro trad climbing course will give you the skills and confidence to begin placing gear, building anchors, and leading trad.
This clinic focuses on building a strong foundation in systems, movement, and leader strategy so you can start exploring trad climbing safely and with confidence.
What you’ll learn
Gear fundamentals: how cams and nuts work, where they’re appropriate, and how to place them effectively
Basic anchor building: principles of strong, redundant, and efficient trad anchors
Movement and efficiency on rock: footwork, body positioning, and managing fear when climbing above gear
Risk assessment and hazard awareness: evaluating rock quality, protection options, and environmental factors in alpine and crag settings
Why this clinic is for you
Expert instruction from female guides who actively climb and guide on trad routes in the Rockies
A ratio designed for high-value coaching, hands-on practice, and feedback on the go
A supportive learning environment that emphasises safety, systems, and sound decision-making
A clear pathway into trad and alpine climbing — leave with practical skills, confidence, and a solid next step
Logistics
Meeting time & location: We will meet at a climbing venue outlined in the logistics package at 7:30 a.m.
Climb and learn: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Climbing venues will vary depending on weather, conditions, and participant experience.
Transportation
Not included. Climbing venues are not accessible by public transit, so participants must arrive by personal vehicle.
Park passes
Not included. Each participant is responsible for obtaining the appropriate provincial or national park pass.
Gear and Clothing
All technical climbing equipment, including ropes, harnesses, helmets, and trad protection, is included in your course fee.
Required personal gear not included:
Rock climbing shoes
Weather-appropriate layers
Warm jacket
Wind or waterproof shell
Approach shoes
Day pack 40L
Water
Snacks / lunch
If you are missing any required items, please contact us and we will do our best to help.
Canmore and Banff Climbing Guide Service.
Leviathan offers small ratio, performance-focused ice climbing and rock climbing clinics and private mountain guiding. All of our programs are designed to fit the needs of modern climbers looking to grow and develop their skills under the mentorship of experienced ACMG guides.
Private Guiding
Climb waterfall ice and multi-pitch routes in Canmore & Banff through custom ice-climbing days led by experienced, ACMG-certified guides. Learn technical skills, move efficiently on ice, and climb with confidence.
Climb classic single-pitch and multi-pitch rock routes with private guiding designed around your skill level and objectives. Enjoy personalized coaching, safe progression, and an efficient, confidence building day.
Rock Climbing
Ice Climbing
Alpine Climbing
Experience custom alpine climbing with ACMG-certified guides that tailor every objective to your goals and experience. From Canadian Rockies to the Bugaboos - we’ve got you covered.