LMGA Rock | Fissures to Faces – 8-Day Intermediate Rock Climbing Course

The Ladakh Mountain Guide Association (LMGA) presents “Fissures to Faces,” an 8-day intensive program designed to refine your rock climbing skills and equip you for tackling more challenging climbs. This course builds upon your basic knowledge and takes you to the next level, preparing you for multi-pitch routes, complex anchors, and technical climbing situations.

Prerequisites:

• Successful completion of a basic rock climbing course (like LMGA’s “Cracks in the Cliff”)
• Minimum age of 18 (parental consent not valid)
• Solid level of physical fitness and ability to climb for extended periods
• Demonstrated proficiency in basic climbing skills (belaying, movement techniques)

What to Bring:

• All equipment from the basic course (harness, helmet, carabiners, ropes)
• Climbing shoes suitable for more technical terrain (consider renting if needed)
• Ascenders and descenders (basic models)
• Sling with locking carabiner for gear management
• Headlamp (for rappelling in low light conditions)
• Additional snacks and hydration supplies for longer climbs
• Enthusiasm for pushing your limits!

Course Schedule:

Day 1 & 2: Review & Refinement

• Morning: Refresher on essential knots, belay techniques, and movement mechanics
• Afternoon: Practice on moderate climbs, focusing on efficiency, route reading, and risk management
• Outdoor Crag & Supervised Climbing

Day 3 & 4: Lead Climbing Fundamentals

• Morning: Introduction to lead climbing – clipping techniques, rope management, fall dynamics
• Afternoon: Setting up lead anchors, practicing lead climbing on short, controlled routes under instructor supervision
• Outdoor Crag & Supervised Lead Climbing

Day 5 & 6: Multi-Pitch Mastery

• Morning: Learn about multi-pitch climbing systems – rappelling techniques, anchor construction for rappelling stations
• Afternoon: Practice multi-pitch rappelling in a controlled environment, followed by a multi-pitch climb with instructor guidance
• Outdoor Crag & Supervised Multi-Pitch Climbing

Day 7 & 8: Challenge & Consolidation

• Morning: Review and refine all learned skills – lead climbing, rappelling, multi-pitch systems
• Afternoon: Culminating climb – Apply your knowledge and skills on a challenging multi-pitch route with instructor support
• Outdoor Crag & Supervised Climbing

Assessment:

Instructors will continuously monitor your progress throughout the course, providing feedback and ensuring you meet safety standards. There’s no formal exam, but demonstration of proficiency in lead climbing, rappelling, and multi-pitch systems is essential.

Note: This is a sample schedule and may vary depending on weather conditions, group progress, and instructor discretion.

Additional Information:

• Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a certificate from the LMGA acknowledging your intermediate rock climbing skills.
• This course prepares you for more challenging climbs outdoors. Remember, climbing with experienced partners and practicing safe judgment is crucial.
• Consider “Masters of the Mantle” (advanced) to delve deeper into technical climbing and big wall climbing techniques.

The LMGA’s “Fissures to Faces” program will equip you with the confidence and ability to take on more technical climbs and explore Ladakh’s rock faces with a newfound sense of accomplishment!